How to Make Authentic Pico de Gallo - Perfect for Tacos!

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Apr 22

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This recipe for Authentic Pico de Gallo is what you need to be serving up for your next Taco Tuesday! Pico de Gallo is a classic Mexican salsa, and you can easily prepare a fresh batch right from home! Learn how to make this easy and delicious pico recipe!

It’s Taco Tuesday and you’re wondering how to garnish the amazing tacos you’ve created! Well, you don’t have to limit it to tacos, you could have also made quesadillas, lettuce wraps, or a taco bowl! That being said, perhaps you’ve prepared some Homemade Guacamole to complete your dinner. You could also have some sour cream ready for serving, but what else could you do to really elevate your creation? How about make your own pico de gallo? As you’ll see in this recipe, pico de gallo is quite a simple topping to add to your Mexican dishes, but if you’ve never made it before, you’ll really see how it will transform your dishes! If Mexican cuisine is new to you, then be sure to try out this delicious Pico de Gallo to make Mexico no longer a destination unseen as part of your Live to Cook one-month challenge, which you can get started for free by signing up to my free email newsletter! When I started to make pico de gallo, I was blown away! It’s become almost mandatory for me to prepare a batch of pico de gallo when I’m eating my favourites, and I’m sure by the end of this post you’ll become converted as well!

So without further ado, let’s get you on your way to making the best pico de gallo at home! Be sure to watch the video at the bottom of this post, and if you’re not already, be sure to subscribe channel and press the bell button so you’re notified when all of my video recipes are live!

What is Pico de Gallo?

Pico de gallo is a raw salsa, which is also known as “salsa fresca,” meaning “fresh salsa” in Spanish. Pico de gallo is simply a combination of tomatoes, onion, cilantro, chilies, and some lime juice (or lemon juice!). As I discuss in my free motivational guide to explore your potential in the kitchen, Make Cooking Fun!!, if you have a suitable substitute, then there’s no need for you to go out of your way to get something else! I often interchange lime juice and lemon juice for cooking purposes, because more often than not there really isn’t much of a difference when you’re looking to use either or to provide acidity.

Pico de Gallo versus Salsa

As discussed, pico de gallo is actually a type of salsa. The key difference between the two condiments is that the ingredients are uncooked for the pico de gallo, and for salsa the ingredients are typically cooked. Cooking the salsa will give a more prominent tomato flavour compared to the pico de gallo.

Another difference is that pico de gallo follows the staple ingredients for every recipe. On the other hand, you can find many different types of salsa. For example, you have what is typically seen as salsa with tomatoes, onions, herbs, and chilies, but you can also find variations that have fruit and other vegetables, such as corn or beans.

The consistency of what we typically know as “salsa” can also vary. Salsa is known for using a fair amount of liquid, therefore a traditional salsa has a thinner consistency. Some recipes will puree the ingredients to make a smooth consistency, whereas others will use the diced ingredients as they are. On the other hand, pico de gallo is chunky, and you can visibly see and distinguish every chopped ingredient.

Ingredients for Pico de Gallo

Pico de gallo only needs a few ingredients, but you’ll see how well they work together to bring incredible freshness to your Mexican meals! You can scroll to the bottom of this post or press the “Jump to Recipe” button for the FULL PRINTABLE recipe card that has all ingredients and their quantities and will allow you to save the recipe for later. Additionally, the recipe card lets you scale the recipe based on how many portions you want to make.

Here’s what you’ll need:

Tomatoes
Onions
Serrano pepper or Thai green chilies
Lemon or lime juice
Olive oil
Cilantro
Ground cumin
Salt and pepper

How to Make Authentic Pico de Gallo

Begin by adding the tomatoes to a large bowl.

Then add the chopped cilantro and the green chili or Serrano chili, onions, cilantro, and ground cumin.

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Pour in olive oil and lime juice. Season with salt and pepper.

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Mix until all the ingredients are well combined.

Transfer to a serving bowl and enjoy!

Storing Pico de Gallo

Store any unused pico de gallo in an airtight container. Homemade pico de gallo will stay fresh in the fridge for 2-3 days. You could store it for a few extra days if necessary, however, I would not recommend it. Because your vegetables are chopped, the tomatoes will gradually release moisture over time, and the water content will make your pico de gallo lose its amazing flavours. So I recommend you keep it in the fridge for at most 3 days for the best results!

Serving Suggestions

You could use Pico de Gallo to top unlimited Mexican recipes! Here is how I like to use my pico de gallo:

Watch How to Make Authentic Pico de Gallo Here:

Let me know what you think of this recipe in the comments! If you’ve tried this recipe, be sure to post it on social media and tag it with #cookingwithanadi and mention me @cooking.with.anadi. Thank you!

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Sauces and Condiments, Mexican

Mexican

Yield: 2 Cups

Author: Anadi

3 Quick & Delicious Mexican Condiments for Any Fiesta!https://youtu.be/J41gjiiyMlUThis video will show you 3 quick and delicious Mexican condiments that will complete any Mexican fiesta! You will see how to make a delicious guacamole, Pico de Gallo, and tomatillo salsa verde. The three Mexican condiments are all easy to make with minimal ingredients and hands-on work!2024-04-22

How to Make Authentic Pico de Gallo - Perfect for Tacos!

This recipe for Authentic Pico de Gallo is what you need to be serving up for your next Taco Tuesday! Pico de Gallo is a classic Mexican dip, and you can easily prepare a fresh batch right from home! Learn how to make this easy and delicious pico recipe!

Prep time: 8 MinTotal time: 8 Min

Cook modePrevent screen from turning off

Ingredients

1 medium tomato, finely chopped
1/4 onion, finely chopped
1/4 Cup cilantro, finely chopped
1-2 Serrano pepper/Thai green pepper
1/4 tsp ground cumin
1 1/2 Tbsp lemon juice
salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, add the tomato, onion, cilantro, and pepper. Pour in the lemon juice and season with the ground cumin and salt. Mix until all the ingredients are well combined. Serve immediately or store covered in the fridge for later. Enjoy!