Pico de Gallo
Mexican tomato salsa
Sometimes you don’t need much to brighten up a dish. A spoonful of Pico de Gallo (a fresh Mexican tomato salsa) works wonders with tacos, nachos, or grilled meat.
This classic Mexican salsa (literally translated as “rooster’s beak”) is made with fresh, raw ingredients that are finely chopped and then mixed together. Think tomatoes, shallot, garlic, jalapeño pepper, parsley (or cilantro), and a little fresh lime juice. Simple, but full of flavor. We like to make it when we want something light and fresh with tacos or wraps, for example.
The origin
Pico de Gallo is one of the oldest and best-known Mexican salsas. Originally, it was mainly eaten in central and southern Mexico, often as part of a larger meal. Unlike other salsas, this one isn’t cooked or blended. This keeps the flavors of the vegetables fresh and distinct, while the texture stays crisp. The name “rooster’s beak” probably refers to the way it was traditionally eaten, simply with the fingers, as if pecking at it with a beak.
How and when we eat it
We like to serve Pico de Gallo with Mexican dishes such as pulled chicken tacos or a platter of loaded beef nachos. The freshness of the lime and the heat from the pepper make a nice contrast with savory or spicy dishes. It’s also delicious with grilled meat or fish. And to be fair, a bowl of Pico de Gallo with some tortilla chips works perfectly well as an appetizer too.
What we like about this Mexican tomato salsa is how easy it is to change things up. For a milder version, you can mix in some avocado or diced bell pepper. Or add a little cucumber for extra freshness. And if you like it spicy, feel free to add some extra pepper.
Fresh flavor with plenty of benefits
Besides being delicious, Pico de Gallo is also healthy. Fresh tomatoes contain plenty of vitamin C and antioxidants, and the lime gives you an extra boost. Since everything stays raw, the dish retains its nutrients and natural flavor.
Pico de Gallo
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Pico de Gallo is a fresh Mexican salsa made with tomatoes, jalapeño, lime, shallot, and fresh herbs. Perfect with tacos, nachos, or grilled meat.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe tomatoes
- 1 garlic clove
- 1/2 shallot
- 1/2 lime
- 1/2 green jalapeño (or red chili pepper)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley (or cilantro)
Instructions
- Cut 2 ripe tomatoes (seeds removed) into small pieces. Finely chop 1/2 shallot and 1 garlic clove, and very finely chop 1/2 red or green jalapeño pepper. Mix everything together well in a small bowl.
- Add the juice of 1/2 lime and a handful of finely chopped parsley (or cilantro).
- Finally, mix in 2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil and a generous pinch of salt and pepper.
- Delicious with some toasted baguette or crackers. Or serve it with tortilla chips, your fish tacos, or on your California burrito!
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: Mexican
