Authentic Pico de Gallo Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What are the ingredients in traditional pico de gallo? ›

Pico de gallo (a.k.a. salsa fresca) is a type of fresh salsa found in Mexican cuisine. Traditional ingredients include tomatoes, onions, serrano or jalapeno peppers, cilantro, and sometimes lime juice. Other spices and seasonings are often used.

Stir tomatoes, onion, cilantro, jalapeño pepper, lime juice, garlic, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper together in a bowl. Enjoy!

Both pico and salsa use chopped vegetables as a base, but pico usually leaves them chopped, while salsa often blends them together or boils them to a different consistency.

Use the tomato flesh, not the seeds and juices.

You don't want your pico to be too watery, so make sure to remove the seeds from the tomatoes as you dice them. I like to use tomatoes on the vine in my pico.

Dressed with oil and vinegar, this pico de gallo is made with fresh tomatoes, cilantro, jalapeños, and spices for fresh flavor no matter how you use it.

With so many vegetables as its ingredients, it's not hard to believe pico de gallo is also full of health benefits. Armed with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, the onions and garlic in the sauce may prevent the hardening of your arteries, fight bacteria and protect against heart disease.

Here is everything you need to know about pico de Gallo. What is Pico de Gallo? Translated in Spanish, pico de gallo literally means “beak of rooster.” Some believe this is because it was originally eaten by pinching between the thumb and finger, making the shape of a rooster's beak.

Essentially, pico de gallo is composed of the same ingredients as a grocery store salsa, but it's not cooked. Everything is fresh. This gives pico de gallo more of a bite and fresh summery flavour. Some people consider pico more of a finely chopped salad or side dish than a salsa, but I disagree.

Pico De Gallo vs Salsa vs Salsa Verde

Pico de Gallo is a fresh chopped mix of tomato, onion, jalapeño, lime, and cilantro while salsa is a cooked or uncooked blended version of the same ingredients with other variations. Salsa Verde is made with tomatillos instead of tomato.

Signs that the pico de gallo has passed its prime include a sour smell, discoloration, or a slimy texture. The presence of these signs indicates that the product should be discarded.

How long will homemade pico de gallo last? ›

How long does pico de gallo last? Fresh-made Pico de Gallo should be stored in an airtight container, and it will last up to 3 days in the fridge. Over time, the tomatoes and cilantro will get droopy and lose their freshness. So it's best to eat while fresh!

Translated in Spanish, pico de gallo literally means “beak of rooster.” Some believe this is because it was originally eaten by pinching between the thumb and finger, making the shape of a rooster's beak. Pico de gallo, however, has nothing to do with roosters, or birds in general.

Both recipes are easy to prepare, and as you will see, the ingredients are basically the same. The only difference is that one is made with avocado as the main ingredient and the other with fresh tomatoes.

You can use it on top of anything—chips, fish tacos, scrambled eggs—but I often eat it as a simple summer salad, too. Because I want the tomatoes to dominate my pico, I finely mince my peppers, onions, and garlic so they aren't fighting for attention in my mouth.