Grilled Pineapple Dessert with Greek Yogurt: A Tropical Delight

Grilled pineapple is a summer staple, but it’s not just for savory dishes. When caramelized on the grill and paired with creamy Greek yogurt, it transforms into an incredibly delicious and healthy dessert. This recipe is simple, satisfying, and perfect for impressing guests or enjoying as a guilt-free treat. Get ready to experience a burst of tropical flavor with this grilled pineapple and Greek yogurt dessert!

## Why This Recipe Works

This recipe works for several reasons:

* **The Grilling Process:** Grilling pineapple caramelizes the natural sugars, enhancing its sweetness and creating a beautiful char that adds depth of flavor. The heat also softens the pineapple, making it tender and juicy.
* **The Yogurt Contrast:** The creamy, tangy Greek yogurt provides a cool and refreshing counterpoint to the warm, sweet pineapple. Its slight acidity balances the sweetness perfectly, preventing the dessert from being overly sugary.
* **Customizable Toppings:** The toppings are where you can really personalize this dessert. A sprinkle of toasted coconut, a drizzle of honey, a handful of berries, or a sprinkle of cinnamon – the possibilities are endless. This allows you to tailor the dessert to your specific taste preferences and dietary needs.
* **Health Benefits:** This dessert is relatively healthy. Pineapple is rich in Vitamin C and bromelain, an enzyme with anti-inflammatory properties. Greek yogurt is a great source of protein and probiotics, which are beneficial for gut health. Using honey or maple syrup in moderation adds natural sweetness without refined sugars.
* **Simplicity:** This recipe requires minimal ingredients and very little preparation time. It’s perfect for a quick and easy dessert when you’re short on time but still want something impressive.

## Ingredients

* 1 fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and sliced into rings or spears
* 2 cups Greek yogurt (plain, non-fat or low-fat preferred)
* 2 tablespoons honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar (optional)
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
* 1/4 cup shredded coconut, toasted (optional)
* 1/4 cup chopped nuts (such as almonds, pecans, or walnuts), toasted (optional)
* 1/2 cup fresh berries (such as strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries) (optional)
* Lime wedges, for garnish (optional)
* Mint sprigs, for garnish (optional)

## Equipment

* Grill (gas or charcoal)
* Grill brush
* Tongs
* Small bowl (for mixing honey and cinnamon, if using)
* Serving plates or bowls

## Instructions

### Preparation (10 minutes)

1. **Prepare the Pineapple:** Peel, core, and slice the pineapple into rings about ½ to ¾ inch thick. You can also cut it into spears if you prefer. Make sure the slices are relatively even in thickness for even grilling.
2. **Prepare the Grill:** Preheat your grill to medium heat (about 350-400°F or 175-200°C). Make sure the grill grates are clean. Use a grill brush to remove any debris.
3. **Optional: Prepare Honey-Cinnamon Mixture:** In a small bowl, whisk together the honey (or maple syrup/agave) and cinnamon until well combined. This mixture will be brushed onto the pineapple slices for extra flavor.
4. **Prepare Toppings:** If using, toast the shredded coconut and nuts. You can do this in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, stirring frequently, until lightly golden and fragrant. Watch carefully to prevent burning. Wash and prepare any fresh berries.

### Grilling the Pineapple (5-7 minutes)

1. **Grill the Pineapple:** Place the pineapple slices directly on the preheated grill grates. Avoid overcrowding the grill; work in batches if necessary.
2. **Grill Time:** Grill for 2-3 minutes per side, or until grill marks appear and the pineapple is slightly softened and caramelized. Keep a close eye on the pineapple to prevent burning, as the natural sugars can caramelize quickly.
3. **Optional: Brush with Honey-Cinnamon Mixture:** During the last minute of grilling, brush the pineapple slices with the honey-cinnamon mixture (if using) to enhance the flavor and create a beautiful glaze.
4. **Remove from Grill:** Once the pineapple is grilled to your liking, carefully remove it from the grill using tongs and place it on a clean plate.

### Assembling the Dessert (5 minutes)

1. **Portion the Yogurt:** Spoon Greek yogurt into individual serving plates or bowls. The amount will depend on your preference, but about ½ to ¾ cup per serving is a good starting point.
2. **Top with Grilled Pineapple:** Arrange the grilled pineapple slices on top of the Greek yogurt. You can place one or two rings per serving, or a few spears.
3. **Add Toppings:** Sprinkle the toasted coconut and chopped nuts over the pineapple and yogurt. Add fresh berries, if using.
4. **Drizzle with Honey (Optional):** If desired, drizzle a little extra honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar over the dessert for added sweetness.
5. **Garnish (Optional):** Garnish with lime wedges and/or mint sprigs for a fresh and vibrant presentation.
6. **Serve Immediately:** Serve the grilled pineapple dessert immediately while the pineapple is still warm. The contrast between the warm pineapple and the cool yogurt is what makes this dessert so enjoyable.

## Tips and Variations

* **Pineapple Selection:** Choose a ripe pineapple for the best flavor and sweetness. A ripe pineapple should have a fragrant aroma and yield slightly to gentle pressure.
* **Grilling Tips:** Make sure your grill grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent the pineapple from sticking. Use medium heat to avoid burning the pineapple before it’s cooked through. Watch the pineapple carefully and adjust the heat as needed.
* **Yogurt Options:** While plain Greek yogurt is recommended for its tangy flavor and health benefits, you can also use flavored Greek yogurt (such as vanilla or coconut) for a sweeter treat. Just be mindful of added sugars.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the honey-cinnamon mixture for a little kick.
* **Add a Sauce:** Drizzle with caramel sauce, chocolate sauce, or a homemade berry sauce for extra indulgence.
* **Make it a Sundae:** Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent sundae.
* **Grilled Pineapple Salsa:** Dice the grilled pineapple and combine it with red onion, cilantro, jalapeno, and lime juice for a delicious salsa to serve with grilled chicken or fish.
* **Vegan Option:** Use a plant-based yogurt alternative, such as coconut yogurt or almond yogurt, to make this dessert vegan.
* **Grill Pan Option:** If you don’t have an outdoor grill, you can use a grill pan on your stovetop. Heat the grill pan over medium heat and follow the same grilling instructions.
* **Oven-Roasted Option:** If you prefer, you can roast the pineapple in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the pineapple slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and roast for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly caramelized.

## Serving Suggestions

* **As a Dessert:** This grilled pineapple dessert is perfect as a light and refreshing dessert after a barbecue or summer meal.
* **For Brunch:** Serve it as part of a brunch spread alongside pancakes, waffles, and other breakfast favorites.
* **As a Snack:** Enjoy it as a healthy and satisfying snack any time of day.
* **For a Party:** This dessert is easy to make in large batches and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at your next party.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

* Calories: 200-300 (depending on toppings and yogurt choice)
* Protein: 15-20g
* Fat: 5-10g (depending on yogurt choice and nuts)
* Carbohydrates: 30-40g (depending on toppings and honey/syrup)
* Fiber: 2-4g

## Conclusion

This Grilled Pineapple Dessert with Greek Yogurt is a simple yet elegant way to enjoy the flavors of summer. With its combination of sweet, tangy, and smoky notes, it’s a dessert that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re looking for a healthy treat or a crowd-pleasing dessert, this recipe is a winner. So fire up the grill and get ready to experience the tropical delight of grilled pineapple!