My version of Pico de Gallo is super easy to make and doesn’t require jalapenos! Perfect for dipping, adding to tacos, nachos, quesadillas, burritos and more! If you do not like jalapeno peppers, this is simply the best pico de gallo recipe around.
First off, my #1 secret for making a delicious dish like pico de gallo is to use fresh ingredients like ripe tomato, white onion, etc. Fresh ingredients is truly the key to a pico that is filled with great flavor and taste. Make sure you use the freshest tomatoes you can find and your recipe is sure to come out delicious.
What Type of Tomato Do I Use?
I don’t think you can go wrong here. I have made pico will all sorts of different tomatoes including small, cherry tomatoes, plum tomatoes, hamburger tomatoes and roma tomatoes. I think my favorite tomato to use is the roma. However, you can use whatever you like, what is fresh at the farmers market or grocery or whatever you have ripening in your garden.
One thing I have figured out is that spice isn’t for everyone. So I wanted to take that into consideration when making my pico de gallo!
I have had some versions that will have your mouth on fire. You will be happy to know, that’s not the case here!
Pico De Gallo Vs. Salsa: What’s the Difference?
If this is your first time around the block making pico, you may be wondering how it’s different from salsa.
Salsas that are made with tomatoes are usually cooked, have more liquid, but have the same ingredients as pico. I know there are kinds like mango salsa, but for the sake of this recipe, we are just talking about tomato based. Bottom line, most fresh salsa recipes are made from cooked ingredients.
Pico de Gallo, on the other hand, has a fresher flavor because the ingredients are fresh and not cooked. The texture is also more chunky. The tomatoes you use are not cooked, blended or pureed so the end result is fresh and less of a liquid.
What You Need to Make Pico De Gallo without Jalapenos
Tomatoes – as I said, you can use whatever type of tomato you choose. For instance, you can use cherry tomatoes or one large regular tomato. Try to get organic if possible, if you can’t that’s okay too.
Onion – I recommend either white of red onion. I honestly LOVE it either way. White onion looks great and has a pure, sharp onion flavor. Red onion is great too as it has very festive look while still tasking delicious.
Cilantro – you will only need a little bit, so don’t buy the bundle if possible unless you just want to add more.
Lime Juice – fresh lime juice is where it’s at, but if you have to use store bought, by all means do so
Garlic – minced store bought garlic or cloves will do
Salt and Pepper to taste – sea salt and cracked black pepper is what I like.
What Can I Substitute For A Jalapeño Pepper?
If you are not a fan of the heat of a jalapeno pepper, but still want a little more crunch and flavor to your pico, I highly recommend a green, red or yellow bell pepper. Not only do they add gorgeous color but they also add a delicious, sweet flavor to you pico and a tremendous crunch as well. They also have virtually no calories so they are welcome addition to any pico or salsa I make.
Another great choice, to add to any Mexican dish, instead of a jalapeno, would be canned green chiles peppers. They come in mild or hot flavors and add a wonderful heat to your dish, without being overpowering or burning off your tongue.
How To Make Pico De Gallo
Start by chopping up your tomatoes, onion, and citrano and add to a medium size mixing bowl. Then add the minced garlic. If you are using fresh cloves you will need to dice those up as well.
Then squeeze out the lime as much as possible over the other ingredients. Use a juicer if you can. If you are using store bought lime juice, measure about 2 tablespoons and pour in.
Top it off with salt and pepper. Stir to coat the ingredients with the lime juice. Refrigerate for about 30 minutes before serving so the flavors have time to merry.
How Long is Pico De Gallo Good For?
Usually about 4-5 days as long as it is kept in an airtight container and in the refrigerator. So, be sure to make enough for Taco Tuesday & Friday night taco salad.
What Do You Serve Pico De Gallo With?
Pico goes great on tacos, quesadillas, fajitas, tortilla chips, and mexican inspired casseroles. As a dip it’s great for the warmer months because the ingredients are so refreshing!
Here are some of our favorite recipes to serve Pico de Gallo with:
What Else Can I Add To Pico De Gallo?
I love pico with a dash of red wine vinegar, a splash of lemon instead of lime, pineapple chunks, red bell pepper, serrano peppers and cilantro. Feel free to experiment with a few of your own favorite items and develop just the perfect recipe for yourself.
While my pico de gallo recipe is not exactly loaded with protein, it is also low carbohydrates and is considered a zero points food on Weight Watchers so I am a huge fan of delicious and easy recipes like this.
This easy pico de gallo recipe for parties, holidays, game days and really any occasion. It’s quick, easy and tastes soooo good – it’s really the perfect food.
BE SURE TO PIN FOR LATER!
Easy Pico De Gallo without Jalapenos
Ingredients
- 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes diced or a large tomato
- ½ medium red onion finely diced
- 2 T. fresh cilantro leaves finely chopped
- 1 large lime juiced or 2 tbsp of store bought lime juice
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- Sea salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Add diced tomatoes, red onion, and minced garlic to a medium size mixing bowl.
- Chop cilantro and add to the other veggies.
- Pour in lime juice and salt and pepper. Stir until all ingredients are combined.
- Let it chill for 30 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
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