Pico de Gallo Recipe

Pico de Gallo, or Salsa Fresca, is a super fresh and tasty side dish that’s perfect as a condiment. Filipinos make something similar which we call ensalada. It goes great with grilled pork and warm rice. Give this Pico de Gallo recipe a try and let me know what you think!

What Is Pico De Gallo?

Pico de Gallo literally means “rooster’s beak” in Spanish, and it’s named that because the way you eat it—scooping it up with your fingers—kind of resembles a rooster pecking at its food! This tasty mix of tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice hails from Mexico, where it’s been a favorite for ages. It’s a classic in Mexican cuisine and has become a staple in many other places too.

Nowadays, Pico de Gallo is super popular and loved by many, often served as a fresh, zesty topping or dip. It’s not just delicious but also pretty healthy—low in calories and packed with vitamins and antioxidants from the fresh veggies and herbs. It’s a win-win: tasty, vibrant, and good for you!

Salsa Vs. Pico De Gallo

Salsa and Pico de Gallo are both fresh and zesty, but they have a few key differences. There’s still some debate over the exact differences because there are so many variations, but the main thing is that it’s all good as long as the ingredients are authentic!

Pico de Gallo, although known as Salsa Fresca isn’t really a salsa. It’s a chunky mix of raw, finely chopped tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice, giving it a crisp, crunchy texture. Salsa, on the other hand, translates to ‘sauce’ in Spanish. It often comes in a variety of styles—mostly smooth—and can include cooked ingredients, like roasted tomatoes or peppers, and a mix of spices. In short, salsa is used more as sauce or dip, while pico de gallo is better described as a salad or relish.

The Science Behind Side Dishes!

Side dishes are more than just a tasty add-on—they’re key for keeping your digestion on track and making your meals more balanced. When you load up on veggies, salads, or whole grains, you’re getting extra fiber and nutrients that help your digestive system work better. Fiber from these sides helps keep things moving smoothly and can prevent constipation.

Plus, the different tastes and textures can actually boost your digestion and help your body make the most of the main dish. So, adding some good side dishes makes your meal more satisfying and helps keep your tummy happy!

Ingredients In Pico De Gallo

Actually, the preparation instructions aren’t really a big deal, and these ingredients are the real star. The list of ingredients is longer than the instructions themselves!

• 4 medium tomatoes diced – Fresh and juicy tomato chunks for this side dish.
• 1/2 cup cilantro chopped – Bright and fragrant herb for our pico de gallo.
• 1 medium onion white or red, diced – Crisp and flavorful onion pieces for our salad!
• juice of 1/2 lemon – Zesty and tangy citrus juice.
• 1 jalapeño pepper chopped finely – Infuses a spicy kick.
• 1 teaspoon salt – Balances and intensifies all the flavors. Fresh and seasoned!

How To Make It

This side dish is super easy to make. Well, basically, you just mix everything together!

1. In a big bowl, toss together the tomatoes and onion.
2. Give it a gentle mix.
3. Next, throw in the chopped cilantro and jalapeño peppers.
4. Squeeze in that zesty lime juice and sprinkle on the salt and pepper.
5. Give everything a good stir.
6. Serve it up, share with friends, and dig in!

How To Serve

It is incredibly versatile and perfect for jazzing up a variety of dishes! You can use it as a fresh topping for tacos, adding a burst of flavor and crunch to every bite. And hey, try my tilapia tacos or fish tacos!

What’s more, it also pairs beautifully with grilled meats like pork, chicken, or steak, giving them a zesty, vibrant kick. If you’re in the mood for something simpler, scoop it up with tortilla chips for a delicious, refreshing dip. No matter how you serve it, pico de gallo is sure to brighten up your meal and make it extra tasty.