Pico de gallo is a fresh Mexican salsa made from tomatoes, onions, cilantro, jalapeños, lime juice, and salt.
Its simplicity and balance of flavors make it an excellent addition to Mexican cuisine, offering a crisp, refreshing taste that enhances tacos, nachos, grilled meats, and more.
The raw ingredients provide a vibrant texture and a burst of freshness, making pico de gallo a versatile and essential condiment that complements and elevates a variety of dishes.
PREPARATION
- Ripe red tomatoes - preferably Roma tomatoes
- Onion - preferably white onion
- Cilantro
- Lime juice
- Japaleño (to taste)
- Salt (to taste)
When it comes to ingredient quantities, personal taste plays a crucial role. ideally, pico de gallo should start with equal parts red tomato and white onion. From this base, you can reduce the onion and adjust all the other ingredients completely to your liking.
Step 1 - Chop the tomato, raw onions, cilantro, and the jalapeño.
Step 2 - Combine the finely chopped ingredients in a large bowl. Add lime and salt and stir to combine.
Step 3 - Taste the salsa and adjust the salt, lime juice, jalapeño, or cilantro.
EXTRA TIPS
- Let it marinate: The longer the pico de gallo sits, the longer the flavors have a better opportunity to come together. Let it sit in the fridge for at least 20 minutes.
- Spice level: The longer the pico de gallo sits, the longer the flavors have a better opportunity to come together.
- Onion options: Use white onion for authenticity, red onion for a milder flavor, or green onions for a fresh, grassy note.
- Storage: Pico de Gallo is freshest within a day or two, but it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days.
HOW TO USE PICO DE GALLO
You can basically treat pico de gallo like salsa. It’s a healthy and refreshing condiment welcome on any of the following: tacos, quesadillas, burritos or burrito bowls, nachos, tostadas, huevos rancheros, enchiladas, tortilla chips… you name it.