Fruit-Free Pico De Gallo!

Fruit free salsa is HARD to come by and it’s usually just a little lime juice that stands between the fruit-intolerant and a delicious, fresh and healthy topping or snack. Fortunately for all it’s also very easy to make fresh salsa at home and heading into summer all the best and freshest ingredients will be available! 

         

Ingredients for fruit free salsa

1-2 lbs (2-3 cups) Tomato, chopped

1 Jalapeno, diced (optional – use to taste. It’s plenty delicious without Jalapeno if you aren’t a fan of heat.)

¾ Cup Red Onion, finely chopped

2 Tablespoons Cilantro or Parsley, finely minced

1 clove Garlic, minced (optional)

Distilled White Vinegar or Rice Vinegar 

Sea Salt

 

Instructions (version 1)

  1. Prepare all ingredients and mix them in a bowl. Add salt to taste and enjoy!
  2. The salt will draw out a lot of water from the tomatoes (see version 2 for a less watery version). 

 

Instructions (version 2)

  1. Chop tomatoes and place in a bowl. Mix in 1 teaspoon sea salt, then transfer to a mesh colander. The salt will draw out extra water, preventing a soupy salsa. You can discard the tomato juice OR you can catch it as it drops and save it for use in a soup or other tomato-y sauce. While the salt works on the tomatoes for 20-25 min continue prepping other ingredients. 
  2. Combine drained tomatoes with Jalapeno (if using), red onion, cilantro (or parsley) and garlic. 
  3. Add another ¼ tsp sea salt and 1 teaspoon vinegar. Stir to combine and begin taste testing. Add salt and vinegar as needed to reach a balanced flavor. *Tomatoes are naturally acidic and the acidity varies by variety. The BEST way to get good tasting food is to taste as you go. 

 

Ingredient & Intolerance Notes

  • Potato – This Pico is also safe for the Potato-intolerant as long as sea salt is used.
  • Grain – The only other ingredient to watch for in terms of other intolerances is the vinegar. Both distilled white and rice vinegar are made of grain.