Pico de Gallo (Fresh Tomato Salsa)
Local name: Pico de gallo
In short: Diced ripe tomatoes, white onion, serrano chile, cilantro and lime juice make a bright, chunky fresh salsa for tacos, grilled meat and chips. It takes about 15 min in total and makes 6 servings.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 0 min
- Resting
- 15 min
- Total
- 15 min
- Servings
- 6
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 25 kcal
Pico de gallo, also called salsa mexicana or salsa fresca, is a raw chopped salsa in the colors of the Mexican flag: red tomato, white onion, and green chile and cilantro. It goes on tacos, eggs, grilled meat and fish, or gets scooped up with chips. The trick is to cut everything to the same small size, salt the tomatoes to draw out their juice, and drain off the excess so the salsa stays chunky instead of watery.
Instructions
- Core the tomatoes and scoop out most of the seeds with a spoon. Cut the flesh into 6 mm (1/4 in) dice.
- Toss the tomatoes with 1/4 tsp of the salt in a colander set over a bowl and let them drain for 10 minutes.
- Combine the drained tomatoes, onion, chiles and cilantro in a bowl.
- Add the lime juice and the remaining salt and stir well.
- Let the salsa sit for 15 minutes so the flavors blend, then taste and adjust the salt, lime or chile. Serve the same day.
Tips
- If the raw onion tastes too sharp, rinse the diced onion in cold water for 30 seconds and drain well before mixing.
- Diced mango, pineapple or cucumber make good fruity variations. Add them just before serving so they stay crisp.
Questions and answers
How long does pico de gallo keep?
It is best the day it is made. Refrigerated, it lasts up to 2 days but softens and releases liquid, so drain it before serving.
Why is my pico de gallo watery?
Tomato seeds and juice are the cause. Scoop out most of the seeds, salt and drain the diced tomatoes, and choose firm plum tomatoes rather than very soft ones.
What is the difference between pico de gallo and salsa?
Pico de gallo is chopped raw and chunky, with little liquid. Most other salsas are blended or cooked and have a looser, saucier texture.
How long does it take to make Pico de Gallo (Fresh Tomato Salsa)?
About 15 min in total: 15 min of preparation and 0 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Pico de Gallo (Fresh Tomato Salsa)?
About 25 kcal per serving, with 1 g of protein, 6 g of carbohydrates and 0 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 25 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 1 g |
| Carbohydrates | 6 g |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Sodium | 260 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
