If you love Mexican food, then you’ve surely had the most popular Mexican salsa: Pico de Gallo. This simple mix of fresh veggies pairs great with tacos, quesadillas, fajitas, and more!
Even though pico de gallo is is how most Westerners know this condiment, in Mexico they simply call it salsa Mexicana! It is also called salsa bandera, which means flag sauce – because as you can see it has the three colors of the Mexican flag.
Pico de gallo is so versatile you will see it all over Mexico with a variety of dishes. The most simple version is only with tomatoes, onion, and peppers, but of course everyone has their own way of making it.
How To Make Pico de Gallo
If you want to make the best pico de gallo then you have to use the best ingredients. Fresh, ripe tomatoes, freshly squeezed lime juice, fragrant cilantro – or whatever ingredients you want to use. For example, instead of using serrano peppers which are standard in pico, I opt for pickled chilies.
Ingredients
- 2-3 Tomatoes – chopped
- 1-2 White Onion – chopped
- 2 tbsp Lime Juice – freshly squeezed
- 5 cloves Garlic – minced by hand. Do not use a press for this recipe as it will pulverize the garlic and the flavor will get lost.
- Cilantro – to taste
- Salt – to taste
- Peppers – traditionally serrano peppers are used, but I like to use pickled chilies. This is just personal preference, you can use what you like. Add these to taste – remember, you don’t want to make it so spicy you don’t enjoy eating it.
Add all the ingredients to a bowl and mix. Taste and adjust the salt and lime juice as needed. Serve pico de gallo dishes like tacos de lengua, or my favorite Baja California style shrimp tacos!
Tips & Tricks
- If you want to make a really spicy pico de gallo you can add a few drops of hot sauce. I often add a bit of my homemade chipotle hot sauce to homemade pico to take it up a notch.
- If you have leftover pico de gallo and no idea how to use it, add it to some mashed avocado for a quick guacamole! Some people are against tomatoes in guacamole, but if you like it who’s going to stop you!
Pico de Gallo
Ingredients
- 2-3 Tomatoes chopped
- 1-2 White Onion chopped
- 2 tbsp Lime Juice freshly squeezed
- 5 cloves Garlic minced by hand. Do not use a press for this recipe as it will pulverize the garlic and the flavor will get lost.
- Cilantro to taste
- Salt to taste
- Peppers traditionally serrano peppers are used but I like to use pickled chilies. This is just personal preference, you can use what you like. Add these to taste – remember, you don't want to make it so spicy you don't enjoy eating it.
Instructions
- Prep all the ingredients and then add them to a bowl. Mix well. Taste and adjust seasonings as required. Enjoy!
