Pico de gallo - What is it, how to make it, and why you should.

Is there anything better than taking a crispy, salty tortilla chip and dipping it into a big bowl of chopped fresh pico de gallo? Pico de gallo (pronounced pee-ko de guy-oh), is a fresh salsa traditionally made of tomato, pepper, and onion.

In this post, you'll learn everything you ever wanted to know about this delicious Mexican dish, including how to make it and what to do with it. So, without further ado, gather some friends because pico de gallo is meant for sharing. Now, let's get cooking.

What's the difference between Pico de Gallo and Salsa?

There are many different kinds of salsa. Salsa means sauce. Think about how many different kinds of sauces there are in French cooking. There are hundreds if not thousands. Mexican cuisine is the same. They have countless versions of salsa.

Some are like the thick, cooked version you buy in the jar at the grocery store. There are salsas that are very liquid. Then, there are salsas like pico de gallo that are uncooked. Essentially, pico de gallo is composed of the same ingredients as a grocery store salsa, but it's not cooked. Everything is fresh.

This gives pico de gallo more of a bite and a fresh summery flavour. Some people consider pico more of a finely chopped salad or side dish than a salsa, but I disagree. And honestly, how you think of it doesn't really matter. It tastes just as delicious either way.

Traditional pico de gallo is typically onion, cilantro, tomatoes, peppers, and lime. Today's version is not far off the traditional recipe, but with the addition of a little garlic and some spices. Check out this link to learn more about pico de Gallo.

Why is it called Pico de Gallo?

There is no clear answer to why pico de gallo is named as it is, but a few theories offer insight. One suggests the name, which translates to "rooster's beak," comes from how people originally ate the salsa by pinching it between their fingers, mimicking a rooster's peck.

Others believe the vibrant colours of chopped tomatoes, cilantro, and onion resemble the bright feathers of a rooster. Another idea is that the chunky texture and bold flavours "peck" at the palate. While its origins are uncertain, pico de gallo remains a staple of Mexican cuisine.

How To Make Pico de Gallo

Ingredients

The ingredients for this recipe are tomatoes, cilantro, pickled jalapeno, garlic, red onion, cumin, salt, red wine vinegar, lime juice and zest. All of the ingredients are hand-cut and very small.

I used pickled jalapenos because I had them on hand, and while adding a little heat, they help balance the acidity of the finished salsa. Of course, you can leave out the cumin if you'd like, but I find that it adds a nice flavour.

Making Pico de Gallo

There really isn't too much to say about making pico de gallo. I already mentioned cutting everything very small by hand. It's essential that you don't just throw everything into a blender or food processor. Pico de gallo should have texture. You should be able to see the different ingredients.

Put all the ingredients in a medium mixing bowl, and mix well. When zesting the lime, make sure you only get the green part in the bowl and zest the lime directly over the bowl, keeping the flavour from the essential oils in the food rather than on a cutting board.

You can use the pico de gallo immediately after making it, but covering it and putting it in the fridge for an hour helps the flavour develop.

A big spoonful goes on my steak tacos.

What to do with Pico de Gallo?

What do you do with it once you've made pico de gallo? Think of it not just as a dish on its own but as an additional ingredient. Here are some ideas:

• Tacos: Throw it on a taco for a fresh, bright topping.
• Chips: Dip tortilla chips in it for a classic snack.
• Grilled protein: Put it on a piece of grilled fish or meat.
• Burritos: Add it to a burrito for extra freshness.

If you're looking for more Mexican-inspired dishes, try my Huevos Rancheros or my Homemade Refried Beans to round out your spread.

Pico is also the base of this Mexican ceviche.

Can you can pico de Gallo?

The defining quality of pico de Gallo is that it is fresh. The canning process would cook the vegetables, turning them from pico de Gallo to salsa. So, technically, you can can it, but the result would that it is no longer pico de Gallo.

Does Pico de Gallo Have Fruit In It?

If we want to get technical, a tomato is a fruit. So, yes pico de Gallo does have fruit in it. Beyond the tomato, though, you can add other fruits in place of the tomato. For example, pineapple, peach, and mango all make great versions of pico de gallo.

Over the years, I've made a bunch of different picos on this site and if you like this recipe, you may also like my pineapple pico de gallo and my mango pico de gallo. If you want to learn more about salsa in general, check out this post I did about Everything I Know About Salsa.

Final Thoughts

If you've never had a fresh salsa like pico de gallo, you've got to try it at least once. It's an entirely different experience from the grocery store variety. The bright, fresh flavours and the satisfying texture of hand-cut vegetables make it something special.

Whether you're dipping chips, topping tacos, or spooning it over grilled meat, this is one of those recipes that punches well above its weight for the effort involved. Give it a try this weekend and I think you'll see what I mean.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between Pico de Gallo and Salsa?

Pico de gallo is composed of the same ingredients as a grocery store salsa, but it's not cooked. Everything is fresh, which gives pico de gallo more of a bite and a fresh summery flavour. Traditional pico de gallo is typically onion, cilantro, tomatoes, peppers, and lime.

Why is it called Pico de Gallo?

There is no clear answer, but a few theories exist. The name translates to "rooster's beak," and one theory suggests it comes from how people originally ate the salsa by pinching it between their fingers, mimicking a rooster's peck. Others believe the vibrant colours of chopped tomatoes, cilantro, and onion resemble the bright feathers of a rooster.

Can you can pico de Gallo?

The defining quality of pico de Gallo is that it is fresh. The canning process would cook the vegetables, turning them from pico de Gallo to salsa. Technically you can can it, but the result would be that it is no longer pico de Gallo.

Does Pico de Gallo Have Fruit In It?

If we want to get technical, a tomato is a fruit, so yes pico de Gallo does have fruit in it. Beyond the tomato, you can add other fruits in place of the tomato. Pineapple, peach, and mango all make great versions of pico de gallo.

Recipe