Simple, fresh foods are easier to create than you may think! Our last blog gave you a list of foods and spices and demonstrated how you can mix and match to create flavorful dishes with minimal effort. We are continuing our simple, fresh food theme by showing you how to create fresh pico de gallo or salsa at home.
Melita’s Table has an array of amazing salsas and pico de gallo on our menu, but we’d also like to share how you can create your own flavor combinations that can be added to a home taco bar or paired along side food you order from Melita’s Table.
What is Pico de Gallo?
Before we wade into recipe details, we wanted to first explain the difference between pico de gallo and salsa. Both use tasty, fresh ingredients, however, salsa has a thinner consistency with more liquid and sometimes can be cooked, giving it a more savory tomato taste. Pico de gallo is a chunky mix of fresh ingredients.
Mango Pico de Gallo Recipe
This recipe requires no cooking experience! Gather ingredients, chop or blend. Also, it is easy to get creative and personalize flavors. Adding a fruity zing pairs well with cilantro and tomatoes. Try this recipe and feel free to adjust to your liking.
- 4 roma tomatoes, chopped
- 3 green onions, minced
- 1 clove fresh garlic, minced
- 1 lime, juiced
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- ¾ tsp salt
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced
- ½ cup mango, chopped (can be canned)
- ½ cup corn (optional, thaw if frozen)
Mix everything together or blend in a food processor, just don’t over process or you will get mango salsa, which can be a good thing too!
Pico de Gallo without Spice
Another tip, sometimes I leave the jalapeño out when I’m making this for kids. It’s just as good, so if you don’t have one on hand, don’t fret; improvise! You could also substitute pineapple for the mango to make a pineapple version, or give it a whirl in the food processor and you’ll have pineapple salsa!
Top 10 Ways to Use Pico de Gallo
So, now that you’ve created your first dish of fresh yumminess, what can you eat it with besides chips? There are many creative ways to add this flavorful topping to your meal. Check out our list for unique ideas on how to add it to vegan meals.
- Eat with pita bread
- Mix with quinoa and black beans for an amazing salad
- Add to burritos
- Topping for nachos
- Topping for baked sweet potato
- Add to vegan mac and cheese
- Compliment to a quesadilla
- Goes great with vegan lentil taco meat
- Eat straight with side of guacamole
- Spice up plain rice for a great side dish
Making fresh, simple and flavorful foods does not have to be complicated. Don’t be afraid to experiment and improvise.
Enjoy the journey!
