Pico De Gallo with Avocado

What is Pico De Gallo?

Pico de Gallo is a fresh and vibrant Mexican salsa made with diced fresh tomatoes, onions, jalapeño peppers, cilantro, and lime juice. It is usually served as a condiment or side dish, and it pairs well with a variety of Mexican dishes such as tacos, fajitas, and grilled meats.

Pico de Gallo is known for its refreshing flavor and crisp texture, and it is often used as a healthy alternative to other types of sauces or dips. The ingredients in pico de gallo are typically raw, making it a simple and easy recipe to prepare, and it can be customized to taste by adjusting the amount of chili pepper and lime juice used.

What Does Pico De Gallo Mean?

The term "pico de gallo" translates to "rooster's beak" in Spanish. There are a few theories as to why it's called this, but one of the most common is that the small, chopped pieces of vegetables in the salsa resemble the shape and size of a rooster's beak. Another theory is that the salsa is so spicy that it feels like a rooster pecking at your tongue. Regardless of its origin, Pico de Gallo is a popular and delicious condiment that is enjoyed in Mexican cuisine and beyond.

Adding Avocado to Pico De Gallo

Adding avocado to Pico de Gallo adds a creamy texture and a rich, nutty flavor to the salsa. The avocado also provides a healthy dose of monounsaturated fats, fiber, and potassium, making the salsa more nutritious. The combination of the fresh, tangy ingredients in Pico de Gallo with the smooth, buttery avocado creates a delicious contrast of textures and flavors. The addition of avocado can also help to mellow out the heat from the jalapeño peppers, making it more palatable for those who prefer a milder salsa.

What Makes Pico de Gallo Different from Salsa?

Pico de Gallo and salsa are both fresh Mexican condiments made with similar ingredients, but they have some key differences. Here are a few things that set them apart:

1. Texture: Pico de Gallo has a chunky, chopped texture, whereas salsa is usually smoother and more blended.
2. Ingredients: Pico de Gallo typically has a few basic ingredients such as diced tomatoes, onions, jalapeño peppers, cilantro, and lime juice. Salsa can include many different ingredients, such as fruit, beans, and various types of chili peppers, and can also be cooked or roasted.
3. Spice level: Pico de Gallo is usually milder than salsa, with a fresher taste and a crunchier texture. Salsa can range in heat level from mild to very spicy.
4. Serving: Pico de Gallo is usually served as a condiment or topping, while salsa can be used in a variety of ways, such as a dip or sauce.

Overall, Pico de Gallo is a simple and fresh condiment that highlights the flavors of its basic ingredients, while salsa can be a more complex and versatile condiment with many variations.

• Tomatoes - Ripe Roma tomatoes are a great option, but just be sure to choose tomatoes that are firm and ripe for the best flavor and texture.
• Onion - We use red onion for the color but traditionally, white onion is used. You could substitute green onions.
• Jalapeno pepper - Adds a mild heat to the dish.
• Lime - Gives a great citrus flavor that is uplifting.
• Garlic -Always increase if you are a garlic lover!
• Cilantro - Is almost essential to this dish for it's fresh and citrusy flavor but if you don't like it, substitute it with fresh parsley or basil.
• Salt - Add more to your own taste.
• Avocado - Ensure you use a ripe avocado. It is a creamy addition to the traditional dish which pairs well with the mild spic flavor. You can always omit this.

How to Make Pico De Gallo with Avocado

This is best made fresh and ready to serve. There is a lot of chopping so reach for your sharpest knife!

Remove the tomato seeds and flesh before finely chopping

Seeds of the jalapeno are removed before chopping.

Place all finely chopped ingredients in a bowl before adding the lime and salt. Stir well.

Serve with chopped avocado on top

Storage

Pico de Gallo with avocado is best served fresh, as the avocado can brown quickly. If making ahead of time, cover tightly with plastic wrap directly on the surface of the Pico de Gallo to prevent browning.

Serving Suggestions

Although Pico de Gallo is a condiment, it is a versatile dish that can be served many ways.

• Tacos: Pico de gallo is a classic topping for tacos, whether they're filled with beef, chicken, fish, or vegetables. Add a scoop of pico de gallo to your low carb taco for a fresh burst of flavor and texture.
• Quesadillas: Pico de gallo can be used as a filling or a topping for keto quesadillas. Try spreading some pico de gallo on a low carb tortilla, adding cheese and your favorite fillings, and then grilling until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is crispy.
• Tortilla chips: Pico de gallo is a delicious dip for keto tortilla chips. Just scoop some onto a chip and enjoy the fresh, zesty flavors.
• Grilled meats: Pico de gallo is a great condiment for grilled meats, such as chicken, steak, or shrimp. Spoon some over your meat for a burst of fresh flavor.
• Huevos rancheros: Pico de gallo is a perfect accompaniment to huevos rancheros, a classic Mexican breakfast dish. Spoon some over your eggs and enjoy the combination of flavors and textures.
• Vegan Fajitas - Serve as a side dish.
• Salads: Pico de gallo can be added to salads to give them a fresh, zesty flavor. Try mixing it with lettuce, avocado, and grilled chicken for a delicious and healthy salad.

More Keto Mexican Dishes

Mexican cuisine is known for its bold flavors, but it can also be high in carbs due to ingredients such as tortillas, corn and rice. However, there are many delicious low-carb Mexican dishes that you can enjoy. Here are some ideas:

Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas

Vegetarian Mushroom Enchiladas

Chicken Tacos with Avocado

Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice

Mexican Keto Flan