Strawberry Avocado Pico: A Refreshing & Flavorful Recipe

Strawberry Avocado Pico: Prepare to have your taste buds tantalized! Imagine a vibrant salsa bursting with sweet strawberries, creamy avocado, and a zesty kick of lime. This isn’t your average dip; it’s a flavor explosion that will elevate your snacking game and impress your guests.

Pico de Gallo, traditionally a simple blend of tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and chiles, has deep roots in Mexican cuisine. It’s a staple condiment, adding freshness and vibrancy to countless dishes. But who says we can’t play with tradition? This Strawberry Avocado Pico takes the classic concept and gives it a delightful, modern twist.

What makes this particular combination so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy. The strawberries offer a juicy sweetness that complements the rich, buttery avocado. The lime juice adds a tangy zing, while a touch of jalapeño (optional, of course!) provides a subtle heat. People adore this dish because it’s incredibly versatile, incredibly delicious, and surprisingly easy to make. Serve it with tortilla chips, grilled chicken, or fish tacos for a truly unforgettable meal. Get ready to experience a salsa sensation unlike any other!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and diced
• 2 ripe avocados, pitted and diced
• 1/2 red onion, finely diced
• 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced (optional, adjust to taste)
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 2 tablespoons lime juice, freshly squeezed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Preparing the Strawberry Avocado Pico

Alright, let’s get started! This Strawberry Avocado Pico is super easy to make, and the combination of sweet strawberries, creamy avocado, and a little bit of spice is just divine. Trust me, you’ll be making this all summer long.

1. Prep the Strawberries: First things first, we need to get those strawberries ready. Rinse them thoroughly under cold water. Then, hull them (that means removing the green leafy part at the top). The easiest way to do this is with a small paring knife or a strawberry huller if you have one. Once they’re hulled, dice them into small, even pieces. You want them to be about the same size as the diced avocado we’ll be adding later. Place the diced strawberries in a medium-sized mixing bowl.
2. Dice the Avocado: Now for the creamy goodness! Carefully cut the avocados in half lengthwise, going around the pit. Twist the halves to separate them. To remove the pit, you can either gently tap it with a sharp knife (be careful!) and twist to remove it, or use a spoon to scoop it out. Once the pit is removed, score the avocado flesh in a grid pattern, being careful not to cut through the skin. Then, use a spoon to scoop out the diced avocado and add it to the bowl with the strawberries.
3. Dice the Red Onion: Red onion adds a nice bite and color to our pico. Peel the red onion and cut it in half. Place one half flat-side down on your cutting board and dice it finely. You want the pieces to be small so they don’t overpower the other flavors. Add the diced red onion to the bowl.
4. Mince the Jalapeño (Optional): If you like a little heat, this is where the jalapeño comes in. Remember to handle jalapeños with care! I recommend wearing gloves to prevent the oils from irritating your skin. Cut off the stem end of the jalapeño. Then, slice it lengthwise and scrape out the seeds and membranes (this is where most of the heat is). Mince the jalapeño very finely. Start with a small amount (maybe 1/4 of the jalapeño) and add more to taste. Add the minced jalapeño to the bowl. If you’re sensitive to spice, you can skip this step altogether.
5. Chop the Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a bright, herbaceous flavor. Rinse the cilantro and pat it dry with a paper towel. Then, roughly chop the cilantro leaves and stems. Add the chopped cilantro to the bowl.
6. Add the Lime Juice, Olive Oil, and Seasonings: Now it’s time to bring all the flavors together! Pour the lime juice and olive oil over the ingredients in the bowl. Sprinkle with sea salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
7. Gently Toss to Combine: Use a spoon or spatula to gently toss all the ingredients together. Be careful not to mash the avocado too much. You want to keep the diced shape intact.
8. Taste and Adjust Seasonings: This is the most important step! Taste the pico and adjust the seasonings as needed. You might want to add more lime juice for extra tang, more salt for flavor, or more jalapeño for heat.
9. Chill (Optional): While you can serve the Strawberry Avocado Pico immediately, I find that it tastes even better if you let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together.

