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    Home » Course » Appetizer

    Tropical Pico de Gallo

    Published Dec 31, 2023 | Updated Mar 17, 2024 | By Laura

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    Tropical Pico de Gallo using Pure Flavor® Tiki Tomatoes™ is a vibrant and refreshing twist on the classic! Whether you serve it as a topping for grilled fish, alongside tacos, or simply with crispy tortilla chips, this fusion of Mexican and tropical flavors is sure to be a hit at your next get-together.

    A bowl of tropical pico de gallo.

    Bringing the taste of the tropics to your table has never been easier with this homemade Tropical Pico de Gallo recipe. Making it with Pure Flavor® Tiki Tomatoes™ adds burst of fresh flavors, creating beach vibes with sunny & tangy waves with every bite!

    This citrus salsa is perfect for summer gatherings, barbecues, or a simple snack. It bursts with fresh fruits, zesty flavors, and a hint of spice. It’s a delightful twist on the classic Mexican salsa and sure to be a get-together or family dinner hit!

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    Table of Contents

    • Why You'll Love this Recipe
    • Ingredients
    • How to Make this Recipe
    • Pro Tips and Variations
    • Storage
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • More Easy Dips
    • Tropical Pico de Gallo
      • Ingredients 1x2x3x4x5x
      • Instructions
      • Video
      • Nutrition

    Why You'll Love this Recipe

    • Vibrant Flavors: The combination of sweet tropical fruits like pineapple paired with savory elements like tomatoes and onions, creates a burst of vibrant and contrasting flavors that are delicious!
    • Unique Twist on Tradition: While traditional Pico de Gallo is beloved for its simplicity, the addition of tropical fruits introduces an exotic twist that accents lots of dishes.
    • Versatile Pairing: Tropical Salsa’s versatility makes it an appetizer or meal accent favorite. It’s excellent served with tortilla chips, grilled meats, or as a topping for tacos.
    • Crowd-Pleaser: The unique blend of tropical fruits and traditional Pico de Gallo ingredients makes this dish a crowd-pleaser.

    Ingredients

    • Pure Flavor® Tiki Tomatoes™: Adds a fresh and slightly tangy element to balance the sweetness of the fruits, contributing to the overall tropical freshness of the salsa.
    • Fresh Pineapple: Adds natural sweetness and a juicy, tropical flavor.
    • Red Onion: Adds a savory and slightly spicy kick, balancing the sweetness of the fruits and providing a traditional Pico de Gallo element.
    • Jalapeños: Provides a kick of spice that contrasts with the sweetness of the fruits.
    • Cilantro: Enhances the overall aroma of the salsa and contributes a bright, herbal note to the flavor profile.
    • Lime: Enhances the overall freshness, provides a zesty flavor, and helps prevent oxidation of the fruits, maintaining vibrant colors.
    Ingredients to make tropical salsa.

    How to Make this Recipe

    1. In a medium bowl, combine tomatoes, pineapple, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, salt, and lime juice. 
    The ingredients in a bowl to make tropical pico de gallo.
    1. Mix until well combined. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
    A bowl of mixed ingredients for pineapple pico de gallo.x

    Pro Tips and Variations

    • Uniform Dicing: Ensure uniform dicing of fruits and vegetables for a consistent texture. This also makes the salsa easier to scoop onto chips or top onto dishes.
    • Adjust Spice Level: Tailor the spice level to your preference by controlling the amount of jalapeño. For a milder version, remove the seeds and white membranes, which contain most of the heat.
    • Fresh Cilantro: Use fresh cilantro for its vibrant flavor. If you're not a fan of cilantro, consider substituting it with fresh parsley for a different herbal twist.
    • Chill for Flavor Infusion: Allow the Pico de Gallo to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This gives the ingredients time to meld and infuse their flavors.
    • Drain Excess Juices: If the fruits release excess juices, drain them before serving to prevent the Pico de Gallo from becoming too watery. This is especially important when serving with chips.
    • Fruit Variations: Experiment with other tropical fruits like mango, papaya, kiwi, or even diced watermelon to add different layers of sweetness and texture.
    • Citrus Alternatives: While lime adds a traditional citrusy zing, you can experiment with other citrus fruits like orange or grapefruit for a unique flavor twist.
    • Red Onion Varieties: If red onion is too pungent for your taste, try substituting it with sweet onions or green onions for a milder onion flavor.
    • Mild Pepper Options: If jalapeños are too spicy, consider using milder peppers like poblano or bell peppers. Alternatively, omit them entirely for a non-spicy version.

    Storage

    The quality of the ingredients may affect how long the salsa stays fresh, so starting with the freshest produce is key!

