Pico de Gallo, also known as salsa fresca, is a vibrant homemade salsa featuring a medley of fresh ingredients. Unlike traditional salsa, it offers a chunkier texture with less liquid, making it perfect for a variety of dishes.
Customizable Ingredients for Pico de Gallo
- Tomatoes: Choose firm, ripe tomatoes for the best texture. Dice them carefully to preserve their shape and drain them if you prefer less juice in your salsa.
- Cilantro: Essential for authentic flavor, adjust the amount according to your taste, especially if you’re not a fan.
- Jalapeños: Adjust the heat level by varying the amount of jalapeños, or substitute with milder or hotter peppers as desired.
Enhancing the Heat
To dial up the heat in your Pico de Gallo, consider adding more jalapeños or experimenting with other types of chili peppers like serrano or habanero. Introducing hot sauce or chili powder can also increase spiciness, allowing you to customize the flavor to your liking.
Serving Suggestions
Pico de Gallo is incredibly versatile:
- As a Dip: Serve with tortilla chips for a classic snack.
- On Main Dishes: Top burritos, tacos, or a chicken burrito bowl for added freshness.
- With Breakfast: Mix into scrambled eggs or omelets.
- With Protein: Complement grilled meats or fish.
- On Nachos or Loaded Fries: Add a fresh twist to these favorites.
- As a Garnish: Enhance soups and stews with a spoonful of Pico de Gallo.
Storage Tips
Mix all ingredients and let the Pico de Gallo sit in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes before serving to meld the flavors. Store it covered in the refrigerator if not serving immediately. Properly stored, it remains fresh for 4-5 days. Use a slotted spoon for serving if it’s too juicy.
Recipe Ingredients
- 3-4 medium tomatoes, diced (about 710 grams)
- 1 medium white onion, diced (about 240 grams)
- 2 large jalapeno peppers, seeded and diced (about 120 grams)
- ½ cup chopped cilantro (about 8 grams)
- 3-4 green onions, diced (about 60 grams)
- Juice of 1 medium lime
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced (about 5 grams)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (about 5 grams)
- ½ teaspoon pepper (about 2.5 grams)
Preparation Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together tomatoes, onion, jalapeños, cilantro, green onions, lime juice, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
- Serve: Enjoy chilled, offering a crisp complement to any dish.
This Fresh Pico de Gallo recipe brings a delightful mix of flavors that enhance any meal, from simple snacks to hearty dinners.
