Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Pico de Gallo is incredibly fresh, light, and full of flavor. It’s a versatile condiment that can be paired with virtually any Mexican or Tex-Mex dish, or even used as a topping for salads, eggs, or sandwiches. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity: with just a few ingredients and a quick stir, you can create a dish that adds a tangy, zesty crunch to any meal. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and vegan, making it suitable for various dietary preferences.
Ingredients
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3 medium tomatoes, diced
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1/2 small red onion, finely diced
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1-2 jalapeños, seeds removed and finely chopped (adjust to your spice preference)
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1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
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1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
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Salt and pepper, to taste
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Dice the tomatoes, red onion, and jalapeños into small pieces and place them into a medium-sized mixing bowl.
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Add the chopped cilantro and lime juice to the bowl.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste, and mix everything together until evenly combined.
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Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more lime juice or salt for extra flavor.
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Let the Pico de Gallo sit for about 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4-6
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Prep time: 10 minutes
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Total time: 10 minutes
Variations
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Add more heat: If you like your Pico de Gallo spicier, leave some seeds in the jalapeños or add a bit of cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
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Mango Pico de Gallo: Add diced mango for a sweet, tropical twist that pairs perfectly with grilled meats or fish.
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Corn Pico de Gallo: Toss in some fresh or grilled corn kernels for added sweetness and texture.
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Avocado: Add diced avocado for a creamy, rich version of Pico de Gallo that’s great with tacos or as a topping for grilled chicken or fish.
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Garlic: Add a small clove of minced garlic for extra depth of flavor.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It’s best served fresh, but it will keep for a short time in the fridge.
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Reheating: Pico de Gallo is best served cold or at room temperature, so no reheating is necessary.
FAQs
Can I make Pico de Gallo ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Pico de Gallo a few hours ahead of time to let the flavors meld together. Just store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
How long will Pico de Gallo last in the fridge?
Pico de Gallo is best enjoyed within 1-2 days, as the tomatoes can get mushy and lose their texture after a while.
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
While fresh tomatoes are recommended for the best texture and flavor, you can use canned tomatoes if fresh ones are unavailable. Just be sure to drain them well and remove excess liquid.
Can I make Pico de Gallo spicier?
Yes, adjust the heat by adding more jalapeños or using a hotter pepper like serrano or habanero.
What else can I use Pico de Gallo for?
Pico de Gallo is incredibly versatile! Use it as a topping for tacos, burritos, or nachos, or serve it with grilled meats, eggs, salads, or sandwiches.
Can I use a different type of onion?
You can substitute red onion with white or yellow onion, but red onion gives a nice color and milder flavor.
How do I make a milder Pico de Gallo?
To make it milder, reduce or omit the jalapeños and avoid adding any seeds. You can also add a bit of sugar to balance the heat.
Can I freeze Pico de Gallo?
It’s not recommended to freeze Pico de Gallo, as the tomatoes and other fresh ingredients will lose their texture and become mushy once thawed.
Can I add fruit to Pico de Gallo?
Yes! Adding diced fruits like pineapple, mango, or peaches is a great way to create a sweet-and-spicy variation that pairs perfectly with grilled foods.
How can I make my Pico de Gallo less watery?
To avoid excess liquid, be sure to remove the seeds from the tomatoes and jalapeños before chopping. You can also let the Pico de Gallo sit for a few minutes, then drain any excess liquid before serving.
Conclusion
Quick and easy Pico de Gallo is the perfect way to brighten up any meal with its fresh, zesty flavors. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a vibrant salsa that adds the perfect touch to tacos, nachos, grilled meats, or even just a bowl of tortilla chips. Plus, it’s a versatile recipe that you can easily customize to suit your preferences. Whether you’re serving it as a side or a topping, this Pico de Gallo is sure to be a hit!
