Jimmy'S Pico De Gallo
A vibrant, fresh pico de gallo with ripe tomatoes, onion, jalapenos, cilantro, and lemon juice, perfect as a dip or topping for a variety of dishes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Chop the tomatoes and discard the seeds.
- Add the chopped onion and chopped jalapeno peppers.
- Discard the seeds from the peppers.
- Mix all ingredients and sprinkle with salt.
- Chop about 1 cup of cilantro leaves and rinse to remove grit.
- Add the cilantro to the mixture and mix well.
- Squeeze the juice from 1 lemon over the mixture.
- Refrigerate for about 2 hours before serving with chips, bread, or as a topping.
Tips & Substitutions
For a milder pico de gallo, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapenos. If you want to add a twist, try substituting lime juice for lemon juice, or experiment with different herbs like parsley instead of cilantro. Fresh ingredients are key, so use ripe tomatoes for the best flavor. This recipe can also be made in advance to allow the flavors to meld.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this refreshing pico de gallo with tortilla chips for a classic snack or appetizer. It also pairs beautifully with Margarita Fajitas or as a topping for grilled meats and fish. You can also use it to enhance dishes like Seven Layer Bean Dip or enjoy it as a fresh condiment on tacos or burritos.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Pico de gallo is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have a large batch, you can freeze it in small portions for up to a month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving. Avoid reheating, as it is typically served cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Jimmy'S Pico De Gallo contains roughly 241 calories, with 13g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (341% of the Daily Value), iron (125% of the Daily Value), and potassium (53% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1002mg per serving (44% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make pico de gallo in advance?
Yes, you can make pico de gallo a few hours in advance. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to meld. However, for the freshest taste, it's best to consume it within 24 hours.
How do I adjust the spiciness of the pico de gallo?
To adjust the spiciness, you can reduce the number of jalapenos or remove the seeds and membranes, which hold most of the heat. Alternatively, consider using milder peppers like green bell peppers for a sweeter taste.
What are some good pairings for pico de gallo?
Pico de gallo is incredibly versatile. It pairs well with chips, grilled chicken, fish tacos, or as a topping for burritos. For a complete meal, serve it alongside Mexican recipes like tamales or enchiladas.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).