Latin ingredient of the week: Pineapple for 3 diet-friendly snacks! (RECIPES)

Pineapples are one of those great Latin ingredients that I could have any day of the year. Luckily for us, they're pretty widely available but, truth be told, pineapples are at their peak when they're in season from March until July. However, that doesn't mean that we can't enjoy them right now!

One of the newest ways I've learned to enjoy pineapple these days is in various different healthy snacks. My favorites are definitely these elotes-style pineapple wedges, pineapple empanaditas (mini empanadas) and the caramelized pineapple sundaes with coconut (a surprisingly satisfying and low-cal dessert!). You should try these because, trust me, they're an absolutely irresistible snack.

Read more ¿Qué más? Latin slow cooker: Spicy apple butter that's the perfect snack! (EXCLUSIVE RECIPE)

Elotes-Style Pineapple Wedges

Ingredients:
1/2 pineapple
1/4 cup crumbled Cotija cheese
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Get the full recipe directions from Bon Appetit.

Pineapple Empanaditas

Ingredients:
1 cup whole-wheat pastry flour
1/2 cup cornmeal
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons reduced-fat cream cheese, (Neufchâtel), cut into small pieces
2 tablespoons canola oil
4 tablespoons low-fat milk
1 1/2 cups chopped fresh pineapple
1/3 cup pineapple or apricot preserves
2 tablespoons plain dry breadcrumbs
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Confectioners' sugar, for dusting (optional)

Get the full recipe directions from Eating Well.

Caramelized Pineapple Sundaes with Coconut

Ingredients:
1 (2-pound) pineapple, peeled, cored, and sliced into 1/2-inch-thick rings
2 teaspoon(s) vegetable oil
1/2 cup(s) sweetened shredded coconut
2 1/2 pint(s) fat-free vanilla frozen yogurt
Mint sprigs, for garnish

*Get the full recipe directions from Delish.com.
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Images via Bon Appetit, Eating Well, Delish.com.