Keeping it simple and sweet today while showing how fresh fruit can be transformed into an amazing (and healthy) dessert. Grilled Pineapple with Yogurt, Date Syrup and Candied Ginger is a must make for this weekend’s warm-weather gatherings and get-togethers (even if the guest list is just you and a fork)!

Read on to get all the juicy details and full recipe:

First of all, let me say that fruit is Mother Nature’s candy – it’s filled with natural sugars but so much better for your body than processed treats as it’s packed with dietary essentials such as vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other much-needed nutrients like fiber.

Pineapple is right up there in the top three of my favorite fruits, the natural sugars give me energy to tackle my runs and daily errands and, unlike most other fruits, it contains bromelain, an enzyme that breaks down protein. Plus, every juicy bite tastes like a tropical vacation, and who couldn’t use more of that!

If you’ve never grilled fruit before, you MUST! When on the grill, sugars from fruit begin to caramelize and create a deep, rich, complex flavor.

Pineapple is an excellent choice for grilling, it’ holds up well over heat and won’t fall apart – you can grill pineapple in rounds (as I did today), spears, planks and even chunked on skewers (think kabobs)!

To make Grilled Pineapple with Yogurt, Date Syrup and Candied Ginger, I start by just throwing approximate ¾” thick rounds of pineapple on a lightly oiled grill and cooking for a few minutes on each side, or until slightly softening and nice grill marks have formed. 

I’ve topped with a dollop of Greek yogurt, a drizzle of date syrup (you can substitute real maple syrup) and just a bit of candied or crystalized ginger chopped up into small pieces. Also, for a nutritional boost, I’ve sprinkled with Organic Triple Omega Seed Mix (hemp, chia, flax) from NOW Foods, but any type of nut or seed would add a nice texture.

Grilled Pineapple with Yogurt, Date Syrup and Candied Ginger is a winner for your Memorial Day cookout – also, my Grilled Cantaloupe with Ancho Date Sauce is another unique grilled fruit recipe. Make both!

So, what are your plans for Memorial Day or May in general? Have you grilled fruit before, if so – what, I love new ideas!!   

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Grilled Pineapple with Yogurt, Date Syrup and Candied Ginger

Prep Time

5 mins

Cook Time

8 mins

Total Time

13 mins

 

Whisk your taste buds away on a tropical vacay with this easy grilled fruit recipe featuring pineapple with Greek yogurt, date syrup and candied ginger! Great for your BBQ or outdoor entertaining.

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 3/4" thick planks fresh pineapple cute crosswise
• 1 cup unsweetened plain Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup date syrup or swap for maple syrup
• 1/2 cup chopped crystalized (candied) ginger
• 1/2 cup nut or seed of choice optional

Instructions

1. Bring grill or grill pan to approximate 400 F heat. Add pineapple planks to grates.

2. Grill pineapple for approximately 4 minutes on each side, or until partially softened and carmalizing (and leaving those beautiful grate marks). Remove from heat and let rest 2 to 3 minutes.

3. Top each grilled pineapple round with 1/4 cup yogurt, 2 Tablespoons date syrup, 2 tablespoons chopped candied ginger and 2 tablespoons nuts (optional).