Classic Pico de Gallo Recipe

Pico de Gallo, also known as salsa fresca, is a fresh, uncooked Mexican salsa made from diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice. It’s often served with tortilla chips, tacos, grilled meats, or as a side dish to complement other Mexican dishes. This simple yet flavorful salsa is a must-have for any Mexican meal.

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Ingredients:

• 4 medium ripe tomatoes, diced
• 1 small red onion, finely diced
• 1-2 jalapeño peppers, deseeded and finely chopped (adjust based on desired spice level)
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1-2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

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Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Tomatoes

• Time: 5 minutes

Start by washing and dicing the tomatoes. Cut off the top (stem) end of each tomato, then slice them in half and scoop out the seeds (optional but recommended for a firmer texture). Dice the remaining tomato flesh into small, bite-sized cubes. Add the diced tomatoes to a medium-sized mixing bowl.

Step 2: Dice the Onion

• Time: 2-3 minutes

Peel the onion and slice it in half. Lay each half flat and cut it into thin strips. Then, rotate and dice the strips into small pieces. Add the diced onion to the bowl with the tomatoes.

Step 3: Add the Jalapeños

• Time: 2 minutes

Cut the jalapeños in half and remove the seeds and membranes if you prefer a milder salsa. Finely chop the jalapeños and add them to the bowl. If you like a spicier salsa, leave some of the seeds in for added heat. Start with one jalapeño and adjust according to your preferred spice level.

Step 4: Chop the Cilantro

• Time: 2 minutes

Roughly chop the cilantro leaves, discarding any large stems. Add the chopped cilantro to the mixture in the bowl. Cilantro provides a fresh, herbaceous flavor that brightens the salsa.

Step 5: Add Lime Juice and Seasonings

• Time: 1 minute

Squeeze the juice of one lime over the mixture. Lime juice adds a tangy kick to balance the flavors. Season the salsa with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Start with a pinch of salt and adjust as needed. Stir everything together, making sure the lime juice and seasoning are evenly distributed.

Step 6: Taste and Adjust

• Time: 1-2 minutes

Give your Pico de Gallo a taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. If it’s too spicy, you can add a bit more lime juice to balance it out. If it needs more flavor, add more salt or jalapeños. Adjust the acidity with a little more lime juice if desired.

Step 7: Serve

• Time: Immediate or up to 30 minutes

Pico de Gallo can be served immediately, but for the best flavor, let it sit for about 15-30 minutes at room temperature to allow the flavors to meld together. If you prefer, you can refrigerate it for up to an hour before serving.

Serve it with tortilla chips, tacos, grilled meats, burritos, or any other dish that could use a fresh, zesty topping.

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Notes and Tips:

1. Customizing Heat: If you prefer a milder salsa, you can remove the seeds and ribs from the jalapeños or use a milder chili pepper like a poblano. For more heat, add a second jalapeño or a serrano pepper.
2. Tomato Variety: Use ripe, in-season tomatoes for the best flavor. Roma tomatoes are an excellent choice due to their firm texture and fewer seeds, but any fresh tomato variety works.
3. Make Ahead: Pico de Gallo is best served fresh, but you can make it ahead. If making ahead, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1-2 days. Note that the tomatoes may release juice over time, so you may want to drain some of it before serving.
4. Add More Flavor: If desired, you can add minced garlic, a pinch of sugar, or even a dash of ground cumin to enhance the flavor.

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Nutrition Information (per serving, assuming 8 servings):

• Calories: 20-25
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 3g
• Protein: 1g

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Conclusion:

This Classic Pico de Gallo is a refreshing, versatile salsa that adds the perfect balance of fresh, tangy, and spicy flavors to any dish. Whether you’re serving it with tortilla chips as a dip, topping your tacos, or using it as a side dish, this vibrant salsa is sure to brighten up your meal. Enjoy!