Pico De Gallo Salsa Fresh, Funky and Delicious

If you check any dip aisle, you’ll find a range of regular players that frequently go toe-to-toe with potato chips and tortilla chips. But what about the dips in the refrigerated aisle? Next to the hummus dips and tzatziki dip, you’ll find an old favorite in both America and South of the border. If you’re looking for something fresh, you might want to consider pico de gallo instead.
Tangy, spicy, salty, and fresh –there’s nothing quite like dipping your chip into a fresh bowl of pico de gallo salsa. Also known as salsa fresca in Mexican cuisine, pico de gallo is a fresh, uncooked salsa typically made from tomato, onion, cilantro, assorted peppers, lemon juice, and salt.
Pico de gallo has a long and fascinating history. In Spanish, pico de gallo roughly translates to “rooster’s beak.” According to food writer Sharon Tyler Herbst, pico de gallo got its moniker because people used to eat it piece by piece, pinning the pieces between thumb and forefinger.
The name also alludes to the flavor of some pico de gallo dips. Just as the beak of a rooster can hurt, so can some of the spiciest pico de gallo salsas out there, which are typically made using serrano peppers.
And while pico de gallo typically has a zesty bite to it, not all pico de gallo salsas are spicy. Rather, some of the most popular iterations of salsa have a zing that is more refreshing than painful to the tongue.
Pico de gallo is a very versatile dip, and due to its hearty texture, it can be used in a number of dishes. Pico de gallo salsa works fantastically on any taco or fish dish, such as a broiled tilapia or blackened catfish. It even goes well with breakfast! For a quick and healthy approach to huevos rancheros, top a bed of arugula with a runny eggs, cheddar cheese, refried beans, and a healthy heap of pico de gallo salsa. Don’t be afraid to use a tortilla, too. After all, what is salsa without tortillas?
No matter which way you dip, dunk, or scoop it, pico de gallo salsa is a refreshing and delicious way to snack.