Pico de gallo

Tips: Make a great pico de gallo

Bring out the best of the pico de gallo with our useful tips. We help you find the tomatoes and chilli you need while giving you a few pointers on how to achieve the best flavour.

Select ripe and firm tomatoes

Choose ripe and firm tomatoes, such as Roma or plum, for your pico de gallo. They are sturdy and not too juicy, giving your salsa the perfect chunky texture. Remember to remove the seeds and the core to keep your salsa vibrant and fresh. Cherry tomatoes are a great substitute, as they taste great all year. Just chop them smaller and let them sit a bit longer to marinate so they add the best flavour to your salsa.

Try different types of chilli

The type of chilli you choose affects both the heat and the texture of your salsa. A red chilli, such as serrano pepper, is ideal for its crisp texture and moderate heat, adding crunch and spice to the salsa. Jalapeños are an excellent alternative if serrano peppers are not available. You can adjust the heat to your liking by removing or including the seeds and veins of the chilli.

Chill to enhance flavour

After mixing your pico de gallo, put it in the fridge if you have the time. It helps the flavours come together and become even more delicious. You can chill it for up to a day. As the tomatoes sit with lime and salt, they release juices that make the salsa tastier.

Make a fresh pico de gallo

If you want to impress your guests with bursts of colour and flavour, you should make a bowl of fresh pico de gallo. The tasty salsa is a popular side dish that perfectly balances bold, hearty, and savoury flavours. Tomato, onion, chilli, coriander, and lime juice are a top-choice combination. Together, they form an easy salsa that can make a great impact on close to any dish. Enjoy it as a snack dip or a side to a larger meal.

We have a wide selection of hearty, savoury dishes that can benefit from the freshness of the pico de gallo. If you are looking for such recipes, allow us to recommend a few. Try the tasty pulled pork with its succulent juices or the delicious leg of lamb. Both boast big flavours and can be paired with a fresh and spicy pico de gallo.

Sweet tomatoes meet spicy chilli and zesty lime

Making an authentic pico de gallo is about blending flavours so they complement each other. Sweet tomatoes make up the foundation, while onions add a zesty sharpness. To bring it alive, the heat of chilli and the zesty flavour of lime juice comes in. Our pico de gallo recipe is all about balancing flavours, so make sure that neither the heat nor the zestiness is overpowering.

Fresh and vibrant flavour from coriander

While pico de gallo may be made from only about a handful of ingredients, its flavours still pack a punch. Beautiful, vibrant coriander is one of the most flavourful additions to the salsa. It injects a welcome freshness and spreads its wonderful aromas around, giving the pico de gallo its bright and crisp flavours.

Explore a Mexican classic

We see the pico de gallo as a simple, humble dish that paves the way for many Mexican classics. While you might be searching for tacos, enchiladas, or any other Mexican recipe, the fit-all side will always be a fresh and colourful pico de gallo. It is itself a Mexican tradition, boasting the same beautiful reds, whites, and greens as the Mexican flag. “Pico de gallo” means “rooster's beak” in Spanish. The origin of the name is not clear, but one popular theory is that it comes from the way people traditionally eat it, pinching small amounts between the thumb and forefinger, similar to how a rooster pecks.

Enjoy the fresh salsa with tasty dishes 

Pico de gallo is a versatile condiment that enhances many dishes. It can be enjoyed with everything from traditional Mexican meals to your own favourite recipes. The most popular choice is to enjoy it as a refreshing dip with crunchy tortilla chips or to sprinkle it over tacos, nachos, quesadillas, burritos, and enchiladas for added flavour. These Mexican dishes often have strong, hearty flavours that need a bit of freshness.

It also pairs wonderfully with grilled fish or chicken, adding zest and a splash of colour. When used as a garnish, pico de gallo adds flavour and makes soups and stews more appealing. Its crispness and tang cut the richness and balance the flavours. Just be sure to use it in a way that enhances your main dish instead of overshadowing it.

Make it your own 

Make our pico de gallo your own by adding or substituting ingredients according to your preferences. Feel free to mix in seasonal fruits and other ingredients for a fresh take on the salsa. Consider adding ripe mango, pineapple, watermelon, peaches, or strawberries for a sweet twist. They are filled with natural sugars and will balance the fresh tanginess of the salsa very well.

For extra crunch, throw in some diced pepper or fresh corn kernels. They will also add beautiful colour to the salsa. A sprinkle of ground cumin can add new flavours, and avocado is a great addition if you like a slightly creamy touch. If you prefer not to use coriander, you can reduce the amount or leave it out. Since its flavour is quite distinct, other herbs will not replicate it, but parsley, for example, will bring its own refreshing touch.