Tropical Pico de Gallo is a vibrant twist on the classic salsa that brings a taste of paradise to your table. Bursting with fresh mango, pineapple, and traditional pico ingredients, it’s the perfect accompaniment to your summer meals or any time you crave a refreshing kick.
Mango: The star of the show, ripe mango adds sweetness and a creamy texture. Make sure it's ripe but not mushy.
Pineapple: Provides a juicy tang that balances out the sweetness of the mango. Fresh pineapple is preferred for its flavor.
Tomatoes: Adds a classic pico de gallo touch with its juiciness and slight acidity. Choose firm tomatoes to avoid a watery salsa.
Red Onion: Offers a mild bite and a gorgeous color contrast. Its sharpness mellows as it sits with the other ingredients.
Cilantro: A staple in salsa, adding a fresh, herbal note. Use fresh leaves for the best flavor.
Jalapeño: Brings a subtle heat. Adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance.
Lime Juice: Enhances all the flavors and adds a zesty brightness. Freshly squeezed is the way to go.
Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning, helping to bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients.
This Tropical Pico de Gallo pairs wonderfully with grilled fish or chicken, adding a fresh contrast to rich, smoky flavors. It's also fantastic on tacos, or as a topping for nachos, or simply served with tortilla chips for a light, flavorful snack.
Start by gathering all your ingredients, ensuring they are fresh and ready to be chopped. Begin with the mango. Peel and dice it into small cubes, aiming for a uniform size to ensure even flavor distribution. Toss the diced mango into a large mixing bowl.
Next, move on to the pineapple. Carefully slice off the outer skin and remove the core before dicing the flesh. Add the pineapple to the bowl with the mango.
Now, dice the tomatoes. Make sure to remove the seeds if you prefer a less watery salsa. Add them to the bowl along with the diced red onion, which brings a nice crunch and sharpness.
Chop up the cilantro and add it to the mix. Then, mince the jalapeño finely. Remember to remove the seeds if you want a milder heat level. Add it to the bowl as well.
Squeeze the juice of one lime over the entire mixture. The lime juice is crucial as it not only adds flavor but also helps preserve the freshness of the salsa.
Finally, season everything with salt and black pepper. Use just enough to enhance the natural flavors without overpowering them. Gently toss the ingredients together until they are well combined.
Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a harmonious taste that’s perfect for serving.
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