Serving Suggestions

This Strawberry Avocado Pico is incredibly versatile. Here are a few of my favorite ways to serve it:

• With Tortilla Chips: This is the classic way to enjoy pico de gallo. Serve it with your favorite tortilla chips for a quick and easy snack or appetizer.
• On Grilled Chicken or Fish: The sweet and savory flavors of the pico pair perfectly with grilled chicken or fish. It adds a burst of freshness and flavor.
• In Tacos or Burritos: Add a spoonful of Strawberry Avocado Pico to your tacos or burritos for a delicious twist.
• On Toast: Spread some cream cheese or goat cheese on toast and top with the pico for a simple and elegant appetizer.
• As a Salad Topping: Use the pico as a topping for your favorite salad. It adds a pop of color and flavor.

Tips and Variations

Want to customize this recipe to your liking? Here are a few tips and variations to try:

• Use Different Berries: If you don’t have strawberries on hand, you can use other berries like raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries.
• Add Corn: Grilled or roasted corn kernels add a nice sweetness and texture to the pico.
• Add Mango: Diced mango is another great addition that complements the strawberries and avocado.
• Make it Spicier: If you want a really spicy pico, use a hotter pepper like a serrano pepper or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Add a Touch of Sweetness: If your strawberries aren’t very sweet, you can add a teaspoon of honey or agave nectar to the pico.
• Make it Ahead: You can make the Strawberry Avocado Pico a few hours ahead of time. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The avocado may brown slightly, but it will still taste delicious. To minimize browning, you can squeeze a little extra lime juice over the avocado.

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover Strawberry Avocado Pico, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for about 1-2 days. Keep in mind that the avocado may brown slightly over time, but it will still be safe to eat. The flavor may also change slightly as the ingredients meld together.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients you use.

• Calories: Approximately 100-150 per serving
• Fat: 8-12 grams
• Carbohydrates: 8-12 grams
• Protein: 1-2 grams

This Strawberry Avocado Pico is a healthy and delicious way to enjoy fresh, seasonal ingredients. It’s packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and vegan.

Enjoy!

Conclusion:

This Strawberry Avocado Pico isn’t just another dip; it’s a vibrant explosion of flavor that will redefine your snacking game. The sweetness of the strawberries perfectly complements the creamy avocado, while the jalapeño adds just the right amount of kick. It’s fresh, it’s healthy, and it’s incredibly easy to make – what’s not to love? I truly believe this recipe is a must-try because it’s a unique and unexpected twist on traditional pico de gallo that will impress your friends and family.

But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile!

Serving Suggestions & Variations

Think beyond just tortilla chips. While it’s absolutely divine with a salty, crunchy chip, this Strawberry Avocado Pico shines in so many other ways.

* Grilled Fish or Chicken Topping: Elevate your grilled protein by spooning a generous helping of this pico on top. The fresh flavors cut through the richness of the meat, creating a balanced and delicious meal.
* Salad Booster: Add a scoop to your favorite salad for a burst of sweetness and creaminess. It works particularly well with salads that include grilled chicken or shrimp.
* Taco Tuesday Upgrade: Forget the usual salsa! This pico is the perfect topping for tacos, adding a unique and refreshing element to your favorite taco fillings.
* Bruschetta Bliss: Toast some baguette slices, drizzle with olive oil, and top with this pico for a sophisticated and flavorful appetizer.
* Breakfast Buddy: Scramble it into your eggs for a sweet and savory breakfast that will kickstart your day.
* Spice it Up: If you like things extra spicy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a finely diced habanero pepper to the mix.
* Herbaceous Twist: Experiment with different herbs like cilantro, mint, or basil to add a unique flavor profile.
* Citrus Boost: A squeeze of lime or orange juice can brighten the flavors even further.
* Mango Mania: Substitute some of the strawberries with diced mango for an even sweeter and more tropical flavor.

I encourage you to get creative and experiment with different variations to find your perfect combination. Don’t be afraid to adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of jalapeño. If you want more sweetness, add a touch of honey or agave nectar. The possibilities are endless!

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the deliciousness for yourself. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, put on some music, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

Once you’ve made your own batch of this amazing Strawberry Avocado Pico, I’d love to hear about your experience! Share your photos and comments on your favorite social media platform. Let me know what variations you tried and how you served it. Your feedback is invaluable and helps me create even better recipes in the future. Happy cooking!