Homemade Pineapple Salsa/Pico de Gallo/Chaat or whatever you may like to call it, is absolutely one of my favorite summer treats to make with fresh pineapple, crunchy-flavorful veggies and a dash of lime juice with some Pink salt and roasted cumin powder for that Indian kick!
Just slice or dice, mix and then smother in a mixture of chaat like or salsa kinda flavors to enjoy as a side salad, as toppings on crackers, more veggies like cucumbers or even wrapped in lettuce leaves.
It is a perfect dip to scoop up with some tortilla chips or if you love Mexican food, a wonderful topping on tacos, chimichangas, quesadillas or in burritos too.
Naturally vegan, gluten free and totally refreshing, it is going to be your go to summer snack to binge on guilt free.
HOMEMADE PINEAPPLE SALSA/PICO DE GALLO/CHAAT:
Most of the time, hot summers warrants only an array of refreshing salads or fresh fruits with your favorite fixings for lunch, snacks or dinner.
This one, is definitely refreshing with freshly chopped fruit and veggies and totally addictive as not only is it healthy with absolutely no oil or fats whatsoever, it has all the uber elements that makes it mouthwatering and lip smacking; ie, kala namak or Pink salt, a dash of roasted cumin powder which we find is a must in all Indian chaats and if you like you can add a kick of red chili powder and chaat masala powder to make it more delicious!
You can call it salsa or pico de gallo if you are familiar with Mexican food or even a fruit chaat as it has all the elements of a chaat (Indian street food) – tangy, spicy, savory and a bit sweet!
Top it with some crunchy crispies like sev or crushed papdi and you have a refreshing chaat or serve with a bowl of crackers, chips or rice crispies for a never ending snack.
INGREDIENTS NEEDED TO MAKE FRESH HOMEMADE PINEAPPLE SALSA/PICO DE GALLO/CHAAT:
These are easily available ingredients you may already have in your pantry/kitchen:
Some of them I used in this are:
Pineapple: fresh, juicy, sweet and diced into small cubes.
Bell Peppers: You can use any color or a mix of colored peppers; I have used chopped/diced orange ones that I had.
Cucumbers: Preferably the English cucumbers or Persian which do not need to be deseeded; diced again.
Red Onions: Preferably use red onions; finely chopped; it adds a punch and crunch to your salsa/chaat.
Tomatoes: This one is optional but I love the freshness it adds to any salad; chop into small pieces.
Jalapenos/Serrano Peppers: Use the one you feel suits your palate. Again, finely chop.
Lime or Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed; as much as needed.
Pink Salt/Kala Namak: I prefer using this as it gives a chaat like taste but you can use any salt you like.
Roasted Cumin Powder: This is one of the main ingredients in most Indian chaats or raitas. I love the flavor it adds to any salad too! You can use freshly ground cumin powder too but do roast it a bit and see the difference it makes to the depth of flavors!
Optional Ingredients:
Red Chili powder: Try and use a midly spicy one as we already have fresh chilies in them.
Ripe Mangoes, minced garlic/garlic powder, cooked corn kernels, freshly chopped cilantro etc.
HOW TO MAKE PINEAPPLE SALSA/CHAAT:
Absolutely easy peasy, all you need is to mix all the ingredients, do a taste test and adjusts accordingly, chill and then serve!
In a large bowl, add all the fruit and veggies along with green chilies.
Season with salt, cumin powder and garlic if using.
Mix well, chill for a bit and then serve along with any crackers you have, on cucumber slices, to scoop up with tortilla chips etc.
It is a wonderful side with any meal and is an amazing refreshing topping for tacos, tostadas, chimichangas, in burritos, sandwiches or even wrapped up in lettuce leaves for a refreshing, healthy snack!
WAYS TO SERVE IT:
I would enjoy it as a salad/chaat topped with some crunchies like crisp sev, crushed papad, tortilla strips or even some roasted peanuts. But you can:
- Use it as a topping over quesadillas, chimichangas, chaats like samosa chaat, in tacos or burritos etc.
- Sprinkle over loaded cheesy nachos for a fresh bite.
- Goes amazing in any sandwich or burger etc. too!
Ideas are endless and let your taste buds guide you.
It is best eaten the same day but can stay fresh for 1 more day refrigerated.
Do try and make this delicious, refreshing and absolutely no-cook salsa/pica de gallo/chaat and enjoy with family and friends.
If you do, I would love to hear about it. Please share your thought and comments in the box below (do not forget to give a rating) and/or share your version on Instagram tagging me - @curryandvanilla16.com or on my Facebook page.
Happy and Healthy Eating!
Here are some more salads you must definitely try too:
- Fruit Salad/Chaat
- Raw Carrot and Beet Salad
- Daikon and Carrot Salad with Honey-Lime Dressing
- Mung Bean Sprouts, Mango and Corn Salad
Homemade Pineapple Salsa/Pico de Gallo/Chaat
Ingredients
- 1 to 1 ½ cups chopped pineapples
- 1 cup diced cucumber
- 1 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1 cup chopped tomatoes
- 1 cup diced orange or yellow bell peppers
- 1 serrano pepper/jalapeno/green chilies finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon jeera/cumin powder roasted preferably
- Pink salt or Himalayan salt to taste
- Lemon/lime juice as per taste
Instructions
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In a bowl, combine pineapples, cucumber, red onions, bell pepper and tomatoes.
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Squeeze lemon juice, sprinkle salt and cumin powder and gently mix.
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Add more lemon juice or other flavorings as needed.
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Chill at least for about 15 minutes and serve.
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Enjoy and Happy Eating!
Recipe Notes
- Adjust amount of veggies, pineapple, spices or seasonings according to personal taste.
- Instead of pineapples, you can substitute avocado, mango, kiwi fruit or even strawberries.
- This salsa is best eaten fresh but stays ok for at least a day in the fridge.
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