The Best Pico De Gallo

Spring is here, and in just a few short months, we’ll be overflowing with fresh tomatoes, jalapeños, and cilantro from the garden. One of my favorite things to make with the abundance of ingredients in spring and summer is homemade pico de gallo. This simple recipe is the perfect way to showcase the flavors of the season, and it’s incredibly easy to make. Whether you enjoy it as a topping for tacos, served with chips, or as a fresh side dish, it’s the perfect addition to any meal.

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Why You’ll Love Recipe

Fresh Ingredients:
This recipe is all about fresh, wholesome ingredients. When you make pico de gallo at home, you have control over the quality of the ingredients, ensuring a vibrant, flavorful result.

Easy to Make:
You don’t need any special equipment or skills to make pico de gallo. Just chop, season, and enjoy. It’s the perfect recipe for beginners and seasoned cooks alike.

Perfect for Meal Prep:
Pico de gallo is a fantastic option for meal prep. It stores well in the fridge and can be used throughout the week on various dishes, from tacos to salads and everything in between.

Looking for more meal prep ideas? Check out my Ultimate Guide to Meal Prep Ideas and 10 Time-Saving Tips for Meal Prep to help you make the most of your time in the kitchen!

Ingredients

  • Roma tomatoes
  • Onion (white or red)
  • Jalapeño peppers
  • Lime juice
  • Salt
  • Freshly cracked black pepper
  • Fresh cilantro (optional, but adds great flavor!)

Note: The proportions of each ingredient are customizable based on your taste preferences. The recipe below offers a basic guideline, but feel free to adjust the ingredients as desired.

Tools You’ll Need to Make Pico de Gallo

  1. Sharp Knife: A good-quality knife will make chopping the tomatoes, onions, and jalapeños quick and easy.
  2. Cutting Board: A sturdy cutting board will provide a solid surface for chopping your ingredients.
  3. Mixing Bowl: A large bowl to combine all the diced ingredients and toss with seasoning.
  4. Citrus Juicer or Squeezer: If you’re using fresh lime juice, a citrus juicer can help you extract all the juice with minimal effort.
  5. Measuring Spoons: Measuring spoons ensure that your salt, pepper, and lime juice are perfectly balanced.

How to Make Pico de Gallo

  1. Prepare the Ingredients
    Start by washing all your fresh ingredients thoroughly. Dice the tomatoes, onions, and jalapeños into small pieces. If you like your pico de gallo spicy, leave some of the seeds in the jalapeño, but if you prefer a milder flavor, remove the seeds.
  2. Mix Everything Together
    Place all the diced ingredients into a large bowl. Add a generous squeeze of fresh lime juice, a pinch of salt, and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Stir everything together until well combined.
  3. Taste and Adjust
    Taste your pico de gallo and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you prefer more acidity, add extra lime juice. If you like it spicier, throw in another jalapeño or some hot sauce. It’s all about personal preference.
  4. Serve and Enjoy
    Serve your pico de gallo immediately with tortilla chips, on tacos, or as a topping for grilled meats or fish. This fresh salsa also makes a great addition to bowls, salads, or even scrambled eggs.

Uses for Pico de Gallo

Pico de gallo is an incredibly versatile condiment that can elevate many dishes. Here are some delicious ideas on how to use it:

  • Tacos: Top off your tacos with a generous scoop of pico de gallo for an added burst of freshness.
  • Burritos or Bowls: It’s the perfect accompaniment to any Mexican-inspired dish, from burritos to rice bowls.
  • Chips and Salsa: Serve it as a simple snack or appetizer with tortilla chips for dipping.
  • Grilled Meats or Fish: Pico de gallo pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, steak, shrimp, or fish tacos.
  • Eggs or Avocado Toast: Add a fresh kick to your breakfast with pico de gallo on scrambled eggs or avocado toast.

Variations of Pico de Gallo

While traditional pico de gallo features just a few key ingredients, feel free to experiment and make the recipe your own with these variations:

  • Add Mango or Pineapple: For a sweet twist, add diced mango or pineapple to your pico de gallo. The sweetness balances beautifully with the spicy jalapeños.
  • Swap the Tomatoes: If you prefer a different texture, try using cherry tomatoes or heirloom tomatoes in place of the Roma variety.
  • Herb Variations: Cilantro is a classic addition, but if you’re not a fan, try using fresh parsley or basil for a unique flavor.
  • Spicy Pico de Gallo: For those who love heat, add some diced serrano peppers, or a touch of chili powder, to really spice things up.
pico de gello

Pico De Gallo Recipe

Yield: 4
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

This pico de gallo recipe is a simple, fresh salsa made with diced tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper. It's quick to prepare, full of vibrant flavors, and perfect for topping tacos, serving with chips, or adding to any Mexican-inspired dish.

Ingredients

  • 4 Roma tomatoes, diced
  • 1 small onion, diced (white or red)
  • 1-2 jalapeño peppers, diced (seeds removed for less heat)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients:
    Begin by washing all of your fresh ingredients thoroughly. Dice the Roma tomatoes and onion into small, uniform pieces. For the jalapeños, remove the seeds (unless you prefer extra heat) and then dice them as well. If you're using cilantro, chop it finely.
  2. Combine the Ingredients:
    Place all the diced tomatoes, onions, and jalapeños into a large mixing bowl. Add the freshly chopped cilantro (if using) to the bowl as well.
  3. Season the Salsa:
    Drizzle the lime juice over the mixture. Sprinkle the salt and freshly cracked black pepper on top. Stir everything together to combine, ensuring the seasoning is evenly distributed.
  4. Taste and Adjust:
    Taste your pico de gallo and adjust the seasoning as necessary. If you prefer more acidity, feel free to add more lime juice. For extra heat, add more jalapeño or a dash of chili powder or hot sauce.
  5. Serve Immediately:
    Once your pico de gallo is mixed and seasoned to your liking, it’s ready to enjoy! Serve it immediately with tortilla chips, on tacos, or as a topping for your favorite Mexican dishes.
  6. Store for Later:
    If you have leftovers, store the pico de gallo in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. The flavors will continue to meld together, making it even tastier the next day.

Notes

  • Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder salsa, remove the seeds from the jalapeños completely. For more heat, leave some seeds in or add an extra jalapeño.
  • Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use ripe, in-season tomatoes and fresh cilantro. Fresh lime juice is also key to getting the right balance of tangy flavor.
  • Customize the Flavor: You can add more lime juice if you prefer a tangier taste or extra salt and pepper to suit your preference. If you love a bit of sweetness, you can even add diced mango or pineapple.
  • Resting Time: While pico de gallo is best when served immediately, you can let it sit for about 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. The pico de gallo will get more flavorful as it sits, but keep in mind the texture may soften slightly over time.
  • Serving Suggestions: Pico de gallo pairs perfectly with tacos, burritos, grilled meats, or as a dip with tortilla chips. It's also a great addition to salads, bowls, or even scrambled eggs.

Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 4
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 15Sodium: 180mgCarbohydrates: 4gFiber: 1gSugar: 2gProtein: .5g

The nutritional information provided is an estimate and may vary based on the actual ingredients used and portion sizes. For accurate results, it’s best to calculate the nutrition based on your specific ingredients and measurements.

Pico de gallo is a simple yet flavorful addition to any meal, perfect for showcasing the fresh, vibrant ingredients of spring and summer. Whether you enjoy it as a topping for tacos, a dip with chips, or as part of a larger dish, this homemade salsa is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. With just a few fresh ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a delicious condiment that’s not only healthy but also customizable to suit your tastes. Try this recipe today, and enjoy the burst of flavors that only fresh pico de gallo can deliver!

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