How to Make Authentic Pico de Gallo - Perfect for Tacos!

So without further ado, let’s get you on your way to making the best pico de gallo at home! Be sure to watch the video at the bottom of this post, and if you’re not already, be sure to subscribe channel and press the bell button so you’re notified when all of my video recipes are live!

Pico De Gallo Versus Salsa

As discussed, pico de gallo is actually a type of salsa. The key difference between the two condiments is that the ingredients are uncooked for the pico de gallo, and for salsa the ingredients are typically cooked. Cooking the salsa will give a more prominent tomato flavor compared to the pico de gallo.

Another difference is that pico de gallo follows the staple ingredients for every recipe. On the other hand, you can find many different types of salsa. For example, you have what is typically seen as salsa with tomatoes, onions, herbs, and chilies, but you can also find variations that have fruit and other vegetables, such as corn or beans.

The consistency of what we typically know as “salsa” can also vary. Salsa is known for using a fair amount of liquid, therefore a traditional salsa has a thinner consistency. Some recipes will puree the ingredients to make a smooth consistency, whereas others will use the diced ingredients as they are. On the other hand, pico de gallo is chunky, and you can visibly see and distinguish every chopped ingredient.

Ingredients for Authentic Pico De Gallo

This authentic Pico de Gallo only needs a few ingredients, but you’ll see how well they work together to bring incredible freshness to your Mexican meals! You can scroll to the bottom of this post or press the “Jump to Recipe” button for the FULL PRINTABLE recipe card that has all ingredients and their quantities and will allow you to save the recipe for later. Additionally, the recipe card lets you scale the recipe based on how many portions you want to make.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Tomatoes
• Onions
• Serrano pepper or Thai green chilies
• Lemon or lime juice
• Olive oil
• Cilantro
• Ground cumin
• Salt and pepper

How to Make the Freshest Authentic Pico De Gallo

Begin by adding the tomatoes to a large bowl.

Then add the chopped cilantro and the green chili or Serrano chili, onions, cilantro, and ground cumin.

Pour in olive oil and lime juice. Season with salt and pepper.

Mix until all the ingredients are well combined.

Transfer to a serving bowl and enjoy!

Storing Pico De Gallo

Store any unused pico de gallo in an airtight container. Homemade pico de gallo will stay fresh in the fridge for 2-3 days. You could store it for a few extra days if necessary, however, I would not recommend it. Because your vegetables are chopped, the tomatoes will gradually release moisture over time, and the water content will make your pico de gallo lose its amazing flavors. So I recommend you keep it in the fridge for at most 3 days for the best results!

Serving Suggestions

You could use Pico de Gallo to top unlimited Mexican recipes! Here is how I like to use my pico de gallo:

• Grilled Cajun-Spiced Shrimp Lettuce Wraps
• Spicy Mexican-Style Wrap with Guacamole, Bacon and Shrimp