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Homemade Salsa Fresca (Pico de Gallo) – vegetarian recipe
Stav Kogan

Homemade Salsa Fresca (Pico de Gallo)

Whip up a batch of zesty, chunky Salsa Fresca (Pico de Gallo) in just 15 minutes. This simple recipe uses fresh ingredients to create a vibrant, explosive flavor that elevates everything from tortilla chips to scrambled eggs.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 serving
Calories: 32
Ingredients Method Nutrition

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large ripe tomatoes (about 340g / 12 oz), chopped
  • 1/2 large white onion (about 110g / 4 oz), minced
  • 1 teaspoon (5g / 0.18 oz) minced garlic, or to taste
  • 1 habanero or jalapeño chile, seeded and minced, or to taste
  • 1/2 cup (8g / 0.28 oz) chopped fresh cilantro leaves
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml / 1 fl oz) freshly squeezed lime juice
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Pro-Tips for Perfect Salsa
  • To mellow a sharp onion flavor, soak the minced onion in a bowl of cold water for 10 minutes, then drain well before adding to the salsa.
  • For a smoother, restaurant-style salsa, transfer the finished pico de gallo to a food processor and pulse a few times until it reaches your desired consistency.
  • Create a hearty bean salsa by adding 1 cup (240 ml) of cooked black beans, swapping the white onion for red, and mixing in a teaspoon of ground cumin.
  • For a creamy twist, gently fold in one chopped avocado and a chopped roasted red pepper just before serving.
  • Make a simple pasta sauce by omitting the onion, swapping cilantro for fresh basil, using balsamic vinegar instead of lime, and drizzling in a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil.

Method
 

  1. In a medium bowl, combine the chopped tomatoes, minced white onion, minced garlic, minced chile, and chopped cilantro.
  2. Pour the fresh lime juice over the mixture.
  3. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  4. Stir everything together until well combined.
  5. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed—add more lime for zest, chile for heat, or salt for flavor.
  6. For the best flavor, cover and let the salsa rest for at least 15 minutes to allow the to meld.
  7. Serve within a few hours for maximum freshness.

Nutrition

Calories: 32kcalCarbohydrates: 6.9gProtein: 1gFat: 0.2g

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