Some recipes just stand the test of time. This homemade pico de gallo recipe is probably the ultimate in always good recipes.
I originally shared this recipe in the summer of 2014. I’d made it for years (since a terrible college boyfriend taught it to me – something good came from that!). But then in about 2016, it started to gain some traction on Pinterest. And for the next 3 or so years, it was my top post year round!
I’ve made friends on Instagram from people tagging me, sharing a photo of their fresh salsa. It really is a dish that brings people together!
It also made my husband feel famous! One of my old photos included his thumb (see it on Pinterest here), holding a chip. And when it started getting thousands of views and website visits, he and I joked that it was certainly because of him! Probably it’s just because it’s a great recipe, but I’m never gonna tell him that! He’s too wonderful!
Authentic Pico de Gallo Recipe
Fresh salsa is delicious in many forms, but there’s something magical about homemade pico de gallo. The flavors are more fresh. The chunks provide a great consistency whether you’re enjoying it with chips, on a taco, or on a Mexican Balance Bowl.
One of the most important things about getting this pico recipe right is letting the ingredients sit for a bit.
Don’t get me wrong. It’ll be tasty just after you make it, but if you give it a few hours or even a day… well, you just won’t regret it. The flavors merry and magic takes place, I think!
I will give you a bit of warning that there is a decent amount of chopping involved here. It also makes a lot so invite your friends over to enjoy it or even to help you whip it up.
Salsa Ingredients
When it comes to making salsa, almost all recipes start out the same way. Tomatoes (obviously), cilantro, garlic, and usually onion.
Beyond that, there’s a little debate in regard to onion, garlic, and jalapeno. Now while the amounts of these three ingredients is certainly up to preference, I don’t think omitting any one of those would be a travesty.
Be sure to check out how to store fresh herbs and tomatoes properly!
But beyond these basics, I’m actually a fan of just the original. I know of lots of fruit salsas, doing different things to your tomatoes, and all that jazz.
With the exception of fire roasted tomatoes on occasion, I think these twists are good occasionally (especially this cilantro strawberry salsa situation – delicious!). But when you just need so good ole chips and salsa…go with the authentic pico de gallo!
Can you make salsa in a food processor?
I get asked pretty frequently if you can make pico de gallo in a food processor. It really is a lot of chopping, so I get it. Obviously the consistency will be totally different, but you can do MOST of this recipe in a food processor…
The garlic and jalapeno are PERFECT in a food chopper (in batches or by ingredient) or processor. The onion, however, isn’t. You end up getting finely chopped onion and onion juice (gross!).
So if you want to use the food processor, I’d just recommend chopping the onions by hand. Then you’ll have the perfect dip for chips or topping for tacos!!
It’s pronounced Peek-oh, day, Guy-Oh!
Pico de gallo is a raw mix of fresh ingredients that usually quite chunky (also called “salsa fresca.”
Salsa in Spanish directly translates to “sauce,” so there isn’t a single type of recipe. Salsa can refer to raw and/or cooked ingredients (or sauces that aren’t salsa-like at all to us Americans). Oftentimes salsa has a thinner consistency as well.
It’s a delectable combination of fresh tomatoes, cilantro, garlic, onion, lime juice, and jalapenos (a few or a lot).
What to Serve with Pico de Gallo?
Besides the obvious answer of delicious chips (we prefer white corn to yellow corn), there are a host of tasty recipes to serve with pico.
Veggie, shrimp, or meat fajitas are great and easily made at home with a homemade fajita seasoning mix! That seasoning also goes into these wild rice stuffed peppers, my one pot Mexican casserole, and my 7 layer sweet potato dip (vegan)!
It’s also great atop quesabirria tacos (or any tacos for that matter)!
If you want to keep things lighter and healthier, try this roasted veggie salad with cumin dressing and Mexican fruit cups!!
To drink you’ll love easy mango margaritas!
And for dessert, this Mexican Chocolate Cake is a favorite in our family!
HOMEMADE PICO DE GALLO
Ingredients
- 5 cloves garlic minced
- 2+ jalapeno peppers seeded, deveined and finely chopped
- 4-5 cups finely chopped roma tomatoes
- 1 ½ cups finely chopped onion
- 1 ½ cups chopped cilantro
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon lime zest
- 3 tablespoons lime juice approx. 1-2 limes
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and refrigerate (at least an hour – better overnight).
- Season with salt and lime juice according to taste.
Jesse says
Can you can this?
Luci Petlack says
So. I had no idea and just did some hunting around the internet. It looks as though, yes, you can can the pico de gallo. Some recipes called for cooking the ingredients, but others left them as is (uncooked). Make sure to use the lime juice, however, as it’ll help with preserving. If you do end up canning this pico de gallo, please let me know! I’d love to know how it worked!