Pico De Gallo - Easy DIY Recipes (2024)

Ingredients for Pico De Gallo

1 cup finely chopped white onion (about 1 small onion)

1 medium jalapeño or serrano pepper, ribs and seeds removed, finely chopped (decrease or omit if sensitive to spice, or add another if you love heat)

¼ cup lime juice

¾ teaspoon fine sea salt, more to taste

1 ½ pounds ripe red tomatoes (about 8 small or 4 large), chopped

½ cup finely chopped fresh cilantro (about 1 bunch)

Instructions for Pico De Gallo

In a medium serving bowl, combine the chopped onion, jalapeño, lime juice and salt.

Let it marinate for about 5 minutes while you chop the tomatoes and cilantro.

Add the chopped tomatoes and cilantro to the bowl and stir to combine.

Taste, and add more salt if the flavors don’t quite sing.

For the best flavor, let the mixture marinate for 15 minutes or several hours in the refrigerator.

Serve as a dip, or with a slotted spoon or large serving fork to avoid transferring too much watery tomato juice with your pico.

Pico de gallo keeps well in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 4 days.

Enjoy!

Nutrition Information:

YIELD: 6 SERVING SIZE: 1

Amount Per Serving: CALORIES: 30 | TOTAL FAT: 0g | SATURATED FAT: 0g | TRANS FAT: 0g | UNSATURATED FAT: 0g | CHOLESTEROL: 0mg | SODIUM: 300mg | CARBOHYDRATES: 7g | FIBER: 1.5g | SUGAR: 4g | PROTEIN: 1g

Frequently Asked Questions:

How can I prevent Pico de Gallo from becoming too watery?

To prevent your Pico de Gallo from becoming too watery, make sure to drain the tomatoes well after chopping them.

You can also try placing the chopped tomatoes in a colander or strainer and gently pressing them to release excess moisture before adding them to the other ingredients.

Another tip is to serve the Pico de Gallo with a slotted spoon, which will help leave behind any excess liquid when serving.

How long should I let the Pico de Gallo marinate before serving?

Allowing the Pico de Gallo to marinate for at least 15 minutes will help the flavors meld together and create a more cohesive and flavorful salsa.

However, marinating it for a few hours or even overnight in the refrigerator will further enhance the flavor.

Just remember to cover and store it properly to maintain freshness.

Can I make Pico de Gallo ahead of time?

Yes, you can make Pico de Gallo Recipe ahead of time. In fact, allowing it to marinate in the refrigerator for a few hours or even overnight will help the flavors meld together and create a more flavorful salsa.

Just cover and store in the refrigerator.

Pico de Gallo will keep well for up to 4 days, but the freshness and texture may start to degrade after a couple of days.

How can I adjust the spiciness of Pico de Gallo Recipe?

The spiciness of Pico de Gallo can be adjusted by altering the amount of jalapeño or serrano peppers used.

To make it spicier, add more peppers or include some of the seeds and ribs (the white membrane inside the pepper) when chopping the peppers.

To make it milder, reduce the number of peppers used or omit them entirely.

You can also substitute the jalapeño or serrano peppers with a milder pepper variety like Anaheim or poblano peppers.

How do I choose the best tomatoes for Pico de Gallo Recipe?

Selecting ripe, fresh tomatoes is key to a great Pico de Gallo from belaya.info.

Look for tomatoes that are firm but yield slightly to gentle pressure, have a deep red color, and a fragrant tomato aroma.

Roma tomatoes, vine-ripened tomatoes, and heirloom tomatoes are all good options due to their balanced flavor and lower water content.

What is the difference between Pico De Gallo and salsa?

Pico De Gallo is a type of salsa, but unlike traditional salsa, it’s chunkier in texture and has less liquid.

It’s made with raw ingredients like tomatoes, onions, peppers, and cilantro, while salsa may include cooked or canned ingredients and can vary in texture and consistency.

Can I adjust the spiciness of Pico De Gallo?

Yes, you can easily adjust the spiciness of Pico De Gallo to suit your taste preferences.

If you prefer a milder flavor, you can decrease or omit the jalapeño or serrano pepper.

Conversely, if you enjoy more heat, you can add extra peppers or include the seeds and ribs for an extra kick.

How long does Pico De Gallo last in the refrigerator?

Pico De Gallo can typically last in the refrigerator for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container.

However, for the best flavor, it’s recommended to consume it within a few days of making it.

Can I make Pico De Gallo ahead of time?

Yes, Pico De Gallo actually benefits from being made ahead of time as it allows the flavors to meld together.

