Pico de Gallo Salsa (Authentic Salsa Mexicana)

This Easy Pico de Gallo Recipe comes together in a few minutes. Pico de Gallo is a fresh, raw salsa with great flavor that can be eaten with tortilla chips, tacos, burritos, or as a topping for rice and beans. I will teach you how to make this delicious Mexican dish at home!

Perhaps most of you already know this delicious salsa, but hey! It is close to summer, and grilling season is about to start (at least here in my area), and I find this a good reason to post this recipe.

Jump to:

• History Behind Salsa Mexicana
• Frequently Asked Questions About Mexican Pico De Gallo
• Different Variations Of This Pico Recipe
• Authentic Pico de Gallo Salsa
• What to serve with pico de gallo
• 📖 Recipe
• 💬 Comments

Salsa Mexicana, Salsa Fresca, or “Pico de Gallo Salsa”, known in some areas of México, is one of the easiest salsas to make. It can be ready in a matter of minutes to top your grilled chicken, steaks, or fish! Basically, any meal you like! The name Salsa Mexicana comes from because it has the color of the Mexican Flag: Red, white, and green.

History Behind Salsa Mexicana

It is said that salsa Mexicana, also known as pico de gallo or just pico, originated in the state of Puebla. The Spanish word pico de gallo means "rooster's beak," Some say the name comes from because it looks like it was chopped by a rooster's beak. Others believe that the way it is chopped resembles a rooster meal.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mexican Pico De Gallo

Before I share my recipe, I feel like I need to answer the questions I always get:

What does pico de gallo mean?

Pico de gallo literally translates to roaster beak. The name for this salsa has many histories, from how it was originally eaten to what it resembles. Some say the name comes from because it looks like it was chopped by a rooster's beak. Others believe that the way it is chopped resembles a rooster meal.

Which tomatoes are best for making salsa?

For this recipe, the best option is fresh tomatoes, like vine-ripened red ones you buy at your local farmer's market in season - they are the sweetest! Just remember to let the tomatoes become fully ripe; when you bring them from the store, most times, they need more time to be ready.

Also, I don't use store-bought cherry tomatoes. They're not flavorful enough unless they are organic.

If you don't have access to these types of tomatoes, plum tomatoes or Roma tomatoes are another good option. If you live in an area where they are hard to find, some people have used canned tomatoes, you will need to rinse them first, but they're not as sweet.

How do I make salsa without tomatoes?

You can substitute tomatoes with avocados to make a delicious guacamole  or Red molcajete salsa. You can even make pico de gallo with pineapple! There is another Pico de Gallo Salsa in some regions of Mexico that use fruit, like Mango and oranges.

However, depending on the final dish you are preparing, using these alternatives will be different, so it's up to you!

Which is the best spicy pepper to use for pico de gallo?

I like to use 2 serrano peppers, but if you prefer less spice, swap them out for 1 medium jalapeno pepper instead. For an extra spicy salsa, try Habanero pepper, like in Yucatan, for "Xnipec Salsa".

Can pico de gallo be made ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this easy pico de gallo recipe ahead of time. My recommendation is to store the chopped ingredients in the refrigerator in separate containers if you want to maintain their texture. But making this ahead of time gives the pico de gallo a chance to chill and blend its flavors. 

How long does this salsa last in the fridge?

It may last up to 2-3 days in the refrigerator, but I don't recommend keeping it any longer than that due to oxidation and spoilage.

Plus, after a few days, the flavors of the pico will start losing their freshness and crunch,  and it won't taste as good.

Can Pico de Gallo be frozen?

Yes, you can. However, it will change the texture of the pico de gallo. My recommendation is to make it fresh; it only takes a few minutes. 

Different Variations Of This Pico Recipe

You know that most of the ingredients in a Mexican salsa are a combination of tomatoes and chopped peppers, fresh or cooked, and seasoned in many different ways.

Some have lime juice, cilantro, avocado, red onion, scallions, and even fruit! Each region of the country (as well as families) have their own special variations.

For us at home, it gets a little twist when we eat baked chicken rotisserie-style. I personally like to add finely chopped cabbage and radishes. My family likes to use it on a salad or to top our favorite tacos (especially these tacos al pastor).

If you have a special variation of this salsa, please let me know. I would love to try it!

Authentic Pico de Gallo Salsa

This recipe for authentic salsa Mexicana will teach you how to make this delicious dish that can serve as an appetizer or side dish with the main course.

Here's a list of everything you need:

• Ripe tomato (finely chopped)
• White Onion (finely chopped)
• Serrano peppers
• Fresh Lime juice
• Fresh Cilantro (finely chopped)
• Salt

Please note: For exact measurements of the ingredients listed above, scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of this post!

JUMP TO FULL INSTRUCTIONS

How To Make the Best Pico De Gallo Recipe: Step By Step Tutorial

This recipe is super easy to make!

All you need to do is:

• Add the chopped tomato, onion, and serrano pepper to a bowl.
• Add the cilantro, lime juice, and salt as well.
• Mix and stir gently with lime juice to coat all ingredients.
• Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving.
• Enjoy!

What to serve with pico de gallo

Whenever I make this fresh salsa at home, I love to make some sort of a taco like these crispy cod tacos and these chorizo potato tacos to eat with. The tomatoes and lime juice from the salsa really give the tacos some light freshness they really need sometimes.

I also like to use the pico and add a spoonful of it to my black bean soup and salad!

More Authentic Mexican Recipes To Enjoy

If you enjoyed this recipe for pico de gallo salsa, take a look at some of these other authentic Mexican recipes:

• Hot Piquin Salsa
• Fresh Salsa Roja
• Creamy Jalapeño Salsa
• Habanero Tomatillo Salsa Recipe
• Red Molcajete Salsa

I hope you make this authentic Mexican tomato salsa! If this recipe was of any help to you, come back to let me know your experience. Please leave us a comment below and tell us all about it!

¡Buen provecho!

Mely

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