Name: SIMPLE HOMEMADE PICO DE GALLO
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 12
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 6 roma tomatoes, diced; 1 red onion, minced; 1 jalapeno pepper, minced (optional); 4 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped; 1 clove garlic, chopped; 1 lime, juiced; 1 pinch of salt to taste

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A zesty Mexican based salsa made from fresh tomatoes, onions, cilantro, lime juice and garlic.

Pico de gallo pronounced “peeko-de-guyo” originates in Mexico. It’s translation is salsa fresca (fresh salsa). It is made with fresh, raw ingredients and is a healthy way to spice up many dishes. Pico de gallo can typically be found as a topping on the following:

Chicken
White fish
Eggs
Quesadillas
Tacos
Burritos
Enchiladas
Tostados
Nachos
Tortilla chips

Personally, I love it with tortilla chips and guacamole. It also is a great topping to these turkey lettuce tacos below.

How to make pico de gallo

Making pico de gallo is super easy and quick. Because we are using only raw ingredients it doesn’t take long for you to whip it up. First, dice up the tomatoes, onions, pepper (if desired), cilantro, and garlic. Combine together then squeeze lime juice over top of mixture. Add a pinch of salt to taste and you are done. Let sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to give the flavors time to come together before serving.

Difference between traditional salsas

There are a few differences between traditional salsa and pico de gallo. One is that pico de gallo is made from strictly raw ingredients. Nothing is cooked and it is all fresh. Traditional salsa is made from cooked ingredients. Because the ingredients are raw, pico de gallo is chunkier and has less liquid. Traditional salsas typically have a more liquid consistency. Pico de gallo is made best with roma tomatoes because they are not as watery as other types. Other salsas can use a variety of different tomatoes that are watery.

Storing

Pico de gallo can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. I keep mine in a mason jar and add it to dishes throughout the week.