Pico de Gallo, also known as salsa fresca or salsa cruda, is a fresh and vibrant Mexican salsa made from diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, jalapeño peppers, lime juice, and salt. It’s a popular condiment and topping for various Mexican and Tex-Mex dishes. Pico de Gallo is known for its chunky texture and the bright flavors of its ingredients.
Here’s a basic recipe for making Pico de Gallo:
Ingredients:
- 4-5 ripe tomatoes, diced
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
- 1-2 jalapeño peppers, seeded and finely diced (adjust to your spice preference)
- Juice of 1-2 limes
- Salt, to taste
Instructions:
- Start by washing and chopping all the ingredients.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, chopped red onion, diced jalapeño peppers, and chopped cilantro.
- Squeeze the juice of the limes over the mixture. Start with one lime and add more if needed, depending on your taste preference. The lime juice adds a tangy and refreshing element to the salsa.
- Season the Pico de Gallo with salt to taste. Start with a pinch and adjust according to your preference. The salt enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
- Gently toss all the ingredients together until they are well combined.
- Let the Pico de Gallo sit for about 15-30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. This resting period allows the salsa to develop its full flavor.
- Serve Pico de Gallo as a condiment with tortilla chips, tacos, nachos, grilled meats, or any dish that could benefit from its fresh and zesty flavor.
Feel free to customize this basic recipe by adding other ingredients like diced avocados, mango, or cucumber to create variations of Pico de Gallo that suit your taste. It’s a versatile and delicious salsa that can elevate many dishes with its vibrant and refreshing taste.
