Classic Pico De Gallo

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fresh, bright flavors with simple ingredients.
• Quick and easy to prepare in minutes.
• Perfect as a dip, topping, or side.
• Naturally light and refreshing.
• Adds color and flavor to many dishes.
• Easily customizable to your taste.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• ripe tomatoes, diced
• white onion, finely chopped
• fresh cilantro, chopped
• lime juice
• jalapeño, finely chopped
• salt
• black pepper

Directions

1. Wash and dice the tomatoes into small, even pieces and place them in a mixing bowl.
2. Finely chop the white onion and add it to the bowl with the tomatoes.
3. Chop the fresh cilantro and stir it into the mixture.
4. Add the finely chopped jalapeño for a touch of heat.
5. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the ingredients.
6. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
7. Gently mix everything together until evenly combined.
8. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes so the flavors can blend.
9. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
10. Serve fresh with chips, tacos, grilled meats, or your favorite dishes.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4 servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes

Variations

• Add diced avocado for a creamy twist.
• Mix in chopped mango or pineapple for a sweet flavor.
• Use serrano peppers instead of jalapeños for more heat.
• Add a small amount of minced garlic for extra depth.
• Include diced cucumber for a refreshing variation.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover pico de gallo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Because it is made with fresh ingredients, it is best enjoyed soon after preparation for the best texture and flavor.

Stir the mixture before serving again, as the tomatoes may release some liquid during storage.

Freezing is not recommended since the fresh vegetables will lose their texture after thawing.

FAQs

What does pico de gallo mean?

Pico de gallo is a fresh salsa traditionally made with chopped tomatoes, onions, cilantro, lime juice, and peppers.

What type of tomatoes work best?

Roma tomatoes are often preferred because they are firm and less watery.

Is pico de gallo the same as salsa?

Not exactly. Pico de gallo is chunkier and made with fresh chopped ingredients, while many salsas are blended.

Can I make it less spicy?

Yes, simply reduce or omit the jalapeño.

Can I prepare it ahead of time?

Yes, but it tastes best when served fresh or within a few hours.

What dishes go well with pico de gallo?

It pairs well with tacos, burritos, grilled meats, eggs, and tortilla chips.

Can I add other vegetables?

Yes, ingredients like cucumber, avocado, or corn can be added for variety.

How do I keep it from becoming watery?

Use firm tomatoes and remove some of the seeds before dicing.

Can I use lemon instead of lime?

Yes, lemon juice can be used if lime is not available.

Is pico de gallo healthy?

Yes, it is made with fresh vegetables and contains very few calories.

Conclusion

Classic Pico De Gallo is a simple yet flavorful salsa that brings freshness and brightness to many dishes. With just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes of preparation, you can create a vibrant topping or dip that enhances everything from tacos to grilled meals. Its fresh taste and versatility make it a favorite addition to any table.

Classic Pico De Gallo

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Classic Pico De Gallo is a fresh and vibrant salsa made with diced tomatoes, onion, cilantro, lime juice, and jalapeño. It delivers bright flavor and crisp texture, making it perfect for tacos, chips, grilled meats, and many other dishes.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: No Cook
• Cuisine: Mexican
• Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

• 2 cups ripe tomatoes, diced
• 1/3 cup white onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 small jalapeño, finely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Wash and dice the tomatoes into small, even pieces and place them in a mixing bowl.
2. Finely chop the white onion and add it to the bowl.
3. Chop the fresh cilantro and stir it into the mixture.
4. Add the finely chopped jalapeño.
5. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the ingredients.
6. Season with salt and black pepper.
7. Gently mix everything together until evenly combined.
8. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes so the flavors blend.
9. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
10. Serve fresh with tortilla chips, tacos, grilled meats, or other dishes.

Notes

• Roma tomatoes work well because they are firm and less watery.
• Remove some tomato seeds to reduce excess liquid.
• For extra flavor, add a small clove of minced garlic.
• Diced avocado, mango, or cucumber can be mixed in for variations.
• Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and stir before serving.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/4 cup
• Calories: 25 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 0 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg