Pineapple Raita Recipe a Cool & Tangy Indian Yogurt Dip with Pineapple

Try Pineapple Raita,  refreshing Indian yogurt side with sweet pineapple, spices, and herbs. Perfect to cool spicy meals and add tropical flavor. Pineapple Raita is a deliciously refreshing Indian yogurt side dish that balances sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors. Combining creamy yogurt with juicy pineapple chunks, cumin, and fresh herbs, this raita cools down spicy meals while adding a tropical twist. Ideal alongside biryanis, curries, or grilled dishes, pineapple raita is quick to prepare and packed with probiotics, vitamins, and antioxidants. It’s a perfect way to brighten up your meal with a burst of flavor and texture.

Raita makes a perfectly easy cooling sauce to cover your delicious spicy Indian dishes and add a touch of creaminess to any meal. I made this simple cucumber mint raita that pared well with my chicken curry dish. Pineapple raita is the perfect condiment to any spicy Indian curry and tastes best when chilled. Other fruit raitas include, Banana raita, Mango raita, Guava raita, Grape raita, and Pomegranate raita. For best results use thick yogurt since the pineapple is heavy and wet, it will easily dilute the yogurt making it wet and not too delicious. You want the pineapple raita to be creamy and thick to enjoy it even more. For my green onion flat bread I served with a delicious onion raita that blended so well with all the flavors of the flat bread. This pineapple raita is fresh, creamy,spicy yet sweet at the same time. You will not want to eat Indian cuisine any other way or without a raita dip to accompany it!

INGREDIENTS

1 cup Plain Thick Yogurt

½ Cup Chopped Pineapple

¼ Teaspoon Cumin

⅛ Teaspoon Paprika

¼ Teaspoon Salt

½ Bunch Cilantro

METHOD

Pour plain yoghurt in bowl and add cumin

Add paprika

Add salt

Add cilantro

Add pineapple

Mix well tocombine

Pour in serving bowl and garnish with more pineapple slices

Refrigerate for a few hours before seving, the taste will be glorious!

The freshness of the pineapple plus the heat of the spices is the best combination for this raita

Pineapple Raita is the perfect side dish with Indian curries!

Ready in just a few minutes, this pineapple raita is creamy, delicious and the perfect side dish for any meal!

PINEAPPLE RAITA

Recipe by Mulunga Alukwe

Prep time: 05 Minutes
Cook time: 00 Minutes
Total time: 05 Minutes
Yield: 4 Servings
Ingredients

• 1 Cup Plain Yoghurt
• 1/2 Cup Pineapple
• 1/4 Teaspoon Cumin
• 1/8 Teaspoon Paprika
• 1/4 Teaspoon Salt
• 1/2 Bunch Cilantro

Cooking Directions

1. Pour the plain yogurt in a bowl
2. Add in Cumin, Paprika, Salt, Cilantro and whisk to combine
3. Add in the chopped Pineapple chunks and mix
4. Sprinkle some more paprika
5. Refrigerate for a few hours to get the most delicious flavors

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FAQs: Pineapple Raita

What is Pineapple Raita?
Pineapple Raita is a refreshing Indian yogurt-based side dish made with diced sweet pineapple, creamy curd (yogurt), and mild spices. It’s typically served chilled and pairs wonderfully with spicy rice dishes or grilled mains. The sweet and tangy flavor of pineapple balances the cooling effect of the yogurt, making it a popular choice during warmer months.

Can I use canned pineapple?
Yes, canned pineapple can be used, but ensure it's in juice and not syrup to avoid excess sweetness. Fresh pineapple is always preferred for its texture and natural acidity, which complements the yogurt better.

Is it spicy?
Pineapple Raita is usually mildly spiced. A small amount of roasted cumin powder, black salt, or even a pinch of red chili powder is used to enhance flavor, but the heat is minimal. You can adjust the spices to suit your preference.

Can it be made vegan or dairy-free?
Absolutely. Use plant-based yogurt such as coconut or almond yogurt as a substitute for dairy yogurt. Make sure the yogurt has a mild flavor that won't overpower the pineapple.

How long can I store it?
Pineapple Raita is best consumed within a day when fresh and chilled. Over time, the pineapple may release extra moisture, making the raita watery. Always store it in an airtight container in the fridge.

Printable-Style Nutrition Card (Per ½ cup serving, approx.)

Nutrient	Amount	Notes
Calories	~90–110 kcal	Depending on yogurt and pineapple type
Carbohydrates	~12–15 g	Primarily from pineapple
Sugars	~10–13 g	Natural fruit sugar
Protein	~3–5 g	From yogurt or plant-based alternative
Fat	~2–4 g	Varies by type of yogurt used
Saturated Fat	~1–2 g	Higher if made with full-fat yogurt
Fiber	~1–2 g	From pineapple
Sodium	~50–75 mg	From added salt or black salt

Note: For a lighter version, use low-fat or Greek yogurt. For extra creaminess, blend a portion of the pineapple into the yogurt base.

Dietary Information Table

Diet Type	Suitable?	Notes
Vegetarian	✅ Yes	Fully vegetarian-friendly
Vegan	⚠️ With subs	Use dairy-free yogurt (like coconut or almond)
Gluten-Free	✅ Yes	Naturally gluten-free
Nut-Free	✅ Yes	Ensure yogurt is nut-free if using plant-based
Dairy-Free	⚠️ With subs	Use non-dairy yogurt
Low-Sugar	⚠️ With mods	Use fresh pineapple, control portion size
Keto-Friendly	❌ No	Pineapple is high in natural sugars
Paleo-Friendly	⚠️ With mods	Use paleo-approved yogurt and fresh pineapple only

Helpful Tip: Add chopped mint or coriander for an herbal freshness, or sprinkle a few pomegranate seeds for extra texture and color!