Pico de Gallo

There’s something magical about making Pico de Gallo at home. I remember the first time I experienced the vibrant freshness of this salsa; it was during a summer barbecue, and the sweet scent of fresh tomatoes and cilantro filled the air. As everyone mingled and enjoyed their meals, I couldn’t help but notice how this simple dish brought everyone together. It’s not just about the flavors; it’s about the memories created with family and friends around the table. The bright colors of the ingredients, paired with the zesty kick of jalapeño and a squeeze of lime, make Pico de Gallo an essential companion to many dishes, from tacos to grilled chicken. Each bite is a burst of summer sunshine that transports you to a warm, festive atmosphere, no matter the occasion.

Ingredients to Make Pico de Gallo

When it comes to Pico de Gallo, the ingredients are simple yet crucial in bringing out the vibrant flavors. Each component plays a significant role, creating a dish that is fresh and lively. The key players include juicy tomatoes, crunchy onions, and aromatic cilantro, all brought together by a squeeze of lime juice.

• 2 medium tomatoes, seeded and diced: The base of our salsa, they add a sweet and juicy flavor.
• 1/2 cup white onion, diced: For a sharp bite and a hint of sweetness when cooked.
• 1/3 cup cilantro, chopped: The herb that elevates the flavor profile with its fresh and fragrant taste.
• 1 small jalapeño pepper, diced: Adds the perfect amount of heat; adjust based on your preference.
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for bringing out all the flavors.
• Juice of 1 small lime: Brightens the dish and adds a zesty kick.

How to Make Pico de Gallo

Making Pico de Gallo is as easy as it gets! You’ll love how quickly you can put this together. Just follow these simple steps, and in no time, you’ll have a fresh, delicious salsa ready to enhance your meals.

1. Start by preparing your ingredients. Dice the tomatoes, onion, and jalapeño into small pieces. Make sure to remove the seeds from the tomatoes to avoid excess moisture that could make your salsa watery.
2. Next, in a medium bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, diced onion, chopped cilantro, and diced jalapeño. Make sure the pieces are chopped finely to enhance the overall texture and flavor.
3. Add in the kosher salt. This will help draw out the moisture from the tomatoes and intensify the flavors.
4. Now, squeeze the juice of one small lime into the bowl. This will add acidity and freshness to your Pico de Gallo.
5. Using a spoon, gently mix all the ingredients together until evenly combined. Be careful not to mash the tomatoes, as you want to keep the texture intact.
6. Once mixed, taste your salsa. If you feel it needs more flavor, add a pinch more salt or additional jalapeño for extra heat.
7. Let the mixture sit for about five minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
8. Serve your Pico de Gallo as a condiment with your favorite Mexican dishes, such as tacos or enchiladas, or simply enjoy it with tortilla chips.
9. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, though it’s best enjoyed fresh.

Customization Ideas

The beauty of Pico de Gallo is how easily it can be customized! Here are some fun ideas to elevate your salsa game.

• Mix in Fruits: Add diced mango or pineapple for a sweet twist.
• Try Different Herbs: Swap out cilantro for parsley if you’re not a fan.
• Add Garlic: Incorporate minced garlic for an extra layer of flavor.
• Use Different Tomatoes: Cherry or heirloom tomatoes can provide different tastes and textures.
• Experiment with Heat: For a milder salsa, use a bell pepper instead of jalapeño.
• Infuse Flavor: Let the salsa sit for a couple of hours to enhance the flavors even more.
• Add Avocado: For creaminess, mix in some diced avocado right before serving.

Perfect Matches for Pico de Gallo

When considering how to serve Pico de Gallo, the options are endless. Here are some ideas to help you enjoy this fresh salsa even more!

• Tacos: Great as a topping for chicken or beef tacos, adding freshness and crunch.
• Grilled Fish: Enhance grilled fish fillets with a dollop of Pico de Gallo for a refreshing contrast.
• Nachos: Use as a topping for a delicious plate of nachos with melted cheese.
• Salads: Mix into salads for an extra burst of flavor or as a dressing.
• Picnics: Perfect for summer picnics alongside chips and drinks.
• BBQ: Serve with grilled meats and vegetables at your next barbecue.
• Breakfast: Add to scrambled eggs or breakfast burritos for a zesty start to your day.

FAQ

Conclusion

In summary, Pico de Gallo is a refreshing and versatile salsa that brings a burst of fresh flavors to your meals. Enjoy it with friends and family at your next gathering, and let its vibrant taste elevate your dishes. I encourage you to try making it yourself; it’s simple, quick, and absolutely delicious!

Pico de Gallo

The ultimate summer salsa, Pico de Gallo is a fresh and vibrant blend of ripe tomatoes, zesty jalapeño, and fragrant cilantro. Perfect as a dip or topping for your favorite dishes, it’s a must-try for any occasion. Brighten up your meals with this easy recipe tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Servings: 2 cups

Course: Appetizers, Side Dishes

Cuisine: Mexican

Calories: 35

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 medium Tomatoes seeded and diced
• 1/2 cup White Onion diced
• 1/3 cup Cilantro chopped
• 1 small Jalapeño Pepper diced
• 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
• 1 small Lime juiced

Equipment

• Sharp knife
• Cutting Board

Method

 

1. Start by preparing your ingredients. Dice the tomatoes, onion, and jalapeño into small pieces. Make sure to remove the seeds from the tomatoes to avoid excess moisture that could make your salsa watery.
2. Next, in a medium bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, diced onion, chopped cilantro, and diced jalapeño. Make sure the pieces are chopped finely to enhance the overall texture and flavor.
3. Add in the kosher salt. This will help draw out the moisture from the tomatoes and intensify the flavors.
4. Now, squeeze the juice of one small lime into the bowl. This will add acidity and freshness to your Pico de Gallo.
5. Using a spoon, gently mix all the ingredients together until evenly combined. Be careful not to mash the tomatoes, as you want to keep the texture intact.
6. Once mixed, taste your salsa. If you feel it needs more flavor, add a pinch more salt or additional jalapeño for extra heat.
7. Let the mixture sit for about five minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
8. Serve your Pico de Gallo as a condiment with your favorite Mexican dishes, such as tacos or enchiladas, or simply enjoy it with tortilla chips.
9. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, though it's best enjoyed fresh.

Notes

• Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
• Adjust to Taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of jalapeño and salt to suit your personal taste.
• Serve Cold: For the best taste, serve your Pico de Gallo cold.
• Perfect Pair: Great with grilled meats and fish or as a topping for nachos.

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Meet Diana Foster

I appreciate the beauty of a well-made meal, but I also value simplicity. I’m always looking for that perfect balance of big flavor and low stress. I developed this recipe to be reliable, tasty, and perfect for your daily rotation.