Classic Pico De Gallo recipe: every scoop is a dance of juicy tomatoes, fiery jalapeños, tangy lime juice, and a burst of fragrant cilantro! Not only is this salsa the perfect companion to your chips, but it’s also an essential topping for a myriad of dishes, including Buddha Bowl recipes. If you’ve been hunting for that authentic Pico De Gallo flavor that instantly elevates every meal, look no further. It only takes 5 minutes, and hey, if you’re feeling a little adventurous, toss in some creamy diced avocado for an added layer of delight!

Pico De Gallo in a white small bowl with limes and a blue cloth in background

Pico De Gallo

Why This Pico de Gallo Stands Out

  • Effortless Complexity: This Pico de Gallo recipe embraces the simplicity of raw ingredients, coming together in mere minutes for a burst of flavors. The robust combination of tomatoes, jalapeños, and lime juice creates a vivid, unforgettable taste profile without any cooking fuss.
  • Adaptability: Customize to your heart’s content. Love heat? Add more jalapeños. Adore creaminess? Mix in that avocado. It’s your salsa haven where your preferences reign supreme.
  • Versatility: It’s not just a dip! Use this Pico de Gallo as a brilliant sauce for Buddha Bowls, a topping for tacos, or a refreshing side for grilled meats. It seamlessly blends with various dishes, enhancing their appeal and flavor.
  • Health Boost: Packed with fresh, nutrient-rich ingredients, this salsa is a delightful addition to your meals, offering not just taste but also a wealth of vitamins and antioxidants.

 

The Fun and Fresh Story Behind Pico de Gallo

Ever wonder how Pico de Gallo got its quirky name, which translates to “rooster’s beak”? Yeah, me too! There are whispers that it’s because the salsa was originally nabbed up by pinching pieces between the thumb and finger, resembling a rooster’s beak. Who knew?

Pico de Gallo is like a party in a bowl, showing off the vibrant colors of the Mexican flag with its red tomatoes, white onions, and green chilies and cilantro. From the warm and diverse regions of Mexico, it has danced its way onto tables worldwide, bringing a burst of sunshine and flavor to any meal.

This salsa isn’t just a sidekick. Oh no, it’s the star of the show, a culinary celebration of fresh, zesty flavors, painting every bite with the spirit of Mexican cuisine. Crafting your own Pico de Gallo? You’re not just mixing ingredients; you’re joining in on a global fiesta of taste, tradition, and togetherness.

Pico De Gallo in a white bowl with limes, golden spoon and blue cloth

Pico de Gallo: A Reverse Meal Plan Superstar

Ever find yourself staring at the fridge, wondering how to add some oomph to your leftovers? Enter Pico de Gallo. When you have this vibrant salsa handy, a dollop or two can add life to almost any dish. Let’s unleash the magic with Reverse Meal Plan and Pico de Gallo.

  • Leftover Grilled Chicken: Shred it, add some warm tortillas, a generous scoop of Pico de Gallo, and there you have it – an instant taco night!
  • Last Night’s Rice: Mix it with Pico de Gallo for a quick and easy Mexican rice salad.
  • Morning Eggs: Amp up your scrambled eggs or omelettes with a spoonful of this fresh salsa.
  • Plain Chips: Transform them into a festive snack with a side of Pico de Gallo.

Your leftovers just became the main event, thanks to the bold and refreshing flavors of Pico de Gallo. It’s not just a salsa; it’s a secret weapon for reinventing meals.

 

 

Pico de Gallo FAQs: Getting Down to the Nitty Gritty

  • Can I use a different type of tomato? Absolutely! Feel free to use any tomato you love or have on hand. Just keep in mind, the juicier, the better for that delightful “liquidy” texture.
  • What if I’m not a fan of cilantro? No problem at all. Some folks substitute with fresh parsley for a different, yet still fresh, herby flavor.
  • Is it necessary to use fresh lime juice? Fresh lime juice is ideal for the brightest flavor, but in a pinch, bottled lime juice will do the trick.
  • Can I make Pico de Gallo ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare it a day ahead. Just be sure to keep it refrigerated and give it a good stir before serving.
  • What other peppers can I use besides jalapeño or serrano? Any pepper that tingles your taste buds. If you prefer a milder flavor, go for bell peppers. For a fiery kick, habanero is a bold choice.

 

Spice Up Your Life: More Mexican-Inspired Recipes!

buddha bowl with taco shell bowl

Pico De Gallo in a white small bowl with limes and a blue cloth in background

Pico de Gallo

Fresh salsa is a great catch-all for juicy, spicy, and tangy produce. You can add as much jalapeno pepper as you wish! Sometimes, I will also add in ½ ripe avocado, diced. Try to keep as much of the tomato juice as possible when cutting your tomatoes.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Course dip, sauce
Cuisine Latin American
Servings 4 people
Calories 32 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups tomato chopped (and juice)
  • ½ cup red onion chopped
  • 1 teaspoon garlic finely minced
  • ¼ fresh cilantro minced
  • 1 tablespoon jalapeno or serrano peppers minced
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
  • Sea salt & freshly ground black pepper

Instructions
 

  • In a bowl, combine all of the ingredients (go light on the salt and pepper.) Taste, and season with additional salt, pepper and lime juice, as needed

Notes

Makes 1 ½ cups.

Nutrition

Calories: 32kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 1gFat: 0.2gSaturated Fat: 0.03gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.03gSodium: 173mgPotassium: 271mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 191IUVitamin C: 18mgCalcium: 45mgIron: 1mg
Keyword fresh salsa, pico de gallo, salsa, tomato
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