Pico de Gallo – Mexican Tomato Salsa (Kid Friendly)
This classic Mexican salsa, made with juicy tomatoes, is quick and easy to prepare. Perfect for tacos, burritos, enchiladas, quesadillas, or as a zesty dip for corn chips, it’s a versatile, naturally gluten-free side that goes with almost everything. Here’s a tasty, yet still kid-friendly version that both kids and adults will love!
Kid Friendly Pico de Gallo
Pico de Gallo is a fresh Mexican salsa made with finely chopped tomatoes, onions, cilantro, lime juice, and traditionally, a touch of chili for a bit of heat. Bursting with flavor, this salsa adds a zesty, refreshing kick to dishes like tacos, nachos, and burritos, or serves as a crowd-pleasing dip with tortilla chips.
Simple, healthy, and very more-ish!
To make Pico de Gallo more ‘kid-friendly’, I like to tone down the spiciness by just using a tiny amount of mild green chili, or skipping it altogether. I also opt for sweeter varieties of tomatoes, like cherry or grape tomatoes. You can also add a little extra lime juice for a bright, tangy flavor that kids often love, or even mix in some diced mango or cucumber for a touch of natural sweetness!
Uses For Mild Pico de Gallo
Here are just some of the great ways to use Pico de Gallo:
- Dip for Chips: Serve it with tortilla chips for a fresh and tasty snack.
- Taco Topper: Add it to tacos for a burst of flavor and crunch.
- Quesadilla Filling: Spoon it inside cheese quesadillas before folding and cooking.
- Nacho Topping: Sprinkle it over nachos for a colorful and fresh addition.
- Burger or Sandwich Add-On: Use it as a zesty topping for burgers or grilled sandwiches.
- Rice Bowls: Mix it into a bowl of rice with beans and protein for a simple meal.
- Side for Grilled Meats: Pair it with grilled chicken, steak, or fish for a fresh side dish.
- Scrambled Eggs or Omelets: Stir it into scrambled eggs or use it to top an omelet.
- Baked Potatoes: Use it as a vibrant topping for baked or roasted potatoes.
These options make it easy to incorporate Pico de Gallo into meals both kids and adults will love!
Ingredients you’ll need
Here is what you’ll need:
- Cherry, or grape tomatoes – however any tomatoes will work,
- Red onion,
- Fresh cilantro/coriander,
- Lime juice,
- Salt to taste,
- Mild green chilli
Adjust the amount of onion, omit the green chili or add mango if needed.
Health Benefits of Pico de Gallo
Pico de Gallo is not only delicious, but it’s also packed with many health benefits:
- Rich in Vitamins: Tomatoes and lime juice are excellent sources of vitamin C, which supports the immune system and skin health.
- Low in Calories: It’s naturally low in calories, making it a healthy addition to meals or snacks.
- High in Antioxidants: Tomatoes contain lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that may help protect against certain diseases and promote heart health.
- Good for Digestion: Onions contain prebiotics, which support gut health, and the fiber in tomatoes aids digestion.
- Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Cilantro (if included) contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.
- Low in Sodium: You control the amount of salt, keeping it a heart-healthy option compared to store-bought salsas.
- Kid-Friendly Nutrition: The natural sweetness of tomatoes and optional add-ins like mango or cucumber make it appealing to kids while delivering essential nutrients.
This fresh, wholesome dish is a great way to introduce kids to nutrient-dense, flavorful foods!
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Wash and finely chop the tomatoes, onion, and cilantro. If using mango or cucumber, chop them into small, bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, mix the tomatoes, onion, cilantro, and optional mango or cucumber.
Step 3: Add lime juice and a pinch of salt. Stir everything gently to combine. Taste the mixture and add more lime juice or salt if needed.
Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate until required.
Pico de Gallo (Mexican Tomato Salsa)
Ingredients
- 2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes, finely chopped
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp Cilantro/Coriander, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp Lime juice (approx. one lime)
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: 1/4 cup diced mango or cucumber for added sweetness.
Instructions
- Prep the Ingredients: Wash and finely chop the tomatoes, onion, and cilantro.
- Combine: In a medium bowl, mix the tomatoes, onion, cilantro, and optional mango or cucumber.
- Season: Add lime juice and a pinch of salt. Stir everything gently to combine.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the mixture and add more lime juice or salt if needed.
- Serve: Serve immediately as a dip with tortilla chips or as a topping for tacos, quesadillas, or grilled chicken.
Notes
- Skip or minimize spicy ingredients like chili if your kids prefer milder flavors.
- Use sweeter tomatoes for a naturally appealing taste.
- Let kids help mix the ingredients for a fun, hands-on cooking experience!
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