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Fresh cilantro tomato salsa (Pico de Gallo) in a bowl.
Simple and fresh salsa with cilantro

Fresh Pico de Gallo (Cilantro Tomato Salsa)

Author: Flavelo
Sauces and Gravies Recipes Vegetarian & Vegan Dishes
Pico de Gallo, or 'rooster's beak', is an essential centerpiece of the Mexican table. This isn't a cooked sauce, but a raw 'salad' where freshness reigns supreme. The sweetness of tomatoes, the bite of onion, the acidity of lime, and the herbal aroma of cilantro form a perfect quartet. The secret lies in letting the ingredients 'chat' in the bowl for a bit before serving.
🕒 Prep Time 15 mins
⌛ Total Time 45 mins
🍽️ Servings 4 servings
🔥 Calories 120 kcal
🌍 Cuisine Mexican

Ingredients

Equipment Needed

  • Sharp chef's knife (to avoid crushing tomatoes)
  • Cutting board
  • Mixing bowl

Instructions

1 ✓

Prep: Dice the tomatoes into small cubes. If they are very juicy, remove the seedy core so they don't water down the salsa.

Tip: Use a serrated knife for tomatoes if your chef's knife isn't razor sharp, to avoid crushing the flesh.
2 ✓

Chopping: Finely dice the red onion, garlic, chili, and cilantro.

Tip: The finer the onion and chili, the better the flavor distribution, preventing anyone from biting into a huge chunk of spice.
3 ✓

Marinating: Place the onion and chili in a bowl, squeeze the lime juice over them, and sprinkle with salt. Let sit for 5 minutes.

Tip: This is the 'trick': acid and salt tame the raw, harsh bite of the onion (maceration).
4 ✓

Assembly: Add the tomatoes, cilantro, and olive oil to the onion base. Toss gently.

Tip: Olive oil isn't traditional, but it helps carry the flavors and adds a nice sheen to the salad.
5 ✓

Resting: Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to let flavors meld.

Tip: The cold helps keep the vegetables crisp.

Recipe FAQ

Why did the salsa get watery?
Salt draws water out of vegetables. This is natural! Drain the liquid before serving, or dip it up with a tortilla chip – it's the tastiest part.
I don't like cilantro, what can I substitute?
Many find it tastes like soap (genetics). Use parsley instead, though the flavor profile will be different.

Ingredients

  • 4 whole Ripe Tomatoes (firm)
  • 1/2 oz Fresh Cilantro
  • 1 whole Red Onion
  • 1 clove Garlic
  • 1 whole Green Chili (e.g., Jalapeño)
  • 1 whole Lime (juiced)
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil