Pico de Gallo

Get ready to create your own Pico de Gallo in just 10 minutes! Loaded with fresh veggies, this is one snack that your guests will devour and they won't feel the least bit guilty about it. Mainly because it's packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants so it'll actually make them feel good.

So whether you are looking for a good party food, or simply looking for a guit free snack to munch on while you binge watch you favorite show, you will love this fresh and zesty pico de gallo recipe.

Recipe Video

Why This Recipe Works

This fresh and vibrant pico de gallo recipe works because it's a quick and easy snack idea, plus so customizable that you can change just about anything to suit your personal tastes. Add to all of that the fact that it's super healthy and you've got yourself the perfect, guilt-free snack that everyone will devour at your next party.

This pico de gallo recipe is the ipitome of simplicity with its quick and easy preparation. Just chop fresh ingredients, combine, and let the flavors blend. No cooking required. In minutes, you'll have a vibrant, zesty snack to impress party guests or a comdiment that elevates any dish, from tacos to grilled meats.

You can tailor the ingredients to your taste, from the level of spiciness to the balance of flavors. Experiment with additional veggies, fruits, or herbs to create your signature twist. It's a recipe that invites you to personalize and innovate with every new batch.

The best part? You'll never feel guilty as this is one snack that does a body good friends. Packed with fresh vegetables, it's low in calories and rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. With no added sugars or fats, it's a guilt-free option that adds vibrant flavors to your dishes while contributing to a nutritious and balanced diet.

Ingredients

Vegetables:

The tomatoes and red onion are staples in this recipe, from there you can get creative by incorporating different elements into your pico de gallo. Try adding some bell peppers, zucchini, black beans, or corn. You can even add in fruits like mangos, peaches, or pineapples. These fruity variations match particularly well with seafood dishes.

Jalapenos:

While it may be obvious that you can impact the heat level of your pico though the jalapenos, what you might not know is that the heat is mainly in the seeds. When you core your jalapeno before dicing, eliminate as many seeds as you can for a mild pico. The jalapeno itself will still give you lots of flavor without the intense heat. If you want to kick the spice level up a notch on the other hand, add in some of the seeds. The more you add, the more heat you'll get.

Lime Juice:

The lime juice is a crucial element in any pico de gallo. Not only does it add you that fresh lime flavor to the pico, it also helps keep the other ingredients fresh, and crisp. This is especially important when using avocado as they begin to turn brown as soon as they are exposed to air. Citrus helps slow this process significantly. Experiment with using different citrus in your pico de gallo like lemon or even grapefruit.

Cilantro:

Probably the most controversial ingredient in this recipe cilantro has a very divisive nature. Those who like the taste of it, love it. Unfortunately for some, they taste little more than soap when they eat cilantro. For those people who want to omit, you can absolutely leave it out of your recipe. If you want to replace it with another herb, oregano or parsley work. Mint can also work nicely with a fruity pico de gallo.

Salt & Pepper:

You will want to ensure you taste you pico once you start adding seating and just salt and pepper to taste. However, you may also choose to add additional seasonings. Red pepper flakes, ancho chili powder, garlic powder, corriander, chili powder, paprika, and lime zest are all seasonings that you can try adding to your pico de gallo.

How to Make Pico De Gallo

Step One: 

Finely dice tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, jalapeno, avocado, and cilantro, and add to a large bowl.

Step Two: 

Add lime, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir to combine.

Step Three: 

Serve with tortilla chips, and enjoy!

Tips

• If you have the time to let it sit for a bit, cover your pico de gallo and pop it in the fridge for 15-30 minutes following preparation. This allows flavors to meld and for the seasonings to intensify. 
• When making this pico de gallo recipe for a party or event, you can chop all the ingredients in advance to save time. However, avoid assembling your pico until closer to party time for the freshest results.
• Remember to taste and adjust seasoning to account for your preferences.

What to Serve With Pico De Gallo

FAQs

What's the difference between pico de gallo and salsa?

Pico de gallo is a chunky, fresh mix of diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, jalapenos, and lime juice. Salsa has various textures, is often smoother, and can include cooked ingredients like roasted peppers. Both are flavorful condiments, but pico de gallo is raw, while salsa has cooked components.

What do I do if my pico de gallo is too watery?

To remove excess moisture in pico de gallo, drain the liquid or blot with paper towels. Choose firmer tomatoes and remove excess seeds. These steps will help to maintain the desired texture and prevent the dilution of flavors.

How long can leftover pico de gallo be stored?

To keep any leftover pico de gallo fresh, you can put it in the refrigerator for about 2-3 days when stored in an airtight container. It's best enjoyed within the first day or two for optimal freshness.

More Fresh Recipes

If you love the fresh ingredients that bring you mouthwatering dishes like this zesty pico de gallo, check out this collection of recipes celebrating farm-fresh ingredients.

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