Pico de Gallo
Fresh and Flavorful
After returning from our honeymoon in Mexico, I was determined to recreate the delicious pico de gallo we enjoyed with quesadillas at our resort. It was so fresh and flavorful, I knew I couldn’t wait until our next vacation to have it again. That’s when my mission to perfect my own pico de gallo recipe began. It’s been many years since that trip to Mexico but we still think of our trip each time I make this summer salsa.
A Classic Mexican Condiment
Pico de gallo, also known as salsa fresca, is a classic Mexican condiment made from fresh tomatoes, onions, cilantro, jalapeños, garlic, lime juice, and salt. It’s a simple yet vibrant topping that adds a burst of flavor to any dish. While it can be enjoyed year-round, it’s especially delightful in the summer when tomatoes and other ingredients are at their peak freshness. Scoop your fresh pico de gallo with chips, add to tacos, serve alongside quesadillas, scramble in with eggs, or top your avocado toast.
Ingredients for Pico de Gallo
- Ingredients
- 5-6 ripe roma tomatoes
- ½ red onion
- 1 jalapeno, seeds removed
- 2 limes
- 1 bunch of cilantro
- 2-3 cloves of garlic
- Salt & pepper
PRINTABLE RECIPE CARD IS AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE
Choosing Fresh Ingredients
The key to a delicious pico de gallo recipe is using the freshest ingredients possible. When selecting tomatoes, look for ones that are firm and ripe, but not too soft. The skin should be smooth and free of blemishes. I always choose roma tomatoes for my pico de gallo recipe due to their firm texture and rich flavor.
For onions, choose red or white onions, which have a milder flavor than yellow onions. The onion should be firm and free of soft spots.
When selecting cilantro, look for bunches with bright green leaves and avoid any that are wilted or yellowing.
I highly recommend using the chopper (buy on Amazon) to dice the tomatoes and onions. This will not only speed up the process but it ensures the pieces will be of uniform size. Not only that, I use the container from the chopper as my bowl for mixing in the additional ingredients.
Directions
- Wash and dice tomatoes.
- Remove seeds from jalapeno and dice.
- Dice onion.
- Mince or press garlic
- Wash cilantro and finely chop
- Juice limes
- Mix all ingredients
- Add salt & pepper to taste
I highly recommend using the chopper to dice the tomatoes and onions. This will not only speed up the process but it ensures the pieces will be of uniform size. Not only that, I use the container from the chopper as my bowl for mixing in the additional ingredients.
Washing and Chopping Cilantro
Before using cilantro, it’s important to wash it thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris. To wash cilantro, place it in a bowl of cold water and swish it around gently. Then, remove the cilantro from the water and shake to dry or pat it dry with a clean towel or paper towel.
To chop cilantro, first remove the leaves from the stems. Discard the stems or save them for another use. Gather the leaves into a tight pile and use a sharp knife to chop them finely. Be sure to use a sharp knife to avoid bruising the leaves.
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Pico de Gallo vs. Salsa: What’s the Difference?
Pico de gallo and salsa are often used interchangeably, but there are some key differences between the two. Salsa, which means “sauce” in Spanish, can refer to a variety of sauces in Mexican cuisine. It can be cooked or raw and can range in texture from chunky to smooth.
Pico de gallo, on the other hand, is a type of salsa that is always made with raw, fresh ingredients. It is typically chunky and has a crisp, bright flavor. While salsa can be made with a variety of ingredients, pico de gallo is traditionally made with just tomatoes, onions, cilantro, jalapeños, garlic, lime juice, and salt.
Pico de Gallo Recipe
Now that you know the difference between pico de gallo and salsa and how to choose and chop fresh ingredients, it’s time to make your own pico de gallo! This recipe is simple and delicious, perfect for enjoying on its own with chips or as a topping for tacos, quesadillas, or grilled meats.
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Pico de Gallo
Ingredients
- 5-6 ripe roma tomatoes
- ½ red onion
- 1 jalapeno seeds removed
- 2 limes
- 1 bunch cilantro
- 2-3 cloves of garlic
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash and dice tomatoes.
- Remove seeds from jalapeno and dice.
- Dice onion.
- Mince or press garlic
- Wash cilantro and finely chop
- Juice limes
- Mix all ingredients
- Add salt & pepper to taste
Video
@injamieskitchen #onthisday one year ago today and i still use all of these recommended kitchen gadgets regularly and STILL love them! Cinco de Mayo is on the way so here are two fantastic recipes you need. The perfect pico de gallo and amazin guacamole. Both are so delicious 🥑 🐶 About 2 months after this we adopted our foster pup and shes my BFF 🥰 (and also drives me crazy) #easypicodegallo #picorecipe #guacamolerecipe
♬ original sound – In Jamie’s Kitchen
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