Vibrant Mexican Pico de Gallo Salad
This Vibrant Mexican Pico de Gallo Salad brings a burst of freshness and color to any meal. Often served as a staple side dish in Mexican cuisine, this uncooked salsa utilizes the crispness of ripe tomatoes, zesty lime, and aromatic cilantro, making it a perfect accompaniment to tacos, grilled meats, or as a topping for tortilla chips. Its vibrant flavors and textures not only enhance your dish but also elevate your dining experience, making every bite a delightful celebration of Mexican culinary tradition.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ripe tomatoes
1 lb (Seeded and chopped)
Red or white onion
1/2 medium (Chopped (approximately 1/2 cup))
Fresh cilantro
1/4 cup (Chopped)
Fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons (Juiced)
Garlic clove
1 (Minced)
Serrano chili
1 (Minced (approximately 1 tablespoon))
Salt
to taste (For seasoning)
Instructions
1
Start by preparing all your ingredients. Seed and chop the tomatoes, finely chop the onion, and mince the garlic and serrano chili.
2
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the chopped tomatoes, onion, cilantro, minced garlic, and serrano chili.
3
Drizzle fresh lime juice over the mixture and gently toss everything together until well blended.
4
Season with salt to taste, adding a little at a time, and mixing until it reaches your desired flavor.
5
Allow the Pico de Gallo to rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. This resting period is essential for the flavors to meld and develop, creating a more authentic taste.
6
Tip: For the best texture and flavor, finely chop the ingredients using a knife rather than a food processor to maintain the salsa's distinct character.
7
Make ahead: This delicious Pico de Gallo can be prepared up to 1 hour in advance, but it's best served fresh.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Vibrant Mexican Pico de Gallo Salad?
It is a fresh, uncooked Mexican salsa or salad made from chopped tomatoes, onions, cilantro, lime juice, and chilies, known for its vibrant flavors and crisp texture.
What are the main ingredients in this recipe?
The recipe requires ripe tomatoes, red or white onion, fresh cilantro, fresh lime juice, a garlic clove, a serrano chili, and salt.
How many ingredients are needed to make Pico de Gallo?
There are a total of 7 ingredients used in this specific recipe.
Why should I seed the tomatoes?
Seeding the tomatoes before chopping helps maintain the salad's crisp texture and prevents it from becoming too watery.
Can I use a food processor to chop the ingredients?
It is recommended to use a knife for a fine chop rather than a food processor to maintain the salsa's distinct character and chunky texture.
Why is it important to let the Pico de Gallo rest?
Allowing it to rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes is essential for the flavors to meld and develop into an authentic taste.
Is this Pico de Gallo recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as it consists entirely of fresh vegetables and citrus juice.
What can I serve with Vibrant Mexican Pico de Gallo?
It is a perfect accompaniment to tacos, grilled meats, or can be used as a fresh topping for tortilla chips.
How much lime juice is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice.
What type of onion should I use?
You can use either a red or white onion for this recipe; you will need about 1/2 a medium onion.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a kick from one minced serrano chili. You can adjust the heat by adding more or less chili to your preference.
Can I make this salad in advance?
It can be prepared up to 1 hour in advance, though it is best served fresh to maintain the crunch of the vegetables.
How much cilantro is required?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro.
Is garlic included in authentic Pico de Gallo?
Yes, this version includes one minced garlic clove to enhance the aromatic flavor profile.
What is the best way to prepare the serrano chili?
The serrano chili should be minced finely, resulting in approximately 1 tablespoon of chili.
How much salt should I add?
Salt should be added 'to taste.' It is best to add a little at a time until the desired flavor is reached.
Can I use bottled lime juice?
Fresh lime juice is recommended for this recipe to ensure the most vibrant and authentic flavor.
Is Pico de Gallo considered a healthy dish?
Yes, it is tagged as healthy and fresh, as it is made with nutrient-rich vegetables and no added fats.
How many tomatoes are needed for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 pound of ripe tomatoes.
What category does this recipe fall under?
It is categorized as a salad, salsa, and vegetable dish within Mexican cuisine.
How do I mix the ingredients?
Combine the tomatoes, onion, cilantro, garlic, and chili in a bowl, drizzle with lime juice, and gently toss until well blended.
What makes this salad 'vibrant'?
The combination of bright red tomatoes, green cilantro, and zesty lime juice creates a burst of color and fresh flavor.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, it is entirely plant-based and suitable for a vegan diet.
Can I use jalapeños instead of serrano chilies?
While the recipe calls for serrano, jalapeños are a common substitute if you prefer a slightly milder heat.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
The specific serving size is not provided, but it is typically served as a side dish or condiment for a small group.
How should I store leftover Pico de Gallo?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, though the texture is best when fresh.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
While the traditional recipe focuses on tomatoes and onions, you can customize it, though it may change the authentic character.
How long should I spend preparing the ingredients?
The time varies by skill, but since everything is hand-chopped, expect to spend about 10-15 minutes on prep before the 30-minute resting period.
Does this recipe contain any cholesterol?
No, this vegetable-based recipe is naturally cholesterol-free.
What is the primary flavor profile of this dish?
The flavor profile is a balance of savory tomatoes, sharp onion, aromatic cilantro, and acidic lime with a spicy finish.