Fresh salsa, or pico de gallo, is a tasty and vivid Mexican condiment that gives every meal a blast of freshness. This recipe is a must-have for taco nights, barbecues, or as a cool side dish because it is made with basic, healthful ingredients.
Tasting Notes
Expect a symphony of flavors in every bite – the ripe tomatoes provide sweetness, the crisp onions offer a bite, and the cilantro and lime contribute a refreshing zing. Combined, these ingredients create a harmonious salsa that’s both light and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 4 medium-sized ripe tomatoes, diced
- 1/2 large red onion, finely chopped
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeds removed and finely diced
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, juiced
- Salt, to taste
Kitchen Equipment
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Mixing bowl
- Citrus juicer
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Wash and dice the tomatoes, finely chop the red onion, dice the jalapeño, and chop the fresh cilantro.
- Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, chopped red onion, diced jalapeño, and chopped cilantro.
- Add Lime Juice: Squeeze the juice of one lime over the mixture. Adjust the lime juice to your taste preference.
- Season with Salt: Sprinkle salt over the mixture, starting with a pinch. Taste and add more if needed.
- Mix Well: Gently toss all the ingredients together until well combined. Be careful not to mash the tomatoes; you want to maintain their fresh, crisp texture.
- Chill (Optional): For enhanced flavors, refrigerate the Pico de Gallo for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Pro Tips
- Use ripe tomatoes for the best sweetness and flavor.
- Adjust the heat by adding more or fewer jalapeño seeds.
- Allow the flavors to meld by letting the Pico de Gallo sit for some time before serving.
Variations
- Mango Pico de Gallo: Add diced mango for a sweet and fruity twist.
- Avocado Pico de Gallo: Fold in diced avocado for a creamy texture.
- Corn and Black Bean Pico de Gallo: Mix in corn kernels and black beans for added depth.
FAQs
Can I make Pico de Gallo ahead of time?
Yes, Pico de Gallo can be made a few hours in advance. However, for the freshest taste, it’s best when consumed within the same day.
How spicy is Pico de Gallo?
The heat level can be adjusted by controlling the amount of jalapeño used. Removing the seeds will reduce the heat, while keeping them will add more spice.
Pico de Gallo
Ingredients
- 4 medium-sized ripe tomatoes, diced
- 1/2 large red onion, finely chopped
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeds removed and finely diced
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, juiced
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Wash and dice the tomatoes, finely chop the red onion, dice the jalapeño, and chop the fresh cilantro.
- Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, chopped red onion, diced jalapeño, and chopped cilantro.
- Add Lime Juice: Squeeze the juice of one lime over the mixture. Adjust the lime juice to your taste preference.
- Season with Salt: Sprinkle salt over the mixture, starting with a pinch. Taste and add more if needed.
- Mix Well: Gently toss all the ingredients together until well combined. Be careful not to mash the tomatoes; you want to maintain their fresh, crisp texture.
- Chill (Optional): For enhanced flavors, refrigerate the Pico de Gallo for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4 cupsAmount Per Serving: Calories: 15Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 50mgCarbohydrates: 4gFiber: 1gSugar: 2gProtein: 0g
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