    Refrigeration: Store the Tropical Pico de Gallo in an airtight container. This helps maintain its freshness and prevents the absorption of odors from the refrigerator. Aim to consume it within 1-2 days for optimal taste and texture. If you notice excess liquid in the container after refrigeration, carefully drain it before serving. This helps maintain the desired consistency of the salsa.

    Avoid Freezing: Freezing can alter the texture of the fruits and vegetables in Pico de Gallo, resulting in a mushy consistency. It's best to enjoy this salsa fresh and not freeze it.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What makes Tropical Pico de Gallo different from traditional Pico de Gallo?

    Tropical Pico de Gallo incorporates sweet tropical fruits like pineapple and mango, adding a fruity twist to the traditional savory flavors. It's a delightful fusion of sweet, spicy, and tangy elements.

    Can I make Tropical Pico de Gallo without spicy elements?

    Certainly! Omit or reduce the amount of jalapeño if you prefer a milder version. Adjust the spice level to suit your taste.

    What dishes can I pair with Tropical Pico de Gallo?

    It's versatile! Pair it with tortilla chips, grilled fish, chicken, or use it as a topping for tacos. The sweet and savory profile complements a variety of dishes.

    Can I substitute cilantro with another herb?

    Yes, if you're not a fan of cilantro, try substituting it with fresh mint or basil for a different herbal twist that complements the tropical flavors.

    How do I prevent excess liquid in the Pico de Gallo?

    Drain any excess liquid that accumulates after refrigeration to maintain the desired consistency. This step helps prevent the salsa from becoming too watery.

    Can I adjust the spice level of Tropical Pico de Gallo?

    Yes, the spice level is adjustable. To decrease heat, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeño. For more spice, leave them in or add extra jalapeño. Taste and adjust according to your preference.

    Can I prepare Tropical Pico de Gallo in advance?

    Absolutely! Preparing Tropical Pico de Gallo in advance allows the flavors to meld. Store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container, but for the best texture, try to consume it within 1-2 days.

    More Easy Dips

    • Fresh Pico de Gallo
    • Perfect Guacamole
    • Jalapeno Cranberry Salsa
    • Apple Berry Salsa and Chips
    Print Recipe Rate this Recipe Pin Recipe
    5 from 2 votes

    Tropical Pico de Gallo

    Pico de Gallo gets a vibrant and refreshing tropical twist makeover using Pure Flavor® Tiki Tomatoes™! Whether you serve it as a topping for grilled fish, alongside tacos, or simply with crispy tortilla chips, this fusion of Mexican and tropical flavors is sure to be a hit at your next get-together.
    Prep Time15 minutes mins
    Cook Time0 minutes mins
    Total Time15 minutes mins
    Course: Appetizer, Main Course, Miscellaneous
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: party food, spring, summer
    Servings: 20 Servings
    Calories: 15kcal
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    Ingredients
     

    • 1 pint Pure Flavor® Tiki Tomatoes™ quartered
    • 2 cups diced fresh pineapple
    • ¼ cup finely diced red onion
    • 1-2 jalapenos finely diced
    • ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
    • 1 lime juiced
    • salt to taste

    Instructions

    • In a medium bowl, combine tomatoes, pineapple, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, salt, and lime juice.
    • Mix until well combined. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

    Video

    Nutrition

    Calories: 15kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 0.4g | Fat: 0.1g | Saturated Fat: 0.01g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.02g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 15mg | Potassium: 77mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 140IU | Vitamin C: 14mg | Calcium: 6mg | Iron: 0.2mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @dinnerin321 or tag #dinnerin321!

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    Filed Under: Appetizer

    Laura

    About Laura

    Taught by some of the best, cooking and entertaining has always been my favorite hobby. Food is my love language! The conception of Dinner in 321 came from my family talks that sharing our dinners would help others learn new skills, tasty recipes, and make cooking fun! Read more...

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      5 from 2 votes (1 rating without comment)

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Linda Pryde

      February 03, 2024 at 3:20 pm

      5 stars
      This pico is TASTY and SO much cheaper and FRESHER to make at home vs buying the ready-made at the store (for like $7)!! Love the Kiwi suggestion and the milder onion substitute as my girls don't care for a strong onion flavor. This is a keeper for my fajita night! Thanks Laura! 🙂

      Reply
      • Laura Ashley

        February 08, 2024 at 3:26 pm

        Oh that is WONDERFUL, Linda! Thank you SO much! I'm so happy it was a hit with you and your family!

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    Welcome to my kitchen! I'm Laura Ashley, and I'm excited you're here! As a registered dietitian and diabetes educator, I love cooking all kinds of food and trying new restaurants. Food is my love language! Here at Dinner in 3, 2, 1, I serve up delicious and nutritious recipes you and your family will love.

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