Fresh and Flavorful Mexican Pico De Gallo Recipe
Pico de gallo is a zesty and refreshing salsa that embodies the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine. It’s the perfect way to add a burst of freshness to tacos, grilled meats, or even as a snack with tortilla chips. This simple recipe celebrates the taste of ripe tomatoes and crisp onions, bringing a taste of summer to your table all year round.
Whether you’re hosting a party or just looking for a healthy condiment to spice up your meals, pico de gallo is a crowd-pleaser. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up this delightful salsa in no time. Plus, it’s fully customizable—add more jalapeños for heat or throw in some mango for a sweet twist!
What is Pico de Gallo?
Pico de gallo is a fresh salsa that captures the essence of Mexican cuisine.
This lively mixture not only brings color to your table but also an explosion of flavors that enhances any dish.
Characterized by its chunky texture, pico de gallo typically includes ripe tomatoes, crisp onions, and spicy jalapeños, making it a versatile condiment.
Whether accompanying tacos or served with tortilla chips, it adds a refreshing element to any meal.
Ingredients That Shine
The core ingredients of pico de gallo are simple yet vibrant.
Ripe tomatoes serve as the base, providing sweetness and juiciness, while jalapeños introduce a spicy kick.
Cilantro adds a burst of herbal brightness, balancing the flavors harmoniously.
A splash of lime juice elevates the salsa with its tang, while a pinch of salt enhances the overall taste.
Each component plays a crucial role in creating this refreshing dish, ensuring every bite is full of character.
Preparation Made Easy
Making pico de gallo is a straightforward process that requires minimal time and effort.
Start by dicing the tomatoes and chopping the onions and jalapeños, ensuring each piece is uniform for a consistent texture.
Finely chopped cilantro brings everything together, creating a beautiful medley of colors and flavors.
Mix these ingredients in a bowl, squeeze in fresh lime juice, and season with salt.
Letting the mixture sit for a brief period allows the flavors to meld, resulting in an even more delightful salsa.
Serving Suggestions
Pico de gallo shines when served with crispy tortilla chips, making it an ideal snack or appetizer.
The contrast of textures between the crunchy chips and the fresh salsa is simply irresistible.
Beyond chips, this salsa pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, adding a fresh twist to burgers, chicken, or fish.
It can also be used as a topping for tacos or burritos, enhancing the overall flavor profile of your meal.
Customizable Variations
One of the best aspects of pico de gallo is its versatility.
Feel free to adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer jalapeños, or even experimenting with different types of peppers for a unique twist.
For a touch of sweetness, consider incorporating diced mango or pineapple, transforming the traditional recipe into a tropical delight.
This adaptability ensures that you can make pico de gallo to suit your taste preferences and occasions.
Storage and Freshness Tips
To maintain the freshness of your pico de gallo, it is best enjoyed shortly after preparation.
However, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Keep in mind that the texture and flavor may change slightly as the ingredients continue to mingle.
When storing, try to limit exposure to air, as this can lead to faster spoilage.
Give the salsa a gentle stir and taste before serving again, adjusting seasoning if needed.
Classic Mexican Pico De Gallo Recipe
This pico de gallo recipe is a vibrant mix of diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice. It’s fresh, tangy, and slightly spicy, making it a perfect accompaniment to a variety of dishes.
Ingredients
- 4 ripe tomatoes, diced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced (adjust for spice level)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix together the diced tomatoes, chopped onion, minced jalapeño, and chopped cilantro.
- Add Lime Juice: Squeeze the lime juice over the mixture and season with salt to taste. Stir gently to combine.
- Chill: Let the pico de gallo sit for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.
- Serve: Enjoy with tortilla chips, tacos, or as a topping for grilled meats or fish.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4
- Calories: 30kcal
- Fat: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
Classic Mexican Pico De Gallo
Ingredients
- 4 ripe tomatoes diced
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 1 jalapeño pepper seeded and minced (adjust for spice level)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix together the diced tomatoes, chopped onion, minced jalapeño, and chopped cilantro.
- Add Lime Juice: Squeeze the lime juice over the mixture and season with salt to taste. Stir gently to combine.
- Chill: Let the pico de gallo sit for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.
- Serve: Enjoy with tortilla chips, tacos, or as a topping for grilled meats or fish.