Pico de gallo is one of the most recognizable and delicious Mexican salsas. This delightful fresh salsa is low-calorie but not short in flavor, and many use it as a topping in Mexican cuisine.

But pico de gallo isn’t just a tasty topping for tacos and burritos, it’s also great as a dip for chips, on top of eggs or avocado toast, or mixed into quesadillas and salads.

The best part of pico de gallo is that it is easy to make; you can whip up a batch in just a few minutes. Keep reading to learn how to make pico de Gallo that will draw rave reviews from all your friends and family.

What Is Pico de Gallo?

When translated from Spanish, the term pico de gallo means “beak of the rooster.” Some experts speculate this pico de gallo meaning refers to how people ate pico de gallo in a manner similar to a bird pecking at food.

But pico de gallo is not just a fun nickname; it also refers to the fresh ingredients used in pico de gallo. The main components are tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice, and some recipes also call for jalapeño peppers or garlic.

Pico de gallo has been popular in Mexico for centuries, but it wasn’t until the 20th century that pico de gallo became popular in the United States.

You might wonder what the difference is between pico de gallo and traditional red salsa. The ingredients and colors are similar, but the preparation is different. Pico de gallo is always raw. You never use cooked ingredients to make this type of salsa. It also has less liquid and more texture than traditional red salsa.

Traditional red salsa often calls for roasted or cooked tomatoes and is often pureed or blended into a smoother consistency. However, you can use both red salsa and pico de gallo interchangeably.

Classic Pico de Gallo Recipe

Pico de gallo has been popular in Mexico for centuries, but it wasn't until the 20th century that pico de gallo became popular in the United States. Traditional red salsa often calls for roasted or cooked tomatoes and is often pureed or blended into a smoother consistency. However, you can use both red salsa and pico de gallo interchangeably.

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Prep Time 15 mins

Total Time 15 mins

Course Appetizer

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 4

Calories 19 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 4 Tomatoes diced
• 1 Small white onion diced
• ¼ cups Chopped cilantro
• 1 Jalapeno pepper seeded and minced (optional)
• 1 Clove of garlic minced (optional)
• ¼ cups Lime juice
• ¾ teaspoons Salt
• ½ teaspoons Pepper

Instructions

 

• Finely chop your onion and jalapeno and add them to a medium bowl along with the salt and the lime juice. Let this marinate while you prepare your other ingredients.
  1 Small white onion, 1 Jalapeno pepper, ¾ teaspoons Salt, ¼ cups Lime juice
• Roughly chop your tomatoes and finely chop your cilantro. Add them to the other ingredients and add salt and pepper to taste.
  ¼ cups Chopped cilantro, 4 Tomatoes
• Let your pico de gallo marinate for at least 15 minutes or refrigerate it overnight. You can serve it as a dip with chips or a topping on everything.
  ½ teaspoons Pepper, 1 Clove of garlic

Keyword pico de gallo

Tips & Tricks  for Classic Pico de Gallo Recipe

Make pico de gallo in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. It’ll taste even better as the flavors continue to meld together.

You can also freeze pico de gallo in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Try adding diced mango or avocado for a sweet and creamy twist. Fruits like peaches and apricots also make an excellent addition.

If you want a pico de gallo with more heat, leave the seeds in your jalapeno pepper or add some hot sauce to taste; if you want to go super spicy, sub out the jalapeno for something more piquant like a habanero.

Nutrition Information of Classic Pico de Gallo Recipe

A serving size of pico de gallo is 1/4 cup and has approximately 19 calories, 0.3g fat, 4g carbohydrates, and 1.3g protein. Pico de gallo is an excellent addition to any meal as it adds flavor without adding many calories or fat. It’s also rich in vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin C, potassium, and folate. Pico de gallo also has a good amount of fiber from tomatoes and onions.

Conclusion

Pico de gallo is a versatile and delicious dish that adds bright flavors to any meal. It’s also easy to customize with your favorite ingredients and easy to store for later use. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the fresh flavors of pico de gallo!

What is your favorite thing to add pico de gallo to? Let us know in the comments below.