Fresh Pico de Gallo Recipe
Introduction
Fresh Pico de Gallo is a vibrant, zesty Mexican salsa full of bright flavors and crisp textures. It’s a quick and easy way to add a fresh kick to any meal or snack. Perfect with tortilla chips or as a topping for tacos and grilled dishes.
Ingredients
- 3 tomatoes (diced)
- ⅔ cup sweet onion (finely chopped)
- 1 jalapeño (deseeded and finely diced)
- ½ cup cilantro leaves (roughly chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (grated)
- 2 limes (juiced)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or more to taste)
Instructions
- Step 1: Chop the tomatoes, sweet onion, jalapeño, and cilantro and add them to a mixing bowl.
- Step 2: Grate the garlic and juice the limes, then add both along with the kosher salt to the bowl.
- Step 3: Mix well to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Step 4: Serve the pico de gallo in a bowl with tortilla chips and enjoy immediately for the freshest taste.
Tips & Variations
- For extra heat, leave some seeds in the jalapeño or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Use red or white onion based on your preference for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Add diced avocado for a creamy twist on this classic salsa.
- Let the pico de gallo sit for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Storage
Store pico de gallo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Avoid storing for too long as the tomatoes release water and the texture becomes watery. Stir before serving and enjoy cold or at room temperature.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of tomatoes for this recipe?
Yes, Roma or plum tomatoes are ideal because they are less watery, but any ripe tomatoes will work. Just drain excess juice if needed to keep a thick consistency.
How do I adjust the heat level?
You can control the spice by removing all the seeds and membranes from the jalapeño for a mild salsa, or include some seeds for more heat. Alternatively, substitute with a milder pepper like poblano or a hotter one like serrano depending on your preference.
Print
Fresh Pico de Gallo Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: About 2 cups (serves 4) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Fresh Pico de Gallo is a vibrant Mexican salsa made with diced tomatoes, sweet onions, jalapeño, cilantro, garlic, and lime juice. This zesty, refreshing condiment is perfect for adding a burst of flavor to tortilla chips, tacos, grilled meats, or any dish that needs a fresh, tangy kick. Easy to prepare and requiring no cooking, it highlights fresh ingredients for an authentic taste.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Herbs
- 3 tomatoes (diced)
- ⅔ cup sweet onion (finely chopped)
- 1 jalapeño (deseeded and finely diced)
- ½ cup cilantro leaves (roughly chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (grated)
Seasoning
- 2 limes (juiced)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or more to taste)
Instructions
- Chop the Vegetables: Finely dice the tomatoes, sweet onion, jalapeño (after deseeding), and roughly chop the cilantro. Combine all these ingredients into a mixing bowl to start building the base of your pico de gallo.
- Prepare Garlic and Lime: Grate the garlic cloves finely to release their flavor. Juice the limes fresh to ensure tanginess. Add the grated garlic and fresh lime juice to the bowl with the chopped vegetables.
- Add Seasoning: Sprinkle in the kosher salt to enhance all the fresh flavors. Adjust the amount of salt according to your taste preferences.
- Mix Thoroughly: Use a spoon or spatula to gently mix all the ingredients together, ensuring the lime juice and salt coat every piece evenly. This step combines all the flavors harmoniously.
- Serve Fresh: Transfer the pico de gallo to a serving bowl and enjoy immediately with tortilla chips, or as a topping for your favorite Mexican dishes.
Notes
- For less heat, remove all the seeds and membranes from the jalapeño.
- Use fresh limes for the best zesty flavor; bottled lime juice won’t provide the same brightness.
- This salsa is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 2 days in an airtight container.
- Add finely diced avocado for a creamier texture if desired.
- Adjust salt and lime to taste depending on personal preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mexican
Keywords: pico de gallo, fresh salsa, Mexican salsa, homemade salsa, easy salsa, tortilla chip dip
