WHAT IS PICO DE GALLO?
It’s a simple combination of five main ingredients to create a classic Mexican dip which adds a fresh and healthy flavor to just about any Mexican meal. In fact, pico de gallo recipe, in my opinion, is better than salsa despite its simplistic ingredients.
When I went to Mexico with my sister and dad as a teenager, I mistakenly thought pico de gallo was Mexico's version of salsa. At the time, I didn't realize, in fact, it was a completely different sauce. Even though I preferred pico de gallo back then, I realized it was the simplistic ingredients that contributed to the fresh taste I craved.
Not only is pico de gallo fabulous on any Mexican food, but it also works well as a topping for Skinny Southwestern Tofu Scramble. Whenever I want a fresh, tomato flavor on anything, including my Crockpot Three-Bean Mega Veggie Chili , this is my go-to recipe.
5 INGREDIENT PICO DE GALLO RECIPE IS SO EASY TO MAKE
First, the type of tomatoes you choose makes or breaks the pico de gallo. For instance, I prefer Roma tomatoes, because they are firmer and contain fewer seeds. Moreover, Roma tomatoes produce less juice, which is beneficial when making pico de gallo. As a matter of fact, you only need five base ingredients: ripe Roma tomatoes, white onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime. That’s it!
Additionally, you will need a few simple seasonings from the pantry to add a little zest: sea salt, cayenne, and garlic powder.
WHEN TO USE PICO VS. SALSA?
In contrast to salsa, pico de gallo contains all fresh ingredients, whereas salsa traditionally contains stewed or roasted tomatoes. As a result, consistency is chunkier and less wet. On the other hand, I prefer pico de gallo for tacos, because it is less wet and doesn't make the corn tortilla soggy.
In the same fashion, I prefer dipping my nachos, one at a time, in salsa. Even though both are equally delicious, I sometimes use both on dishes like Green Plant-Based Potato and Kale Enchiladas.
TIPS FOR PICO DE GALLO RECIPE SUCCESS
TRY TO ALWAYS USE RIPE ROMA TOMATOES
When Roma tomatoes are not in season, opt for salsa or store-made pico. Since ripe tomatoes are an essential component to fresh pico de gallo, they are the necessary ingredient that makes or breaks its taste. With this in mind, choose the brightest red Roma tomatoes you can find. Whatever you do, don't pick light red or orangish colored tomatoes.
SIZE MATTERS!
Regardless of the chopping mechanism you have, tomatoes need to be hand cut. But, it is important you dice everything the same size; SMALL. Comparatively, I use my favorite vegetable chopper to chop my onion and jalapeño exactly the same size using my small chopping blade. However, don't forget to remove the seeds from the jalapeño prior to chopping. Furthermore, it is recommended you wear gloves to avoid getting pepper burns.
THE FLAVORs ENHANCE OVER TIME, SO LET IT MARINATE!
As much as I want to eat it the minute I make it, letting it marinate in the refrigerator helps to develop its flavors. Likewise, meal prep is vital! If you can leave it overnight, the enhanced flavors are worth the wait.
WHAT RECIPES ARE PERFECT FOR PICO DE GALLO RECIPE
(SERVED ON TOP OF VEGAN TEMPEH TACO RECIPE).
- Vegan Lentil Tacos
- Vegan Breakfast Tacos
- Sweet Potato Tacos
- Mushroom Chorizo Tacos
- Skinny Roasted Cauliflower Tacos with Avocado-Cilantro Cream
- Roasted Vegetable Tacos
(PERFECT ON TOP OF VEGAN ENCHILADAS)
- Tater Tot Nachos
- Cauliflower Nachos
- Vegan Guilt-Free Potato Nachos; A Game Day Treat!
Another one of my favorite snacks is to mix it in with my nacho cheese sauce for a yummy tortilla chip dip.
(MIX IT INTO Nacho Cheese Dip)
📖 Recipe
Pico de Gallo
Ingredients
SKINNY PICO De GALLO
- 6 Roma tomatoes diced small
- 1 cup finely diced white onion 1 small onion
- 2 medium jalapeño de-seeded, diced small
- ¼ cup fresh lime juice
- ¾ teaspoon fine sea salt more to taste
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ cup finely chopped fresh cilantro about 1 bunch
Instructions
- In a medium serving bowl, combine the chopped onion, jalapeño, lime juice, and salt.
- Let it marinate while you chop the tomatoes and cilantro.
- Add the chopped tomatoes and cilantro to the bowl and stir to combine.
- Add more salt, cayenne and garlic powder
- Pico de gallo keeps well in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 7 days.
Notes
Nutrition
Hi! My name is Kathy, I am a retired high school English teacher & vegan enthusiast and blogger. My entire blog is fully plant-based vegan. I truly believe what we eat & how we live determines our health & the preservation of our planet! 🙂
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