Classic Pico de Gallo

$- 4 ripe Roma tomatoes, finely diced - 1 small red onion, finely chopped - 1 jalapeño pepper, seeds removed and minced - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped - 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice - Salt to taste - Pepper to taste To create a fresh and zesty pico de gallo, you need ripe Roma tomatoes. They have a sweet flavor that shines in this salsa. You can find these tomatoes at most grocery stores. Next, grab a small red onion. It adds a nice crunch and sweetness. For heat, use a jalapeño pepper. Be sure to remove the seeds if you want less spice. If you love heat, leave some seeds in. Fresh cilantro is key; it gives a bright taste. Lime juice is also essential. It adds tang and freshness. Lastly, have salt and pepper on hand for seasoning. - Cutting board - Sharp knife - Mixing bowl - Measuring spoons Having the right tools makes cooking easier. A cutting board gives you a safe space to chop. Use a sharp knife for clean cuts on your tomatoes and onion. A mixing bowl is where all the magic happens. You’ll mix your fresh ingredients here. Measuring spoons help you add the right amount of lime juice, salt, and pepper to taste. Dicing tomatoes Start by taking four ripe Roma tomatoes. Cut off the tops and bottoms. Place each tomato on its side. Slice it in half, then scoop out the seeds. Now, dice the tomato into small pieces. Aim for uniform size. This helps with texture. Chopping onion Next, grab a small red onion. Cut off both ends, then peel off the skin. Slice the onion in half. Lay it flat and chop it into small pieces. Make sure to add it to the bowl with the diced tomatoes. Mince jalapeño Now, take the jalapeño pepper. Cut off the top and slice it in half. Remove the seeds if you want less heat. If you like spice, keep them in. Finely mince the pepper and add it to the bowl. Combining ingredients in a bowl In a large mixing bowl, mix the diced tomatoes, chopped onion, and minced jalapeño. Then, add a quarter cup of chopped fresh cilantro. Make sure you have all the colors in the bowl. It looks great and tastes even better. Seasoning tips Squeeze two tablespoons of fresh lime juice into the mix. Now, sprinkle salt and pepper to taste. Start with a small amount. You can always add more later. Use a spoon to gently mix everything together. Allowing flavors to meld Once mixed, let your pico de gallo sit for about 10-15 minutes. This time helps the flavors blend. You will notice a more vibrant taste after it sits. Serve with tortilla chips for a tasty snack! To make your pico de gallo shine, adjust the lime juice and salt. Start with 2 tablespoons of lime juice. Taste it, then add more if you want a zesty kick. Salt brings out the flavors, so sprinkle it in slowly. Mix well and taste again. Letting the salsa sit before serving is key. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This helps the flavors blend together. You will taste the difference when you dig in! Want to make your pico de gallo unique? Try adding minced garlic. It adds a nice depth. You could also mix in diced avocado for creaminess. If you like heat, play with spice levels. Keep the jalapeño seeds in for more kick. Or use a hotter pepper like serrano. Adjust it to suit your taste! {{image_2}} You can change the taste of pico de gallo by switching up the tomatoes. While Roma tomatoes are my go-to, you can use vine-ripened or cherry tomatoes for a sweeter twist. Each type brings a unique flavor and texture to your salsa. Next, think about herbs. Fresh cilantro is classic, but you can try fresh parsley or even mint for a different flair. Each herb adds its own character to the mix, making it fun to experiment. Cuban-style pico de gallo includes some extra flavors. Some recipes add diced green bell peppers or a touch of vinegar. This gives it a zesty kick that pairs well with grilled meats. If you want to get creative, add tropical fruits like mango or pineapple. These fruits bring a fresh sweetness that contrasts nicely with the spice of jalapeño. This style is perfect for summer parties or barbecues. To keep your pico de gallo fresh, use an airtight container. This helps keep out air and moisture. Place the salsa in the fridge right after making it. Make sure it cools to room temperature first. This step helps keep flavors bright. For best results, consume your pico de gallo within a few days. Each time you open the container, use a clean utensil. This keeps the salsa safe and tasty. Pico de gallo can last about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. If you see any mold or it smells off, it’s time to toss it. Always trust your senses. You can freeze pico de gallo if you want to keep it longer. Just place it in a freezer-safe bag. Make sure to squeeze out as much air as possible. It can last about 2 to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to use it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. The texture may change slightly, but the flavor stays great! Pico de Gallo is fresh, chunky, and made with raw ingredients. It uses diced tomatoes, onions, and peppers. Salsa can be smooth and cooked, with more variations in texture. Both are tasty, but their textures and methods set them apart. You can think of Pico de Gallo as a fresh salad. Salsa often feels more like a sauce. Yes, you can prepare Pico de Gallo ahead. Just remember, it tastes best fresh. If you make it early, store it in the fridge. This keeps it cool and fresh. Letting it sit for a little while helps the flavors blend. Just don’t let it sit too long, or it may get watery. Homemade Pico de Gallo lasts about 3 days in the fridge. After that, it may lose its crunch and taste. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. If you see any signs of spoilage, like off smells or colors, it’s best to toss it. Enjoy it while it’s fresh for the best flavor! You learned how to make fresh, tasty Pico de Gallo using simple ingredients. Start with ripe tomatoes, onions, and peppers. Good tools like a sharp knife and mixing bowl make prep easy. Mix your ingredients well and let the flavors blend for the best taste. Play with flavors by adding garlic or extra spices. Pico de Gallo is easy to store and lasts well. With these tips, you can create your own variations. Enjoy your fresh salsa whenever you like!$

Brighten up your meals with this Fresh & Zesty Pico de Gallo recipe! Made with ripe Roma tomatoes, spicy jalapeño, and fragrant cilantro, this delicious salsa is perfect for dipping or adding to your favorite dishes. With just a few simple ingredients and only 15 minutes to prepare, you’ll have a zesty treat that’s packed with flavor. Click to explore the full recipe and enjoy a burst of freshness today!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

4 ripe Roma tomatoes, finely diced

1 small red onion, finely chopped

1 jalapeño pepper, seeds removed and minced

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

Salt to taste

Pepper to taste

Instructions

Start by dicing the Roma tomatoes and placing them in a large mixing bowl.

Finely chop the red onion and add it to the bowl with the tomatoes.

Remove the seeds from the jalapeño pepper for less heat (or leave them in for more spiciness). Mince the jalapeño and add to the bowl.

Chop the fresh cilantro and add it to the mixture in the bowl.

Squeeze in the fresh lime juice and season with salt and pepper.

Gently mix all the ingredients together until well combined.

Taste and adjust seasonings, adding more lime juice, salt, or pepper as desired.

Let the pico de gallo sit for about 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 15 minutes | 4 servings

- Presentation Tips: Serve the pico de gallo in a colorful bowl with tortilla chips on the side for dipping, and garnish with a sprig of fresh cilantro on top.