Radish Pico de Gallo

Short Description

A crisp and vibrant twist on traditional pico de gallo—this version features radishes as the star, combined with onion, lime juice, and cilantro for a refreshing side or topping.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bright and crunchy: crisp radishes add cheerful texture and a peppery bite
• Fresh and zesty: lime juice and cilantro bring clean, tangy flavor
• Quick and easy: ready in minutes with minimal prep
• Low-calorie and versatile: great as a snack, salad topper, or accompaniment to grilled proteins

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 cup chopped radishes (about 4–6 medium radishes)
• ½ red onion, finely diced
• 2 spring onions (scallions), thinly sliced
• ½ jalapeño, finely diced (optional, for heat)
• 2 Tbsp fresh lime juice
• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)

Directions

1. In a medium bowl, combine the chopped radishes, diced red onion, sliced spring onions, jalapeño (if using), lime juice, cilantro, and salt.
2. Stir thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are mixed. Taste and adjust the lime juice or salt as needed for brightness and seasoning.
3. Let the mixture sit for at least 10 minutes at room temperature to allow flavors to meld. For best results, chill in the refrigerator for up to 30 minutes before serving.

Servings And Timing

• Serves: about 4 servings as a side or topping
• Prep Time: ~10 minutes
• Marinating Time: at least 10 minutes, up to 30 minutes chilled
• Total Time: ~20–40 minutes

Variations

• No-jalapeño version: omit jalapeño for a milder flavor and rely on radishes’ natural pepperiness.
• Herb swap: replace cilantro with fresh parsley or basil if preferred.
• Added sweetness: stir in a pinch of sugar or a dash of agave to balance acidity.
• Citrus twist: use lemon juice instead of lime for different flavor notes.
• Fruit addition: toss in diced cucumber or tomato for more freshness and color.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Texture note: radishes soften slightly over time—serve early for maximum crunch.
• Serving tip: stir before serving if liquid accumulates at the bottom of the container.

FAQs

Can I Use Regular Onion Instead Of Red Onion?

Yes—but red onion adds a milder, slightly sweet crunch. White or yellow onion will have a stronger bite.

Is Cilantro Mandatory?

No—if you’re not a fan of cilantro, use chopped parsley or omit entirely.

What If I Don’t Have Lime Juice?

Fresh lemon juice works well as a substitute, though the flavor will be slightly different.

Can I Make This Ahead Of Time?

Yes—prepare ahead and chill up to 30 minutes before serving for flavors to meld. Beyond that texture may soften.

How Spicy Will It Be With Jalapeño?

Mild to medium heat—feel free to reduce or omit the jalapeño if you prefer less spice.

Can I Adjust Salt To My Taste?

Absolutely—start with ½ tsp and taste. Add more if needed to balance flavors.

Can I Add Other Herbs?

Yes—fresh mint or basil work nicely for a different flavor profile.

Does Radish Pico De Gallo Pair With Other Dishes?

Yes—great with fish tacos, grilled meats, sandwiches, or even avocado toast.

How Can I Keep It Crunchy Longer?

Serve within a few hours and keep refrigerated—acid and moisture will soften radishes over time.

Can I Increase The Batch Size Easily?

Yes—just scale ingredients proportionally and mix just before serving to retain freshness.

Conclusion

This radish pico de gallo is a light, colorful, and flavorful condiment that brightens any plate. With minimal prep and fresh ingredients, it’s an ideal match for summer meals and a great way to use radishes in a new way. Serve soon after mixing for best texture and flavor.

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