Pico de Gallo is the vibrant and fresh salsa that adds a burst of flavor to almost anything. Whether you’re looking to brighten up tacos, grilled meats, or just serve it as a dip with tortilla chips, this simple yet delicious blend of fresh ingredients is sure to become a favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
Pico de Gallo is all about fresh ingredients and bold flavors. With no cooking required, it’s incredibly easy to prepare. The combination of juicy tomatoes, crisp onions, zesty lime, and a kick of heat from the jalapeños makes this salsa perfect for summer barbecues, taco nights, or just as a quick snack.
Ingredients
- 4 medium tomatoes, finely diced
- 1/2 medium red onion, finely diced
- 1-2 jalapeños, deseeded and finely chopped (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Full list of ingredients is below.
Directions
Prepare the Veggies
Start by dicing your tomatoes and onion. Aim for bite-sized pieces, so the salsa is easy to scoop. For the best flavor, use ripe, juicy tomatoes. Remove the seeds from the jalapeños if you prefer a milder salsa, or leave them in for an extra kick.
Mix It All Together
In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, onion, and jalapeños. Add in the chopped cilantro and squeeze in the fresh lime juice. Stir everything together until well combined.
Season to Taste
Now, it’s time to season. Sprinkle a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Give it a quick stir and taste to make sure it’s balanced. If you like more lime or spice, feel free to adjust the seasoning.
Let It Rest
Let the pico de gallo sit for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This helps all the flavors meld together, giving you the best-tasting salsa possible.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- For extra flavor, you can add a small garlic clove, minced, into the mix.
- If you want to make it even spicier, add a little bit of hot sauce or more jalapeños.
- Pico de Gallo is best when served fresh, but you can store it in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Swap the cilantro: If you’re not a fan of cilantro, you can use fresh parsley as a milder alternative.
- Add fruit: Try adding diced mango or pineapple for a sweet twist on the classic recipe.
- Add avocado: For a creamy variation, mix in some diced avocado to create a more filling salsa.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Pico de Gallo is incredibly versatile. Here are a few ways to enjoy it:
- Serve as a topping for tacos, grilled chicken, or fish.
- Pair with tortilla chips for an easy appetizer or snack.
- Add it to your favorite Mexican dishes like burritos, nachos, or quesadillas.
Storage and Reheating Tips
While Pico de Gallo is best when fresh, it can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just be aware that the tomatoes might release some juice after sitting, so give it a good stir before serving again.
FAQs
Can I make Pico de Gallo ahead of time?
It’s best to prepare Pico de Gallo right before serving, but you can make it a few hours ahead to let the flavors come together.
How can I make Pico de Gallo less spicy?
Remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños to reduce the heat. You can also use a milder pepper, like a bell pepper, if you want to skip the heat altogether.
Can I freeze Pico de Gallo?
Freezing Pico de Gallo isn’t recommended as the texture of the tomatoes and cilantro can change once thawed.
Can I use other peppers in this recipe?
Yes! You can swap in other chili peppers like serrano or poblano for different levels of heat and flavor.
Conclusion
Pico de Gallo is a fresh, flavorful salsa that’s quick to prepare and perfect for any occasion. With just a few ingredients, you can create a zesty topping for tacos, a dip for chips, or even a side for grilled meats. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or just craving something light, this salsa will never disappoint. Enjoy!
Print
Pico de Gallo: The Fresh and Zesty Salsa You Can’t Resist
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 2 cups 1x
- Category: Condiment
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A fresh and zesty Mexican salsa combining ripe tomatoes, crisp onions, spicy jalapeños, fragrant cilantro, and tangy lime juice. Perfect as a topping or dip.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (3-4 medium) ripe tomatoes, diced
- 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely minced (optional)
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (from 1 lime)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, chopped onion, minced jalapeño (if using), and chopped cilantro.
- Add the lime juice, salt, and black pepper.
- Stir gently to mix all ingredients evenly.
- For best flavor, cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve chilled as a topping for tacos, grilled meats, or with tortilla chips.
Notes
- Adjust the number of jalapeños to control the spice level.
- For a milder version, omit the jalapeño.
- Pico de Gallo can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
- Calories: 20 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 199mg
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
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