This Pineapple Pico de Gallo is a sweet and spicy take on a traditional dish. With only a handful of ingredients, this refreshing condiment comes together in no time.
What’s the difference between salsa and pico de Gallo?
Pico de gallo is usually made fresh, has less liquid and has chunky ingredients. But salsa is sometimes cooked, usually blended, and contains much more liquid than pico de gallo.
What does pico mean in pico de Gallo?
Pico means ‘beak’ in Spanish. Pico de gallo literally means ‘beak of rooster.’ However, there are a few theories on this type of salsa became known.
What are some variation of pico de Gallo?
Pico de gallo is traditionally made with tomato, onion, and jalapeño peppers, salt, lime juice, and cilantro. We’ve created a variation using pineapple. However, here are a few additional variations. You can swap out the pineapple for any of these ingredients.
- Cucumber
- Mango
- Avocado
- Nopales (Cactus!)
- Jicama
- Corn
In addition to these variations, you can also play with the heat by trying different peppers. You can swap out the jalapeno with serrano, or habanero peppers.
Can pico de gallo be canned?
Pico de gallo can be canned however, this recipe does not include instructions for canning. Canning can be complicated and would require a separate set of instructions.
Can I make pico de gallo ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, I always prefer salsa and pico de gallo when it’s made at least an hour in advance. It gives it time for the flavors to combine.
Tips for picking the perfect pineapple
- When picking a pineapple, make sure it’s firm and full not brown and shrunken or mushy. It should give a little if you give it a squeeze.
- The leaves should be green and a leaf can be pulled from the top rather easily.
- It should smell slightly sweet.
Here's another pineapple recipe to enjoy.
Tips for dicing/chopping ingredients
- Wearing gloves can help prevent transfer of the jalapeno oils.
- Take care to thoroughly wash your hands after handling the peppers and keep from touching your face, especially eyes!
- Make sure to remove the seeds and membrane of the jalapeno before dicing.
- Using a sharp knife will make chopping and dicing of the ingredients much easier.
Ingredients needed for Pineapple Pico de Gallo
- Pineapple: Fresh pineapple is best for this recipe.
- Red Onion: Red onion has the best flavor, but white onion is a good substitute.
- Cilantro
- Roma Tomatoes: Substitute cucumber or jicama if AIP or nightshade free.
- Jalapeño Peppers: Optional if AIP, nightshade free or prefer a mild pico de gallo.
- Fresh Lime Juice
- Salt
How to make Pineapple Pico de Gallo
1. Add all the ingredients in a bowl.
2. Stir to combine then serve.
Tips for making the best Pineapple Pico de gallo
- If you’re AIP or avoiding nightshades, omit the peppers and tomatoes. Add cucumber or jicama as a substitute.
- Store your pico de gallo in an airtight container for 2-3 days. This recipe will not freeze well.
- If you’ve got some time, let the salsa rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors combine.
- Make sure to dice all the ingredients the same size. It looks nice plus it helps all the flavors make it into one spoonful or chip.
What to eat with pico de Gallo
- Plantain Chips
- Tortilla Chips (love Siete Grain Free Tortilla Chips)
- Fish Tacos
- Tacos
- Lettuce Wraps
- Any chicken, fish, or other protein.
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Helpful Info for All Recipes
- I always use extra virgin olive oil in all of my recipes unless stated otherwise.
- I always use Himalayan sea salt or Celtic sea salt, unless otherwise noted.
- The majority of my recipes are strict AIP or include notations for reintroductions. However while I make every effort to label non-AIP ingredients and recipes sometimes they slip past me. If you have questions, please ask in advance.
Other Mexican Inspired Dishes
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Pineapple Pico de Gallo
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cup Fresh Pineapple diced
- 1/2 cup Red Onion diced
- 1/4 cup Cilantro chopped
- 1 cup Roma Tomatoes Diced, about 2 tomatoes, seeds removed. Substitute cucumber or jicama, if AIP or nightshade free.
- 1-2 Jalapeño Peppers Membrane and seeds removed then finely diced. Optional if AIP, nightshade free or prefer a milder pico de gallo
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Lime Juice
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients in a bowl.
- Stir to combine then serve.
Video
Notes
- If you’re AIP or avoiding nightshades, omit the peppers and tomatoes. Add cucumber or jicama as a substitute.
- Store your pico de gallo in an airtight container for 2-3 days. This recipe will not freeze well.
- If you’ve got some time, let the salsa rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors combine.
- Make sure to dice all the ingredients the same size. It looks nice plus it helps all the flavors make it into one spoonful or chip.
Kathy says
What kind of apple do you use?
Beth says
I use whatever tastes the best and looks the best at the grocery store.
Margaret says
This is a great combination.