Tangy Cactus Pico de Gallo Salsa
Relish in the vibrant flavors of our Tangy Cactus Pico de Gallo Salsa, a delightful blend of cooked cactus, fresh vegetables, and creamy queso fresco. Inspired by family traditions, this recipe brings to life the fresh tang of tomatoes, the heat of jalapeños, and the refreshing sweetness of cilantro, all complemented by the unique texture of cactus. Perfect as a dip for tortilla chips, a topping for grilled meats, or as a zesty addition to your favorite tacos, this salsa will transport you to a sunny fiesta with every bite. Whether you're looking to impress guests at a gathering or simply enjoy a delicious dish at home, this versatile salsa is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cactus pieces
24 ounces (Rinsed and cut into small pieces)
Large tomatoes
2 (Diced)
Medium yellow onion
1 (Diced)
Jalapeños
2 (Diced (seeds optional))
Fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons (Chopped)
Queso fresco
1/4 pound (Crumble)
Lemon juice
1/4 cup (Freshly squeezed)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (To taste)
Fresh garlic
1 teaspoon (Minced)
Instructions
1
Begin by rinsing the cactus pieces thoroughly under cold water to remove any excess salt or brine. Next, using a sharp knife, cut the cactus into bite-sized pieces for easier incorporation into the salsa.
2
Dice the tomatoes, yellow onion, and jalapeños (feel free to adjust the number of jalapeños based on your preferred spice level). If you prefer a milder salsa, you can remove the seeds from the jalapeños before dicing.
3
Chop the fresh cilantro and mince the garlic. In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, onion, jalapeños, cilantro, cactus pieces, and minced garlic.
4
Crumble the queso fresco over the mixture, adding in the salt and lemon juice gradually. Mix everything together gently until well combined. Be sure to taste the salsa and adjust the lemon juice and salt to match your personal preference.
5
Keep the salsa refrigerated for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tangy Cactus Pico de Gallo Salsa?
It is a vibrant Mexican-inspired salsa featuring cooked cactus, fresh vegetables, and creamy queso fresco.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 main ingredients: cactus, tomatoes, onion, jalapeños, cilantro, queso fresco, lemon juice, salt, and garlic.
How do I prepare the cactus for the salsa?
Rinse the cactus pieces thoroughly under cold water to remove excess salt and then cut them into bite-sized pieces.
How many tomatoes are required?
The recipe calls for two large diced tomatoes.
What type of onion should I use?
You should use one medium yellow onion, diced.
How many jalapeños are needed?
The recipe uses two jalapeños, diced.
How can I make the salsa milder?
You can remove the seeds from the jalapeños before dicing or reduce the number of jalapeños used.
How much cilantro is used?
The recipe requires two tablespoons of chopped fresh cilantro.
What kind of cheese is added to the salsa?
One-quarter pound of crumbled queso fresco is added for a creamy texture.
How much lemon juice is recommended?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
How much garlic should I add?
One teaspoon of minced fresh garlic is used in the mixture.
How much salt does the recipe require?
Start with 1/4 teaspoon of salt and adjust to your personal taste.
Does this salsa need to be refrigerated?
Yes, it should be refrigerated for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Why is the 30-minute refrigeration important?
Refrigeration allows the various fresh flavors to meld together beautifully.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetarian recipe featuring fresh vegetables and cheese.
What are some ways to serve this cactus salsa?
It works perfectly as a dip for chips, a topping for grilled meats, or an addition to tacos.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy recipe made with fresh ingredients.
What unique texture does the cactus provide?
The cactus offers a unique, slightly firm and succulent texture that complements the fresh vegetables.
Can I adjust the seasonings?
Yes, it is encouraged to taste the salsa and adjust the lemon juice and salt to match your preference.
How should I mix the ingredients?
Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl and mix gently until well combined.
Is this salsa good for parties?
Yes, it is designed to impress guests at gatherings or fiestas.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to rinse and cut 24 ounces of cactus pieces.
What color onion is used?
A yellow onion is specified for this recipe.
How much cactus is needed?
The recipe requires 24 ounces of cactus pieces.
Is the garlic fresh or powdered?
The recipe specifies using fresh minced garlic.
Can I use lime instead of lemon?
While the recipe calls for lemon juice, lime is a common substitute in Mexican cuisine.
Should the cilantro be fresh?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for fresh cilantro.
What is the preparation for the queso fresco?
The queso fresco should be crumbled over the mixture.
How many servings does this make?
The specific serving count is not provided, but it uses approximately 2-3 pounds of total ingredients.
Is the cactus cooked or raw?
The description mentions the salsa uses cooked cactus.