Are you craving a vibrant, zesty salsa that's bursting with fresh flavors? Look no further! This recipe recreates the beloved Chili's Pico De Gallo, a staple known for its perfect balance of juicy tomatoes, crisp onions, and zesty lime. It's incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal cooking time and readily available ingredients. Perfect as a quick appetizer, a vibrant topping for tacos, or a healthy addition to your favorite dishes, this homemade pico de gallo is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Get ready to elevate your meals with this fresh and delicious salsa!
Ingredients:
This recipe makes approximately 2 cups of pico de gallo. Feel free to double or triple the recipe depending on your needs.
- 4 large ripe Roma tomatoes, finely diced
- 1/2 medium white onion, finely diced
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced (optional, adjust to your spice preference)
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 limes, juiced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Begin by prepping your vegetables. Wash and finely dice the Roma tomatoes, white onion, and jalapeño pepper (if using). Make sure to remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeño for a less spicy salsa, or leave them in for extra heat!
Combine Ingredients:
- In a medium-sized bowl, gently combine the diced tomatoes, onion, jalapeño (if using), and cilantro.
Season and Dress:
- Add the lime juice, salt, cumin, and black pepper to the bowl. Gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are evenly coated.
Chill and Serve:
- For best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate the pico de gallo for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Cooking Tips for the Best Pico De Gallo:
- Tomato Selection: Use ripe, flavorful Roma tomatoes for the best results. Their firm texture holds up well in the salsa.
- Onion Handling: If you find raw onion too strong, you can soak the diced onion in cold water for 10-15 minutes before adding it to the salsa. This will help to mellow out the flavor.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of jalapeño to your preference. If you prefer a milder salsa, omit it entirely or use only a small portion. For a spicier kick, add more jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Fresh Cilantro: Using fresh cilantro is key to the authentic flavor of this pico de gallo.
Variations:
- Mango Pico de Gallo: Add 1 cup of diced mango for a sweet and spicy twist.
- Avocado Pico de Gallo: Incorporate 1 ripe avocado, mashed, for a creamier texture.
- Grapefruit Pico de Gallo: Substitute grapefruit segments for a citrusy variation.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 30-40
- Fat: 1-2g
- Carbohydrates: 6-8g
- Protein: 1-2g
This easy and healthy recipe is perfect for quick dinner ideas and homemade cooking. Enjoy this delicious dish as a healthy meal addition or as a tasty appetizer for your next gathering! This fresh, flavorful pico de gallo is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients can create truly delicious dishes.