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    You are here: Home / Recipes

    Pico De Gallo Recipe

    BY: Courtney PUBLISHED: Nov 17, 2018 1 Comment UPDATED ON: Jul 16, 2020

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy for more information.
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    pico de gallo recipe authentic mexican appetizer

    This Pico de Gallo recipe is a delicious Mexican appetizer, excellent for entertaining. We’re showing you how to make this Authentic Pico de Gallo Recipe at home.

    pico de gallo in a bowl with tortilla chips on the right side

    This is by far the best pico de gallo recipe we’ve made. Learn how to make pico de gallo for tacos, chicken and steak fajitas, or just to enjoy with fresh corn tortilla chips. There’s no reason to buy store bought when you can make homemade salsa at home!

    If you want heat you can add in more jalapeno and keep in the membranes and seeds, but warning that will be very SPICY. If you want to remove the heat which is what we always suggest at first when trying something new, remove the seeds and the membrane. Jalapenos contain capsaicin and this oil can stick on your hands. To prevent you from burning your eyes or skin we suggest using gloves or handling them with extreme care.

    If you don’t want any heat at all you can leave the jalapeno pepper out and use a little green pepper. We suggest making it with green pepper for the kids, and it still adds crunch and color.

    what is Pico de Gallo?

    Pico De Gallo is a staple Mexican Food and you’ll notice that most Mexican restaurants serve fresh pico with tortilla chips as you are seated. It’s basically a Salsa Fresca which is fresh, not to be confused with salsa.

    what is the difference between salsa and pico de gallo?

    Pico De Gallo is always fresh, whereas salsa uses cooked tomatoes. That means you will need fresh, not canned tomatoes for this recipe. Don’t worry, this only takes about 10 minutes to make, even less if you use a food processor.

    pico de gallo ingredients

    pico de gallo ingredients in bowls on a marble board - chopped tomatoes, cilantro, chopped onions, chopped jalapeno, sea salt, and lime juice

    • Roma Tomatoes
    • White onion
    • Cilantro
    • Jalapeno
    • Lime Juice
    • Salt

    Remember to use all fresh ingredients. Some may use a lime juice concentrate, but we always recommend using fresh lime juice if possible. Some concentrates can have an artificial taste and if it doesn’t taste good on its own it can ruin your dish.

    can I use red onion?

    Yes, you may use red onions, however, traditional pico uses white onion. Red onions contain a higher amount of antioxidants and flavonoids. Nutrition wise, they are a better option, so go right ahead.

    how to make pico de gallo

    tomatoes cilantro jalapeno onion in a bowl for pico de gallo

    • Chop the tomatoes, onion, cilantro, and jalapeno. Make sure the jalapeno is finely chopped as it adds heat, we suggested you remove the seeds and membrane to make it less spicy.
    • Place the chopped ingredients into a medium bowl.
    • Pour in the lime juice and sprinkle in the salt.
    • Mix well and refrigerate.

    how do you serve pico de gallo?

    We love to scoop fresh pico de gallo over scrambled eggs or an omelet, mashed into avocado for a quick and easy chunky guacamole, over avocado toast, with shrimp tacos, chicken fajitas, as a topping for fish, or just a simple chip and dip with tortillas.

    We suggest allowing the pico to marinate for a few hours in the refrigerator before serving so the flavors can meld together. About 30 minutes is good, but a few hours even better. Serve with tortilla chips, with vegan burrito bowls, or even your favorite tacos.

    pico de gallo recipe in a bowl with tortilla chips

    how long does Pico de Gallo last?

    Pico De Gallo recipe should be used within 5 days for optimal freshness. The tomatoes will start to break down from the fresh lime juice. Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Unfortunately, you cannot freeze this recipe.

    pico de gallo in a bowl with tortilla chips

    Pico de Gallo

    Author: Courtney
    Pico de Gallo is a must have appetizer recipe for entertaining. We're showing you how to make this Authentic Pico de Gallo Recipe at home.
    5 from 1 vote

    (click stars to vote)

    Print Pin SaveSaved!
    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 1 minute minute
    Total Time: 11 minutes minutes
    Servings: 5
    Calories: 22kcal
    Course: Appetizer
    Cuisine: Mexican
    Keyword: pico de gallo, tomatoes
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    Ingredients

    • 6 Roma tomatoes
    • 1/2 cup white onion
    • 1/2 cup cilantro
    • 1 jalapeno chopped, seeds and membrane removed to reduce heat
    • 2 tablespoons lime juice
    • 1/2 teaspoon salt

    Instructions

    • Chop the tomatoes, onion, cilantro, and jalapeno.
    • Place the chopped ingredients into a large bowl.
    • Pour in the lime juice and sprinkle in the salt.
    • Mix well and refrigerate.

    Tried this recipe?

    We’d love to know what you think! Please leave a rating and comment to share your thoughts on this recipe. Your feedback helps us continue sharing free, high-quality recipes with you. Thank you so much!

    Notes

    • Best if consumed within 5 days.
    • To reduce the heat from the jalapeno remove the seeds and membrane. 
    • Carefully handle the jalapeno as it contains capsaicin and once the oils are on your hands it can burn your eyes. if you're sensitive we suggest using gloves when handling jalapenos 

    Nutrition

    Nutrition Facts
    Pico de Gallo
    Amount per Serving
    Calories
    22
    % Daily Value*
    Sodium
     
    237
    mg
    10
    %
    Potassium
     
    208
    mg
    6
    %
    Carbohydrates
     
    5
    g
    2
    %
    Fiber
     
    1
    g
    4
    %
    Sugar
     
    2
    g
    2
    %
    Vitamin A
     
    760
    IU
    15
    %
    Vitamin C
     
    16.9
    mg
    20
    %
    Calcium
     
    11
    mg
    1
    %
    Iron
     
    0.2
    mg
    1
    %
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
    full nutrition disclaimer

    The nutritional information is automatically calculated and can vary based ingredients and products used. If the nutrition numbers are important for you we recommend calculating them yourself.

    Did you make this recipe?Tag us on social media using @knowyourproduce and or use #knowyourproduce!

     

    POSTED IN: Appetizers Recipes Vegan Recipes cilantro jalapeno lime onions tomatoes

    About Courtney

    Fruit and Veggie lover. I love making produce fun and delicious, not to mention taking tons of pictures in the process! :-)

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Emily Zieinski

      November 06, 2019 at 6:02 pm

      Oh yum this look delicious. It’s the perfect Christmas party appetiser. I must try this

      Reply
    5 from 1 vote

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