If you’re ready to add a burst of tropical flair to your meals, Colombian Pineapple Sauce is about to become your new favorite condiment. Sweet-tart pineapple mingles with the tang of vinegar and mustard, a bit of creamy mayo, and the subtle warmth of brown sugar—creating a sauce that’s both sunshine-bright and craveable. Whether you’re drizzling it over Colombian-style hot dogs, brushing it on grilled meats, or spooning it onto arepas, this zesty, vibrant sauce lifts every bite. One taste and you’ll understand why Colombian Pineapple Sauce deserves a spot at every table!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be delighted to see just how simple yet essential each ingredient is for achieving the perfect Colombian Pineapple Sauce. Each component brings a personality of its own—balancing sweetness, tang, acidity, and that signature sunny yellow color.
- Fresh pineapple (1 cup, diced): The star of our show, fresh pineapple gives the sauce natural sweetness and a tropical aroma you can’t miss.
- Pineapple juice (¼ cup): Intensifies the fruity notes and gives a luscious, pourable texture.
- Brown sugar (2 tablespoons): Adds depth and caramel notes that complement the pineapple’s brightness.
- White vinegar (2 tablespoons): Brings in punchy tang that wakes up all the flavors.
- Yellow mustard (1 tablespoon): A classic hot dog ingredient and the secret to that signature Colombian tang.
- Mayonnaise (1 tablespoon): Adds smooth creaminess and helps mellow the acidity.
- Ketchup (1 tablespoon): Backs up the sweetness with familiar tomato richness and color.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Brightens every single ingredient and keeps the sweetness in check.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): A hint of gentle heat to round things out.
- Vegetable oil (1 tablespoon): Gives the sauce silkiness as it cooks and helps meld all the flavors together.
How to Make Colombian Pineapple Sauce
Step 1: Blend the Base
Toss your diced pineapple, pineapple juice, brown sugar, white vinegar, yellow mustard, mayonnaise, ketchup, salt, and pepper into a blender or food processor. Blitz it all until you have a completely smooth, pourable mixture—this is where the flavors start to dance together! If you like your Colombian Pineapple Sauce chunky, pulse less; for a silky finish, blend a little longer.
Step 2: Cook and Thicken
In a small saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat until warm and shimmering. Pour in your blended mixture and bring it up to a gentle simmer. Stir often and watch as it thickens and changes from a pale gold to a bolder, deeper yellow. In about 5 to 7 minutes, you’ll notice the sauce become glossy and slightly thickened, with aromas hinting at those tropical street food carts in Colombia.
Step 3: Cool and Serve
Remove the saucepan from heat and let your Colombian Pineapple Sauce cool. Decide if you want to serve it while it’s still warm (amazing over freshly grilled hot dogs) or chilled (perfect as a refreshing dip or drizzle). Either way, that moment when you taste with a spoon straight from the pan will have you grinning!
How to Serve Colombian Pineapple Sauce
Garnishes
Colombian Pineapple Sauce looks positively radiant with a simple sprinkle of finely chopped cilantro or parsley over the top—the burst of green makes the color pop! For some extra zing, a few dashes of hot sauce or a scattering of finely diced red onion on top adds contrast in both flavor and looks.
Side Dishes
Pair this sunshine sauce with classic Colombian street fare: spoon generously over juicy hot dogs, nestle it into a plate of crispy arepas, or swirl it into a tray of roasted potatoes. The bright notes are also wonderful with grilled meats—especially chicken, pork, or even shrimp skewers.
Creative Ways to Present
Think outside the bun! Drizzle Colombian Pineapple Sauce atop tacos al pastor, use it as a dipping sauce for yuca fries, or swirl it into mayonnaise to make a bright sandwich spread. For a party platter, serve it in a vibrant bowl surrounded by chips, empanadas, or veggie sticks—let guests discover their own favorite pairings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After making your Colombian Pineapple Sauce, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh and tasty for up to a week. The flavors get even better as they mingle, so don’t be shy about making it in advance!
Freezing
If you find yourself with extra sauce, you can freeze Colombian Pineapple Sauce. Pour it into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little room for expansion, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw in the refrigerator before using—you may want to give it a good stir to refresh the texture.
Reheating
To enjoy your sauce warm, gently heat it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring often until just warmed through. If it has thickened in the fridge, add a teaspoon of pineapple juice or water to loosen it up. Avoid boiling—gentle heat keeps the fresh, fruity flavors at their best.
FAQs
Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Canned pineapple works well for Colombian Pineapple Sauce—just be sure to use pineapple packed in juice, not syrup, to keep the sauce from getting too sweet. Drain it well and follow the recipe as written.
How spicy is this sauce?
The basic recipe is more sweet and tangy than spicy, making it a family-friendly condiment. If you like a punch of heat, simply add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of chili flakes during the blending stage.
Is Colombian Pineapple Sauce gluten-free?
Yes! None of the ingredients contain gluten, so this sauce is naturally gluten-free and perfect for those with dietary restrictions. Always double-check your mayonnaise, vinegar, and ketchup labels to be extra safe.
Can I make this sauce vegan?
Definitely! Substitute a plant-based mayonnaise to keep the Colombian Pineapple Sauce completely vegan—it will still be luscious and flavorful, with all the creamy richness you love.
What else can I use this sauce on?
Colombian Pineapple Sauce is incredibly versatile. Beyond hot dogs and arepas, try it with grilled fish, chicken wings, quesadillas, potato wedges—even as a fun alternative to honey mustard for dipping chicken tenders or tofu nuggets.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to wow your tastebuds and surprise your guests, there’s nothing quite like homemade Colombian Pineapple Sauce. It’s easy, quick, and packed with unforgettable flavor—one try and you’ll be reaching for this sunny sauce again and again!
Print
Colombian Pineapple Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 1 cup
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Colombian
- Diet: Gluten-Free, Vegetarian
Description
A delightful Colombian Pineapple Sauce recipe that combines the tropical sweetness of fresh pineapple with a tangy twist, perfect for adding flavor to hot dogs, grilled meats, or arepas.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh pineapple (diced)
- ¼ cup pineapple juice
Seasonings:
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Additional:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Instructions
- Blend Ingredients: In a blender, combine diced pineapple, pineapple juice, brown sugar, vinegar, mustard, mayonnaise, ketchup, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
- Cook Sauce: Heat vegetable oil in a saucepan. Add the blended mixture, simmer for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from heat, let cool. Serve warm or chilled as a topping for hot dogs, grilled meats, or arepas.
Notes
- This sauce is a popular Colombian street food topping.
- For a spicy twist, add hot sauce or chili flakes.
- Store in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 40
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 1mg
