Pico De Gallo
Do you love pico de gallo like I do? It’s a classic Mexican tomato dip (or sauce) that adds a fresh, healthy, low-calorie boost of flavor to just about any Mexican meal.
When I was little, I piled pico de gallo on my tortilla chips at our nearby Mexican restaurant and called it dinner (refill, please). I didn’t fully appreciate pico de gallo’s wonder, though, until my family traveled to Mexico one summer when I was in college.
We stayed at an all-you-can-eat resort, which meant all-you-can-eat pico de gallo. Their pico de gallo was super fresh and utterly irresistible, and I piled it onto every single meal. Eggs! Tortillas! Beans! Spaghetti, even! Why not?
It’s funny that I’ve shared so many variations on pico de gallo over the years, but never my classic pico de gallo recipe. Today is the day. Let’s make pico de gallo while the tomatoes are still good.
Pico de gallo is so easy to make. You will need only five ingredients (six if you count the salt): ripe red tomatoes, white onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime and salt. That’s it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Pico de gallo is not just about flavor; it’s about freshness. It’s a vibrant, chunky salsa that enhances any dish it accompanies, from tacos to grilled meats. Plus, it’s incredibly simple to make, allowing you to enjoy the freshness of the ingredients without any fuss.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Mixing bowl
- Juicer (optional, for the limes)
- Spoon for mixing
Ingredients
- 6 tomatoes
- 3 jalapeños (warning: hot)
- 1 medium white onion
- 1/2 a medium red onion
- 1 cup cilantro (adjust based on preference)
- 5 cloves garlic
- Juice of 3 limes (including some pulp)
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 1 tsp sea salt (more can be added, but not taken away)
- 1 tsp chili powder
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by dicing the tomatoes, jalapeños, white onion, and red onion. Place them into a large mixing bowl.
- Finely chop the cilantro and add it to the bowl.
- Mince the garlic cloves and add them into the mix.
- Squeeze the juice from the limes over the mixture, ensuring some pulp is included for extra flavor.
- Sprinkle the cumin, sea salt, and chili powder over the ingredients.
- Mix everything together gently with a spoon until well combined.
Tips for Success
- Use the freshest ingredients possible for the best flavor.
- Adjust the amount of jalapeño to your heat preference.
- Let the pico de gallo sit for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Additional Tips or Variations
You can add a cup (2-3 ears) of grilled or pan-fried corn for a sweet twist. If pan-frying, use 3 tablespoons of pineapple juice and 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Add the garlic, salt, half of the cilantro, cumin, and chili powder during this step. For additional sweetness, you can also include diced fruit such as pineapple, mango, or peach. A touch of lemon juice or a dash of black pepper can also enhance the flavor.
Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)
This recipe is naturally low in calories and packed with vitamins and minerals from fresh ingredients like tomatoes, cilantro, and lime. It’s a great source of vitamins A and C, along with dietary fiber.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I make pico de gallo ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! In fact, making it a few hours ahead allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Q: How long does pico de gallo last?
A: It can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Q: Can I freeze pico de gallo?
A: Freezing is not recommended as it can alter the texture of the fresh ingredients.
Conclusion
Now that you have the perfect recipe for pico de gallo, it’s time to bring a taste of Mexico to your kitchen. This fresh, vibrant condiment is easy to make and even easier to enjoy. Give it a try and let the flavors transport you to a sunny Mexican resort. Don’t forget to share your pico de gallo creations with us—we’d love to hear how you enjoyed it!