# Pico De Gallo: A Crisp and Fresh Garnish
Prepare this Pico De Gallo recipe whenever you’re in need of a crisp and fresh garnish for tacos, burritos, grilled meats, or a dip that pairs perfectly with tortilla chips.
## What is Pico De Gallo? (Compared to Salsa)
Pico de gallo, referred to as salsa fresca, is a chunky salsa crafted from raw, fresh components, whereas restaurant salsas are generally smoother and more liquid.
– **Flavor**: Zesty, tangy, and slightly spicy, this exceptional Pico de Gallo is rich in flavor with a gentle kick.
– **Skill Level**: Just prep, mix, chill, and serve. This essential Mexican dish is simple to make and suitable for beginners.
– **Time-Saving Tip**: Opt for pre-chopped onions, tomatoes, and canned diced jalapeños to save time.
– **Yield**: Consider making a double or triple portion to enjoy throughout the week.
## Ingredient Suggestions for Pico de Gallo
– **Tomatoes**: Select the freshest, firmest tomatoes you can find. Garden tomatoes are perfect, but beefsteak, vine, or Roma varieties are also great options.
– **Onions**: White onions offer a sweeter and milder profile compared to red or yellow onions. Soaking chopped onions in cold water can lessen their sharpness. Green onions provide a milder alternative.
– **Jalapeño Peppers**: Fresh jalapeños contribute a nice crunch. For additional heat, keep the seeds and membranes; otherwise, remove them for a milder taste. Pickled jalapeños can lend a tangy flavor.
– **Herbs**: Cilantro is the go-to herb for authentic Mexican taste, but parsley can stand in if necessary.
– **Lime & Salt**: Use moderately to elevate flavors. Smoked salt, garlic powder, lime zest, or cracked black pepper can enrich the salsa’s taste.
### Variations
– This recipe can incorporate additional elements like green chiles, corn, radishes, avocado, bell peppers, serrano peppers, black olives, or finely chopped mangoes. Ensure consistent sizes for easier scooping.
– Combine Pico de Gallo with sour cream or guacamole for a creamy dip experience.
## How to Serve Pico De Gallo
Offer Pico de Gallo as a nutritious, low-calorie dip with fresh vegetables such as celery, bell pepper scoops, and chips or crackers. It enhances the flavor of beef or chorizo tacos and serves as an excellent topping for grilled chicken or fajitas.
## Storing Pico De Gallo
– Prepare this homemade salsa a day ahead for improved flavor. Stir before serving.
– Keep leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. While it may soften, it can still be utilized in breakfast burritos or quesadillas.
– Freezing is not advised due to its high water content, but whipping up fresh Pico de Gallo is quick and straightforward.
### Recipe: Pico de Gallo
**Prep Time**: 10 minutes
**Total Time**: 30 minutes
**Servings**: 6
#### Ingredients
– Fresh tomatoes, diced
– Onion, chopped
– Lime juice
– Jalapeño, diced
– Fresh cilantro, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
#### Instructions
1. Dice the tomatoes and let them drain in a strainer while you prepare the other ingredients.
2. In a bowl, mix together the drained tomatoes, onion, lime juice, jalapeño, cilantro, salt, and pepper. Toss to combine.
3. Allow the mixture to sit for at least 20 minutes to let the flavors meld.
### Notes
– Allowing the salsa to rest for 20 minutes intensifies the taste.
– If the onion flavor is overpowering, soak it in cold water and rinse.
– For a milder salsa, eliminate the seeds and membranes from the jalapeño.
– Cilantro enhances the overall flavor of the dish, but it can be omitted or replaced with parsley if preferred.
Savor your fresh Pico de Gallo as a versatile garnish or dip that elevates any meal!