Pico de Gallo, a staple in Mexican cuisine, is known for its lively blend of fresh tomatoes, onions, cilantro, jalapeno peppers, and lime juice. This vibrant salsa, also known as Salsa Fresca, Salsa Mexicana, or Salsa Cruda in various regions, is perfect for enhancing a variety of dishes like tacos, quesadillas, and chicken fajitas.
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Its balance of tangy and spicy flavors makes it a popular choice for adding a refreshing twist to meals. Preparing this salsa at home is simple, emphasizing the importance of fresh ingredients to achieve its characteristic burst of flavor and visual appeal. Whether used as a topping or a dip, Pico de Gallo is a delightful addition to any Mexican-inspired dish.
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Ingredients and Substitutions Overview
To create a delicious Pico de Gallo, you simply need a few basic seasonings and fresh produce, easily found in most supermarkets. Here's what you will need:
- White Onion: Essential for a sharp, spicy flavor. Substitute with red onions for a milder taste if white onions aren't available.
- Tomatoes: They bring juiciness and a hint of sweetness, adding a refreshing, tangy aspect to the salsa.
- Jalapeno Peppers: These peppers introduce a spicy element with a moderate heat level. For less heat, remove seeds and veins, or use milder peppers as a substitute.
- Lime Juice: Adds a zesty, tangy flavor and helps to balance the overall taste. Lemon juice can be used as an alternative.
- Black Pepper: A touch of black pepper brings subtle heat and an earthy note, enhancing the flavors of other ingredients. Freshly ground black pepper is recommended.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning, salt should be used judiciously to highlight the salsa's flavors.
- Garlic: Contributes a savory, aromatic dimension, adding depth to the salsa.
- Cilantro Leaves: Known also as coriander leaves, they offer a fresh, citrusy touch. If cilantro's taste isn't to your liking, consider using fresh parsley or omitting it.
How to Make Pico De Gallo at Home?
Discover how to make authentic Pico de Gallo with this easy recipe. Fresh, simple ingredients combine for a perfect salsa to enhance any Mexican dish. Ideal for beginners and seasoned cooks alike.
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Pico De Gallo
Ingredients
- 1½ lb Tomato, Roma, or plum
- ½ White Onion, medium size or red onion
- 1 bunch Cilantro Leaves, small bunch
- 1 Jalapeno Peppers, seeds and veins removed then diced
- 2 tbsp Garlic, minced
- Lime Juice, squeezed from 1 lime
- ¾ tsp Black Pepper, powder
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
To Make Pico De Gallo
- Start by washing and drying your tomatoes. Cut out the stem area and finely chop them into small pieces, then transfer to a mixing bowl.
- Peel and finely dice the onion, adding it to the bowl with the tomatoes.
- Take a small bunch of cilantro leaves, wash, dry, and finely chop them, and then add to the bowl.
- For the jalapeño peppers, remove the stems and slice them in half. If you prefer less heat, wear gloves to remove the seeds and veins before dicing. Adjust the amount of jalapeños to your liking and add them to the bowl.
- Finally, add minced garlic, lime juice, black pepper, and salt to the bowl. Mix everything well to combine the flavors. Let the Pico De Gallo rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to blend together.
To Serve
- Serve this vibrant and flavorful Pico De Gallo with tortilla chips, tacos, quesadillas, Mexican rice, or your favorite Mexican-inspired dishes for a delicious addition to any meal.
Recipe Video
Chef's Notes and Tips
- Fresh ingredients: Start with fresh and ripe tomatoes, as they are the star of this salsa. Choose firm tomatoes with vibrant colors and a slightly sweet aroma
- Uniform chopping: Aim for uniform and small dice when chopping the tomatoes, onions, and jalapeno peppers. This ensures consistent flavor distribution and a pleasant texture
- Adjust spiciness: Adjust the amount of jalapeno peppers based on your preference for spiciness. Remove the seeds and veins for milder heat, or leave them in for a spicier kick
- Balance flavors: Find the perfect balance of flavors by adding minced garlic, lime juice, black pepper, and salt. Taste and adjust the seasonings to your liking
- Resting time: Allow the Pico de Gallo to rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and intensify, resulting in a more delicious salsa
- Drain excess liquid: As the tomatoes release water, drain the excess liquid before serving. This prevents the salsa from becoming too watery and maintains a desirable texture
- Serve fresh: Pico de Gallo is best enjoyed fresh. While it can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days, the flavors are most vibrant when consumed shortly after preparation
- Other Aaddins: Enhance your Pico de Gallo with a variety of add-ins. Consider adding creamy avocado, tangy mango, sweet corn, crisp bell peppers, juicy pineapple, refreshing cucumber, and spicy radishes, or experimenting with different herbs like mint, basil, or parsley
Nutrition Info
Disclaimer
We're not nutrition experts, and the nutritional information provided is an estimate. Please use it as a guide. For precise details, it's best to consult a professional. To learn more, please view our Detailed Disclaimers.
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Serving Suggestions
Pico de Gallo, with its fresh and zesty flavors, complements a wide array of dishes:
- Tortilla Chips: Pair this salsa with crispy tortilla chips for a classic, irresistible snack.
- Tacos: Top tacos filled with grilled or baked meats, or fish like salmon, with Pico de Gallo for a refreshing flavor boost.
- Quesadillas: Enhance cheesy quesadillas by serving Pico de Gallo on the side or as a filling.
- Grilled Meats: Spoon it over grilled steak, chicken, or shrimp for a flavorful and refreshing contrast.
- Rice and Beans: Add a zesty kick to Mexican rice and beans dishes with a spoonful of Pico de Gallo.
- Tostadas: Use it as a vibrant topping for tostadas layered with beans, cheese, and other toppings.
- Grilled or Roasted Vegetables: Drizzle it over your roasted veggies to add a tangy twist and highlight their natural sweetness.
Storage Suggestions
Keep your homemade Pico de Gallo fresh by storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It typically stays fresh for 3 to 4 days. It's common for the tomatoes to release some water over time, so just drain any excess liquid before serving. Enjoy the lasting vibrant flavors of this delightful salsa with your meals.
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