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Recipe: Pico de Gallo or Salsa Fresca

ByJenn Giam Smith

Discover the simple, flavorful ingredients used to make Pico de Gallo, a popular Mexican salsa. Start experimenting with the unique taste today!

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This image of pico de gallo used red plum tomatoes instead of tri-colored.
This image of pico de gallo used red plum tomatoes instead of tri-colored tomatoes.
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A Little Background

Pico de Gallo (meaning rooster’s beak) or Salsa Fresca (Fresh Sauce) is a type of salsa commonly used in Mexican cuisine.

Why Rooster’s Beak?

In the book Authentic Mexican: Regional Cooking from the Heart of Mexico, Rick Bayless and Deann Groen speculate that the name might allude to the bird feed-like texture and appearance of the mince. This sounds far more realistic to me than the idea that people originally formed their fingers in a “rooster-like” position when eating it. So I’m going with it.

Check some of my other recipe inspiration

Homemade is the best!

I’m pretty sure most people have their version of pico de gallo that they enjoy or use. This is my version of several experiments on what we like and enjoy. But to me, that is the best thing about homemade! adjust it to your liking and make it your own.

How to Make Pico De Gallo

You’ll love how quickly this recipe comes together. Find the full recipe below. Here’s the gist:
  1. Dice tomatoes, and red onion and add to bowl.
  2. Grate one clove of garlic (small clove unless you want a strong garlic taste) straight into the bowl.
  3. Add one chopped jalapeño (optional), I skip this because my 2 youngest kids LOVE pico de Gallo, but really can’t handle spicy food yet.
  4. Add cilantro and lime juice.
  5. Mix until combined and enjoy with Tortilla Chips.

That’s it! Now you never have to buy Pico de Gallo again! Enjoy!

Pico de Gallo all mixed together.

This is not only great by itself, but I also use this to top my Lemon Chicken Taco Dinner, alongside my Taco Dip Recipe

Pico de Gallo made with tri-colored tomatoes in a white bowl.

Did you try it, have questions?

Your feedback is highly appreciated. Kindly share your thoughts in the comments section and don’t forget to rate the recipe, it’s tremendously helpful.

Let’s get social!

Please tag me on Instagram or Facebook, @alwaysjennsmith, and share your thoughts. It’s wonderful to see loved ones coming together over delicious food. Or share it on this post’s Pinterest Pin!

Always, Jenn Smith (Signature image)
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Pico de Gallo or Salsa Fresca

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Print Recipe

A super easy Pico de Gallo (or Salsa Fresca) recipe for your next party, snack, or taco dinner.

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 people 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 5 oz tomatoes (diced)
  • 1/4 medium red onion (diced – about 1.5 oz )
  • 1 clove Garlic (grated/chopper)
  • 1 jalapeño (optional)
  • 20 sprigs cilantro (chopped (stems and all))
  • juice of 1 lime
  • salt (to taste)

Instructions

  1. Dice tomatoes, and red onion and add to bowl.
  2. Grate one clove of garlic (small clove unless you want a strong garlic taste) straight into the bowl.
  3. Add one chopped jalapeño (optional), I skip this because my 2 youngest kids LOVE pico de Gallo, but really can’t handle spicy food yet.
  4. Add cilantro and lime juice. Salt if needed.
  5. Mix together, let sit for a few minutes* and enjoy with Tortilla Chips.

Equipment

Notes

*The longer you let it sit, the better the flavors will meld together.

  • Author: Jenn Giam Smith
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, dip
  • Cuisine: Mexican, Mexican-American, Tex-Mex

Nutrition

  • Calories: 14
  • Sugar: 1
  • Sodium: 70
  • Fat: 0.2
  • Saturated Fat: 0.02
  • Carbohydrates: 3
  • Fiber: 1
  • Protein: 1

Did you make this recipe?

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Pico de Gallo Recipe Pinterest Pin
Pico de Gallo Pinterest Pin with 2 images.

©Photo, Prop Styling, and Food Styling by Jenn Smith

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