master-cooks | Classic 5 Ingredient Pico De Gallo Recipe

Classic Pico De Gallo, a staple in Mexican cuisine, is a fresh and zesty salsa that is both simple to make and full of flavor. This classic recipe requires just five ingredients: ripe tomatoes, onions, cilantro, jalapeño peppers, and lime juice. The key to a great Pico De Gallo is using fresh, high-quality ingredients. Start by finely dicing ripe tomatoes, which serve as the juicy base of the salsa. Add finely chopped onions for a crisp texture and a hint of sharpness. Fresh cilantro leaves are essential, lending a fragrant, herbal note that balances the other flavors. For heat, include finely chopped jalapeño peppers, adjusting the amount to suit your spice preference. Finally, a generous squeeze of fresh lime juice ties everything together, adding a bright, tangy finish. Combine all the ingredients in a bowl, season with salt to taste, and let the mixture sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Pico De Gallo is incredibly versatile, making a perfect accompaniment for tacos, grilled meats, or simply as a dip with tortilla chips. With its vibrant colors and refreshing taste, this timeless recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Collect the ingredients for this classic pico de gallo

The salsa is crafted from Roma tomatoes, sweet onions, jalapeño, and cilantro. It is flavored with Tajin, a seasoning mix that brings together the tastes of salt, lime, and three varieties of pepper: chile de árbol, guajillo, and pasilla.

Step 1: Cut each tomato into 4 pieces

Cut the Roma tomatoes into quarters.

Step 2: Remove the tomato seeds

With a small spoon, remove the seeds and throw them away.

Step 3: Chop the tomatoes

Chop the tomatoes and place them in a medium-sized bowl.

Step 4: Mix in the onions, peppers, and cilantro

Incorporate onions, jalapeños, and cilantro into the tomatoes.

Step 5: Stir in some citrus and seasoning

Incorporate lime juice and Tajin, then mix well.

Step 6: Let the salsa sit for a while

Let the pico de gallo sit for 15 minutes to marinate before serving.

Can I switch up the vegetables in this classic pico de gallo?

De Witt prefers using Romas for her salsa because, as she explains, "They have few seeds and a dense texture, making them perfect for pico de gallo." Additionally, she notes that Romas "stand up well to the acidity of lime juice." While she encourages you to substitute other types of tomatoes if you like, she cautions, "Just ensure they are ripe and flavorful."

Regarding onions, she states, "Any type of sweet onion... works well in pico de gallo due to their milder flavor compared to other onion varieties." Common sweet onion options available at the grocery store include Walla Walla and Vidalia. If you're aiming for a spicier salsa, De Witt recommends simply adding more jalapeño, or you could switch it up by using serrano peppers, which are generally much hotter.

How long does this classic pico de gallo last?

Once you've prepared your pico de gallo, be ready to use it up fairly quickly. However, it's advisable to let it rest for at least 15 minutes, as De Witt suggests. This resting time allows the seasoning to enhance the flavor of the tomatoes. After that 15-minute mark, the countdown begins because she emphasizes that "Pico de gallo is best enjoyed the day it is made." Nevertheless, she mentions that it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

While pico de gallo is fantastic as a dip for chips, there are numerous other ways to enjoy it. It can serve as a topping for burritos, enchiladas, fajitas, and tacos, and De Witt recommends it for huevos rancheros. Additionally, you can combine it with ranch dressing to create salsa ranch for your salads or sandwiches.

Classic 5-Ingredient Pico De Gallo Recipe