Tomatoes, Onions, Cilantro, (Chili) Peppers, Lime & Avocado – in all or some combination they can be found in many a Mexican dish. They are essential building blocks in the awesomeness that is Mexican Food; each playing a distinctive part in achieving a cohesive balance of flavor.

So, it makes sense to just combine all of the above and call it a day.

Truth be told this is less a recipe and more a combining of deliciousness. You best believe, when tomatoes are in season – their flavors bursting with peak sweetness and pop – you should be cooking up something that involves the delicious red orbs.

I’m not sure what you would call this. I’ve heard it referred to as Guacapico, which makes sense – but let’s not kid ourselves – your taking pico de gallo and adding some avocado. Das it.

How could that not be good? I Think that’s good don’t you?

And that’s what this is – just my pico de gallo recipe with diced avocado – with a one tiny changes, I use red onion for a peppery punch – but I don’t go overboard with it. It’s all about balance of flavor people!

Note #1: Since avocados aren’t uniform in size (and pit sizes vary) it’s up to you just how much avocado you use. I use the whole thing regardless of the size. But feel free to use as much as you’d like. A lot of avocado isn’t a bad thing.

Note #2: I find that it’s best to make your pico first and then dice and stir in your avocado before serving. It presents the avocado as it should be – as fresh and pillowy as possible.

Guacapico 

3 Vine-ripened or 4 Roma Tomatoes – Seeded and diced.
1/4 medium red onion – peeled and finely diced
1/4 cup chopped (packed) cilantro
1 – 2 Jalapenos – seeded and diced
1/2 – Whole Avocado – diced into 1/4 inch pieces
Juice of one lime
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Splash of red-wine vinegar (any vinegar will suffice really)
pinch of black pepper
Salt to taste

1. Seed & Dice tomatoes. Add to a medium mixing bowl – sprinkle tomatoes with a bit of salt. Set aside.
2. Chop all ingredients – except avocado – add to bowl of tomatoes.
3. Squeeze in fresh lime juice (no seeds!)
4. Add garlic powder, black pepper and vinegar.
5. Stir evenly and thoroughly.
6. Add diced avocado and gently stir to mix.
7. Salt to taste (about 1/2 teaspoon or so)