Pico de Gallo

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🌮 Recipe Name: Pico de Gallo (Fresh Mexican Salsa)

📖 Description

Pico de Gallo, also known as Salsa Fresca, is a classic Mexican condiment made with fresh, raw ingredients. It’s bright, crunchy, tangy, and slightly spicy—perfect as a topping, dip, or side. Unlike blended salsas, Pico de Gallo is chopped, not pureed, giving it a fresh texture and bold flavor.

📝 Ingredients

  • 4 medium ripe tomatoes, finely diced

  • ½ medium white onion, finely chopped

  • 1–2 fresh jalapeño peppers, finely minced (seeds removed for less heat)

  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped

  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)

  • ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

  • Optional: 1 small clove garlic, minced

👩‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Wash and prep all vegetables thoroughly.

  2. Dice the tomatoes and remove excess watery pulp if needed.

  3. Finely chop onion, jalapeño, and cilantro.

  4. In a medium bowl, combine tomatoes, onion, jalapeño, and cilantro.

  5. Add lime juice, salt, and optional garlic.

  6. Mix gently until well combined.

  7. Taste and adjust salt, lime, or heat as needed.

  8. Let rest for 10–15 minutes before serving for best flavor.

⏱️ Prep & Total Time

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes

  • Cook Time: None

  • Total Time: 15 minutes

🍽️ Servings

  • Makes: About 2 cups

  • Serves: 4–6 people

🧠 Notes

  • Best enjoyed fresh but can be refrigerated.

  • Texture matters—finely chopped, not mushy.

  • Authentic versions usually skip garlic, but it’s optional.

💡 Tips for Best Pico de Gallo

  • Use Roma tomatoes for less wateriness.

  • Salt the tomatoes lightly and drain excess juice if needed.

  • For extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne or serrano pepper.

  • Always use fresh lime juice, not bottled.

  • Chill briefly before serving for enhanced flavor.

🥗 Nutritional Information (Per ½ cup serving – Approximate)

  • Calories: 25

  • Carbohydrates: 5 g

  • Fiber: 1 g

  • Sugar: 3 g

  • Fat: 0 g

  • Protein: 1 g

  • Sodium: 120 mg

  • Vitamin C: 25% DV

  • Vitamin A: 15% DV

🌟 Health Benefits

  • Low calorie & fat-free – great for weight management

  • Rich in antioxidants from tomatoes and cilantro

  • Boosts immunity with vitamin C from lime and peppers

  • Supports digestion with fresh raw vegetables

  • Heart-healthy and naturally vegan & gluten-free

❓ Q & A (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: How long does Pico de Gallo last?
A: Up to 2–3 days in the refrigerator in an airtight container, but best within 24 hours.

Q: Can I freeze Pico de Gallo?
A: Not recommended—freezing ruins the fresh texture.

Q: Is Pico de Gallo spicy?
A: Mild to medium, depending on the amount of jalapeño used.

Q: What can I serve it with?
A: Tacos, grilled meats, eggs, nachos, burrito bowls, or tortilla chips.

Q: Can I make it without cilantro?
A: Yes! Substitute with parsley or omit entirely if preferred.

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