Fresh Pico de Gallo

Fresh, vibrant, and bursting with flavor! Learn to make Pico de Gallo – a zesty mix of tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice, perfect as a dip or topping!

Pico de Gallo, also known as "salsa fresca," is a fresh and flavorful salsa celebrated in Mexican and American cuisine. It's simple ingredients and vibrant taste make it a staple in Mexican dishes and a favorite in Tex-Mex meals across the U.S. I grew up enjoying it as a zesty topping for tacos, grilled meats, tortilla chips, and more!

Ingredients

• 4 medium-sized tomatoes, finely diced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 jalapeño peppers, deseeded and minced (optional for heat)
• 1/2 a bunch of cilantro, chopped
• 2 limes squeezed
• Salt, pepper, garlic powder to taste

Tips:

• Use ripe tomatoes for the best flavor.
• For extra flavor, add a pinch of cumin or a dash of hot sauce.
• Adjust jalapeño according to your spice tolerance.

Directions To Make Fresh Pico de Gallo

1. Prepare the Vegetables

Start by washing all your vegetables. Dice the tomatoes and finely chop the onion. If you're adding jalapeños, remove the seeds first for less heat, then mince them.

2. Combine Ingredients

Combine the diced tomatoes, onion, and jalapeños in a mixing bowl. Chop 1/2 a bunch of cilantro and add to the bowl.

3. Mix Well

 Squeeze the juice of two limes. Add salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Gently toss everything together until well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or lime juice if needed.

4. Let it Rest

Let the Pico de Gallo sit for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together.

Tips for Variations, Substitutions, and Modifications

• Variation: Try adding diced mango or pineapple for a sweet twist.
• Substitution: If you don't have fresh cilantro, try fresh parsley or basil for a different herb flavor.
• Modifications: If you're sensitive to spice, skip the jalapeños or use a milder pepper like bell peppers.

Storage

You can store your Pico de Gallo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, for the best flavor, it's recommended to serve it fresh.

What to Serve With:

Pico de Gallo is the perfect addition to so many meals! Here are some of my favorite dishes to pair it with:

Chicken, Cheese, and Rice, a simple one-pan meal, is a family favorite! You can enjoy it as is or wrap it in warm tortillas. It's inspired by a dish we love from our local Mexican restaurant and is always a hit.

Beef Tacos: Serve these with a generous topping of fresh Pico de Gallo for a classic and satisfying meal. Adding Pico de Gallo brings a refreshing contrast to the savory beef.

Cheesy Taco Rice, an easy one-pan recipe, is an excellent twist on Taco Tuesday. Serve it with pico de gallo, alone or with some tortilla chips. The pico de gallo brings out the flavor, so don't skip it!

One Pan Chicken Tacos are quick and delicious. They taste amazing with Pico de Gallo and a little sour cream on the side. They're so good, we could eat them every week!

Beef and Potato Tacos are perfect for Taco Tuesday, mainly if you feed a big crowd. The potatoes help stretch the ground beef, and Pico de Gallo takes these tacos to the next level. Serve with sour cream on the side for extra flavor!

Air-Fryer Steak Nachos are a super easy dinner that doesn't require much cooking! They're great with fresh Pico de Gallo; my family always loves them.

Easy Beef Taquitos: These crispy taquitos are a hit, whether fried or made in the air fryer. They're perfect when dipped in sour cream and Pico de Gallo—just like the ones from our favorite Mexican restaurant!