You can prepare it several hours in advance or even the day before serving.

Just be sure to store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to enjoy it.

What are some serving suggestions for Pico De Gallo?

Pico De Gallo is incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways.

It’s commonly used as a dip for tortilla chips or served alongside Mexican dishes like tacos, burritos, or quesadillas.

It also pairs well with grilled meats, seafood, or as a topping for salads or avocado toast.

Pico De Gallo - Easy DIY Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What are the ingredients in traditional pico de gallo? ›

Also called salsa fresca or salsa cruda, pico de gallo is a fresh Mexican salsa made of finely chopped ripe tomatoes, onion, cilantro, jalapeño, and lime. In English, its name literally means “rooster's beak,” though there's no definitive reason why we call it that.

What is pico de gallo seasoning made of? ›

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!

Does salt and pepper go in pico de gallo? ›

You can use lemon juice if completely necessary, but the flavor of lime is king. Salt & pepper – Season to taste. Keep in mind the salt will pull moisture from your veggies, so if you're making the pico ahead you can leave the salt out until serving so you don't end up with a puddle at the bottom of the bowl.

Why does my pico de gallo taste bland? ›

Salt! Tomatoes need salt to enhance their natural flavor so don't skip or you Pico de Gallo will taste bland. Play with amounts.

What does pico de gallo do to your body? ›

Pico de Gallo contains high amounts of vitamin C, which is essential for a healthy immune system. Vitamin C helps your body produce white blood cells that fight off infections and diseases. Regular consumption of Pico de Gallo can boost your immune system and protect you from illnesses.

How long does homemade pico de gallo last? ›

How long does pico de gallo last? Fresh-made Pico de Gallo should be stored in an airtight container, and it will last up to 3 days in the fridge. Over time, the tomatoes and cilantro will get droopy and lose their freshness. So it's best to eat while fresh!

Why is my pico de gallo watery? ›

Well, the first thing is to understand that tomatoes contain a lot of water, and anytime you add salt to a vegetable it draws water out of it due to osmosis. The way to avoid watery Pico de Gallo is to salt and drain the tomatoes before mixing them with all the other ingredients.

What does pico de gallo mean literally? ›

What is Pico de Gallo? Translated in Spanish, pico de gallo literally means “beak of rooster.” Some believe this is because it was originally eaten by pinching between the thumb and finger, making the shape of a rooster's beak.

Does pico de gallo contain vinegar? ›

Combine tomatoes, cilantro, red onion, cilantro, jalapeños, lime juice, salt, pepper, and garlic in a large mixing bowl. Pour in vinegar and vegetable oil, and gently mix to combine. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour before serving.

Do you drain the juice from pico de gallo? ›

I always try to wait at least an hour before serving to let the flavors marinade and blend. Serve your homemade pico de gallo with a slotted spoon or drain some of the liquid with a sieve. The tomatoes release a lot of juice and this helps to get rid of some of the extra liquid.

Does Pico get garlic? ›

Gather all ingredients. Stir tomatoes, onion, cilantro, jalapeño pepper, lime juice, garlic, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper together in a bowl. Enjoy!

Why does my stomach hurt after eating pico de gallo? ›

Pico de gallo shouldn't result in any adverse effects for most people, with the exception of those sensitive to FODMAPs. But because pico de gallo consists of acidic and spicy ingredients, it may induce heartburn for some people. It might even aggravate symptoms in people with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Why doesn't my salsa taste like the restaurant? ›

Mexican restaurants usually make it from scratch using fresh ingredients. Store bought stuff is tailored to mass produced and usually add things to make them shelf stable. You'll never find a store bought equivalent to fresh ingredients.

What makes pico de gallo different from salsa? ›

Unlike salsa, which can take on a lot of different variations, the ingredients in pico de gallo don't really vary from recipe to recipe, and are always fresh. While traditional salsa has a thinner consistency with more liquid, pico de gallo is chunky, with each chopped ingredient distinctly visible.

What's the difference between pico de gallo and regular salsa? ›

Pico de Gallo is a fresh chopped mix of tomato, onion, jalapeño, lime, and cilantro while salsa is a cooked or uncooked blended version of the same ingredients with other variations. Salsa Verde is made with tomatillos instead of tomato.

How was pico de gallo created? ›

Pico de Gallo is a traditional Latin American dish that comes from a rich cultural and culinary history in Mexico. It's believed that this amazing dish was derived from the ancient Aztec culture, and widely popularized in Mexican cuisine, especially in regions such as the Yucatan and Sonora.

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