There’s something magical about chopping tomatoes, onions, and cilantro on a warm afternoon, with the scent of fresh lime wafting through the kitchen—like a fiesta in your senses. I remember the first time I tasted pico de gallo at a street market in Mexico; it was as if each bite danced on my taste buds, vibrant and alive. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just someone who enjoys a good salsa, this authentic pico de gallo recipe will transport you there, even if just for a moment.
Steps
- Chop the tomatoes, onion, jalapeno (if using), and cilantro. Place the diced ingredients into a glass or non-reactive bowl.
- Add freshly squeezed lime juice to the mixture. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.
- Gently stir everything together until well combined.
- For the best flavor, cover the bowl and let it rest in the refrigerator overnight to allow the ingredients to meld.
- Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Drain any excess liquid before serving if desired.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Roma tomatoes (3-4 medium), diced
- 1/2 medium white onion (1 cup chopped), or substitute with yellow or red onion
- 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely minced (optional)
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tablespoons lime juice (from approximately 1 lime)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or adjust to taste
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Nutritional Values
Calories: 120kcal | Carbs: 24g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Sodium: 1194mg | Potassium: 1194mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 4470IU | Vitamin C: 96mg | Calcium: 60mg | Iron: 6mg
FAQ
- What is Pico de Gallo?
- Pico de Gallo, also known as “Salsa Fresca” or “Salsa Cruda,” is a traditional Mexican salsa made with fresh tomatoes, onions, cilantro, lime juice, and often jalapeno for added spice. It’s a versatile topping for many Mexican dishes or a standalone dip with tortilla chips.
- What type of onion is best for Pico de Gallo?
- White onion is considered the most authentic choice for Pico de Gallo due to its crisp texture and sharp flavor. However, yellow or red onions can also be used if that’s what you have available.
- How can I adjust the spiciness of Pico de Gallo?
- To adjust the spice level, you can add or remove jalapeno peppers. For a spicier salsa, consider adding more jalapenos or even serrano peppers. For a milder version, you can omit the peppers entirely.
- What is the secret to making authentic Pico de Gallo?
- The secret to achieving a restaurant-quality Pico de Gallo is to let the ingredients rest together. After mixing, cover and refrigerate the salsa for a day to allow the flavors to meld, resulting in a more flavorful dish.
- What are some creative variations of Pico de Gallo?
- You can enhance your Pico de Gallo by adding fruits or vegetables like bell peppers, corn, avocado, cucumber, mango, or peaches. Each addition can provide a unique twist to the traditional recipe.
Tips
- To enhance the flavor of your Pico de Gallo, allow it to rest in the refrigerator for a day before serving. This gives the tomatoes time to release their juices and allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a more authentic taste.
- When handling jalapeno peppers, use gloves or a plastic bag to protect your hands from the spicy oils. This can prevent irritation or accidental transfer of heat to your eyes or face.
- For an authentic Pico de Gallo, opt for white onions as they are crisp and have a sharper taste compared to other varieties. However, if you don’t have white onions, yellow or red onions can be used as alternatives.
- Customize your Pico de Gallo by adding different fruits and vegetables like avocado, mango, or bell peppers to create unique variations and enhance the flavor profile according to your preference.
Equipment
- Glass or Non-Reactive Bowl – Essential for mixing and storing the Pico de Gallo without affecting the taste.
- Citrus Juicer – Helpful for efficiently extracting lime juice.
- Chef’s Knife – For dicing tomatoes, onions, and jalapenos.
- Cutting Board – For chopping and dicing ingredients.
- Airtight Container – Useful for storing leftovers in the refrigerator.
