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Pico de Gallo, also called Salsa Fresca, is the perfect topping for all of your favorite Mexican dishes! Quick, simple, and fresh recipe.
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I love Mexican and Tex-Mex food. It’s definitely one of my favorite things.
I enjoy this Pico de Gallo (aka Salsa Fresca) with numerous dishes. It’s great on tacos, burritos, fajitas, tostadas, nachos, quesadillas, and scrambled eggs – or eat it with tortilla chips!
If you’re a fan of the famous restaurant that serves Margarita Chicken – then this is the perfect topper! Of course, this recipe is perfect for my Homemade Mexi-Melts, too! Try a scoop on top of my Creamy Stovetop Mac and Cheese!
Pico de Gallo is fresh, uncooked salsa. There isn’t the amount of liquid in a normal salsa. You can easily adjust the heat by adding more peppers to suit your preference.
What is Pico de Gallo
Pico de Gallo is a fresh uncooked chopped salsa typically used in Mexican cuisine and is used in much the same way liquid salsas are used. This type of salsa is meant to be chunky, and each ingredient is easily recognizable.
The name translates to “rooster’s beak” and alludes to how people originally enjoyed this recipe by pinching the food between their thumb and forefinger. Native Sonoran Mexicans say the dish is named because the serrano pepper used for this recipe looks like a rooster’s beak.
Pico de Gallo ingredients
- tomatoes – Roma or plum tomatoes are the best for this recipe
- onion – I prefer white onions but any variety will work fine
- serrano or jalpeno peppers – for more heat, keep the membranes and seeds
- garlic – freshly chopped is best, but jarred will work in a pinch
- cilantro – freshly chopped
- lime juice – fresh squeezed is best but you can used bottled juice in a pinch
- salt and pepper
Is Pico de Gallo keto?
Depending on your macros, yes, it can be part of a keto diet. This recipe has approximately 3 net carbs per one-quarter cup serving.
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Pico de Gallo FAQs
You can, but I think it’s best when it’s made fresh. The texture of the tomatoes changes during freezing and thawing. It’ll still taste great, though!
Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. To help brighten the flavors after storage, you might want to add a splash more of lime juice.
I do not recommend freezing this recipe. It’s best made fresh with fresh ingredients.
Recipe Tips
- I prefer to use Roma or plum tomatoes for this recipe.
- Before using them in the recipe, salt the tomatoes and place them in a fine sieve to drain for about 20-25 minutes to avoid watery sauce. This will also help improve their texture and make the tomatoes taste better.
- If you prefer, you can also remove the seeds from the tomatoes.
Other recipes you may enjoy
Pico de Gallo
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Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups tomatoes, seeded and chopped
- ¼ cup chopped onion
- 1 serrano pepper or jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Combine all the ingredients in a bowl.
- Serve with tortilla chips or your favorite Mexican foods.
Notes
- I prefer to use Roma or plum tomatoes for this recipe.
- Before using them in the recipe, salt the tomatoes and place them in a fine sieve to drain for about 20-25 minutes to avoid watery sauce. This will also help improve their texture and make the tomatoes taste better.
- If you prefer, you can also remove the seeds from the tomatoes.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Originally published on January 11, 2013. Updated on July 23, 2021.
Jamie I am going to make this.. and I got your mexi-melt recipe. I can't wait to do this.. Yep this is going to be for tonights dinner.. Thanks for sharing these recipes..Sherry
Love the flavors and the colors. Thank you so much for sharing your Pico de Gallo at Tasty Tuesday. I am featuring it this week. Hope you'll drop by this week and share some more fabulous recipes with us.
Hope you have a great week. See you at the party.
G'day Love this Jamie!
Thanks for sharing as part of Foodie Friends Friday Snack Party!
Cheers! Joanne
http://whatsonthelist.net
I love love pico de gallo ( and I don't really like tomatoes, so go figure). Thanks for sharing at Inspire Us Thursday on Organized 31.
Dear Jamie, This pico de gallo looks bright and beautiful. I love how fresh it is. This is right up my alley. Thank you for sharing on Foodie Friends Friday. Blessings, Catherine
Looks great Jamie! Pinning 🙂
This Pico de Gallo looks so fresh and yummy. And a wonderful way to get the veggies.
Yum! One of my favorites!! I love the new pics! Pinning!
Lovely. This looks so yummy. Pico is my favorite late night snack. Will be trying this, thanks for sharing at the Time to Sparkle Link Party, that is where I saw it, already following you on FB, pinned, love it! Thanks.