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You are here: Home / Salsas & Sauces / Cactus Fruit Pico de Gallo

Cactus Fruit Pico de Gallo

Douglas Cullen, This blog generates income via ads and affiliate links which earn us a small commission.

Pico de Gallo con Xoconostle

Enjoy this unique variation of pico de Gallo, from the community of Don Francisco, Guanajuato. Classic pico de gallo is an uncooked salsa/dip prepared with plum tomatoes, onion, cilantro, serrano Chile, and lime juice. This version is prepared with sour xoconostle cactus fruit and avocado which gives it a unique tart taste.

Pico de Gallo Prepared with Xoconostle Cactus Fruit

The recipe was told to us by Don Cirilo, a vendor who comes daily to San Miguel de Allende from the community of Don Francisco to sell lettuce, medicinal plants, and xoconostle which he grows on his plot of land. It’s a dish that he and his family enjoy regularly.

Don Cirilo Fruit and Vegetable Vendor, San Miguel de Allende

A Healthy Dish

Of course it’s delicious but it’s very easy to make and healthy. It’s also a perfect vegan or vegetarian option. Try it next time you get together with friends and family. You will never want a pre-made pico de Gallo again.

Pico de Gallo Cactus Xoconostle

How to Make

You need the following ingredients:

  • 4 xoconostle cactus fruits (available at Mexican/Hispanic markets)
  • 2 plum tomatoes
  • 2 avocados
  • ¼ white onion
  • 1 serrano chile
  • 6 sprigs cilantro
  • 1 tsp. salt

The fresher the ingredients, the better the dish. Look for very ripe tomatoes and avocados that are soft but not yet mushy. The cilantro should be firm and not wilted. The cactus fruit should be firm but give slightly when pressed.

Ingredients Xoconostle Cactus Pico de Gallo

Prepping the Cactus Fruit

  • Cut the ends off the cactus fruit and remove the outer skin with a sharp knife. Slice the fruit in half lengthwise and remove the seeds with a spoon. Here is a quick tutorial to clean and peel cactus fruit. 
  • Cut the cleaned cactus fruit into ¼″ pieces.
Peeling Xoconostle Cactus Fruit

Prepping the Remaining Ingredients

  • Cut the tops off the tomatoes then slice in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and pulp and discard.
  • Cut the tomato, onion, and avocado into ¼” pieces.
  • Cut the stem end off the serrano chile and slice lengthwise. Remove the seeds and veins and finely chop.
  • Remove the cilantro stems and finely chop.
Chopped Ingredients Cactus Fruit Pico de Gallo
  • Place all ingredients in a medium mixing bowl and gently stir until all ingredients are well mixed. 
Pico de Gallo Ingredients in Bowl
  • Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes so that the flavor blends and concentrates.
Mixing Pico de Gallo in Stainless Bowl

How to Serve

Serve cool not cold. Enjoy like you would with a classic pico de gallo or guacamole. Serve with corn chips or on tostadas. Try it on carne asada tacos in place of your usual salsa.

Cactus Fruit Pico de Gallo Recipe

Let us know what you think! Provecho!

Pico de Gallo Cactus Xoconostle
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3.67 from 3 votes

Pico de Gallo with Xoconostle Cactus Fruit

Unique variation of pico de Gallo prepared with sour xoconostle cactus fruit and avocado from the community of Don Francisco, Guanajuato. The recipe was told to us by Don Cirilo, a vendor who comes daily to San Miguel de Allende to sell lettuce, medicinal plants, and xoconostle which he grows on his plot of land. True Mexican homecooking.
Course Salsa / Dip
Cuisine Mexican
Keyword avocado, avocado salsa, cactus fruit, dip, salsa
Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Calories 114kcal
Author Andrés Carnalla

Ingredients

  • 4 xoconostle cactus fruits
  • 2 plum tomatoes
  • 2 avocados
  • ¼ white onion
  • 1 serrano pepper
  • 6 sprigs cilantro
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  • Cut the ends off the cactus fruit and remove the outer skin with a sharp knife. Slice the fruit in half lengthwise and remove the seeds with a spoon.
  • Cut the cactus fruit, tomato, and avocado into ¼” pieces.
  • Cut the stem end off the serrano chile and slice lengthwise. Remove the seeds and veins and finely chop.
  • Remove the cilantro stems and finely chop.
  • Place all ingredients in a medium mixing bowl and gently stir until all ingredients are well mixed. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes so that the flavor blends and concentrates.
  • Serve cool with corn chips or on tostadas. Try it on carne asada tacos in place of your usual salsa.

Notes

  • Use 2 serrano chiles if you prefer a hotter pico de gallo. Omit the chiles is you don’t want it hot.
  • You don’t need to add lime juice because the cactus fruit adds tartness.

Nutrition

Calories: 114kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 395mg | Potassium: 392mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 430IU | Vitamin C: 10.9mg | Calcium: 10mg | Iron: 0.5mg

More Pico de Gallo and Dip Recipes

  • Authentic Guacamole
  • Authentic Pico de Gallo
  • Queso con Carne
  • Spicy Avocado Dip
  • Sesame Soy Cream Cheese Dip
  • Strawberry Chipotle Cream Cheese Dip

More Authentic Mexican Salsas

  • Chunky Mango Salsa
  • Chipotle Salsa
  • Pineapple Habanero Salsa
  • Salsa Roja with Queso Cotija

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Omar Guzman Ulloa says

    December 17, 2018 at 4:36 pm

    Hello, Douglas, this pico de gallo looks delicious I’m going to try to make it, especially here in Chiapas cactus fruit is so delicious. I’m new in the blogging business and any tips or comment will be appreciated.

    Reply

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Hola, I am Douglas. Let me share my love of Mexican Cuisine with you that developed over 20+ years of living in Mexico.

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D. Cullen Profile Picture

Hola, I am Douglas. Let me share my love of Mexican Cuisine with you that developed over 20+ years of living in Mexico.

More about me →


Most Popular Recipes

  • Classic Salsa Verde
  • Restaurant Style Salsa
  • Traditional Sopa de Fideo
  • Red Pork Pozole
  • Chicken Tinga
  • Agua de Jamaica
  • Tres Leches Cake
  • Beet Salad with Feta Cheese and Citrus Balsamic Viniagrette
  • Red Enchilada Sauce
  • Mole Poblano

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