Fresh Pico de Gallo Recipe
Introduction
Pico de Gallo is a fresh, vibrant salsa that’s perfect for adding a burst of flavor to any meal. With ripe tomatoes, zesty lime, and a touch of heat from jalapeño, it’s a simple yet delicious condiment that brightens up tacos, grilled meats, or chips.
Ingredients
- 4 to 5 Roma tomatoes (ripe and firm, seeds removed, finely diced)
- ½ cup white onion (finely diced)
- ⅔ cup fresh cilantro (finely chopped)
- 1 jalapeño pepper (diced, adjust quantity for desired spiciness)
- 1 lime (juiced, start with half and add more as needed)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Combine the diced tomatoes, white onion, chopped cilantro, and diced jalapeño in a medium-sized bowl.
- Step 2: Add the kosher salt and lime juice, then stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Step 3: Taste the pico de gallo and adjust seasoning with more salt, lime juice, or jalapeño as needed to get the perfect flavor.
- Step 4: Refrigerate the mixture for 15 to 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. It can be served immediately if needed, but it tastes best after chilling.
Tips & Variations
- Use Serrano peppers instead of jalapeño for a sharper heat.
- For a milder pico de gallo, remove the seeds from the jalapeño before dicing.
- Add a small amount of minced garlic for extra depth of flavor.
- If you prefer a juicier salsa, leave some tomato seeds in or add a splash of fresh tomato juice.
Storage
Store pico de gallo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir before serving to redistribute any liquid that may have settled. It’s best enjoyed fresh but can be briefly reheated to room temperature if preferred.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make pico de gallo ahead of time?
Yes! Preparing it a few hours in advance or even the night before allows the flavors to blend beautifully, enhancing the taste.
How spicy is pico de gallo traditionally?
Traditional pico de gallo has a mild to medium heat level, depending on the amount and type of chili used. You can adjust spiciness by adding or reducing jalapeño or by choosing milder peppers.
Print
Fresh Pico de Gallo Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Pico de Gallo is a fresh, zesty Mexican salsa made with ripe tomatoes, white onions, cilantro, jalapeño peppers, lime juice, and salt. This vibrant condiment takes just 10 minutes to prepare and is perfect for adding a burst of flavor to tacos, grilled meats, or as a refreshing dip with tortilla chips. Its bright ingredients meld together beautifully when chilled, offering a fresh and spicy taste that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Vegetables & Herbs
- 4 to 5 Roma tomatoes, ripe and firm, seeds removed, finely diced
- ½ cup white onion, finely diced
- ⅔ cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- 1 jalapeño pepper, diced (adjust quantity to taste; Serrano peppers can be used as an alternative)
Other Ingredients
- 1 lime, juiced (start with half and add more as needed)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, add the finely diced tomatoes, white onions, chopped cilantro, and diced jalapeño peppers.
- Season: Add the kosher salt and lime juice to the bowl. Stir the mixture thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well combined.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste your pico de gallo and adjust the seasoning as needed by adding more salt, lime juice, or jalapeño to suit your preference. Freshness of ingredients may affect the flavor balance, so tweak accordingly.
- Chill to Develop Flavor: Refrigerate the pico de gallo for 15 to 30 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the flavors meld and intensify. However, it can be served immediately if desired, and is delicious right away.
Notes
- For a spicier salsa, increase the amount of jalapeño or substitute with serrano peppers.
- Removing tomato seeds helps reduce excess moisture, keeping the salsa from becoming watery.
- Adjust lime juice gradually to avoid overpowering the fresh ingredients.
- Pico de Gallo is best consumed within 1-2 days for optimal freshness.
- Perfect as a topping for tacos, grilled meats, or as a fresh dip with tortilla chips.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mexican
Keywords: Pico de Gallo, Fresh Salsa, Mexican Salsa, Tomato Salsa, No Cook Salsa, Jalapeño Salsa, Cilantro Salsa, Lime Salsa
