Move over, Hawaiian pizza-there’s a new pineapple-centric dinner in town. Here, we make an easy pineapple salsa with just fresh cilantro, lime juice and onion for a delightfully sweet and savory condiment. It doesn’t stop there, though-the juice is simmered with rich spices to create a tantalizingly sticky glaze for ground turkey.
It’s all joined by fluffy rice, sautéed pepper and onion, smoky red pepper crema and lime for brightness. One bite will have you totally BOWL-ed over.
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Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash and dry all produce. Halve, peel and thinly slice onion; mince a few slices until you have 2 TBSP (3 TBSP for 4 servings). Drain pineapple, reserving juice; roughly chop. Roughly chop cilantro. Zest and quarter lime. Halve, core and thinly slice green pepper into strips.
- In a small pot, combine rice, ¾ cup water (1½ cups for 4 servings) and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce to a low simmer. Cook until rice is tender, 15-18 minutes. Keep covered off heat until ready to serve.
- While rice cooks, in a small bowl, combine minced onion, chopped pineapple, half the cilantro and a big squeeze of lime juice. Season with salt and pepper.
- Heat a drizzle of oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add sliced onion and green pepper; season with half the Southwest Spice (you’ll use the rest in the next step), salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until veggies are browned and softened, 7-9 minutes. TIP: If seasoning begins to brown too quickly, add a splash of water. Turn off heat; transfer to a medium bowl and cover to keep warm. Wipe out pan.
- Heat another drizzle of oil in the same pan over medium-high heat. Add turkey; using a spatula, press into an even layer. Cook, without stirring, until browned on bottom, 3-4 minutes. Break up meat into pieces and stir in Tex-Mex paste, remaining Southwest Spice and reserved pineapple juice. Bring to a simmer and cook until sauce has thickened and turkey is cooked through, 2-3 minutes more. Taste and season with salt and pepper. Turn off heat.
- Fluff rice with a fork; stir in 1 TBSP butter (2 TBSP for 4 servings), lime zest and remaining cilantro. Season with salt and pepper. Divide rice between bowls and top with turkey, veggies and pineapple salsa. Drizzle with smoky red pepper crema and serve with remaining lime wedges on the side.
Recipe Tips
If the seasoning in the pan begins to brown too quickly, add a splash of water to prevent burning.
For best results, press the ground turkey into an even layer in the pan and let it brown without stirring for 3-4 minutes.
FAQ
Can I use a different protein instead of ground turkey?
Yes, ground chicken or pork would work well. Adjust cooking time as needed.
What can I substitute for the smoky red pepper crema?
You can use sour cream mixed with a pinch of smoked paprika and chili powder for a similar flavor.
Is the pineapple salsa spicy?
No, the salsa is sweet and tangy from the pineapple and lime. The heat comes from the Southwest spice blend and Tex-Mex paste in the turkey.



























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