Pico Di Gallo – Tomato Onion and Cilantro Salad

It took some time to decide on the name of this post! Blame it on everything and anything. Or as the girl child will say, just blame on my summer course! But Pico di Gallo it is.  It might seem a major surprise that someone might be confused about such a basic dish. The ingredients are very similar to that of a basic red tomato salsa. Or what is known as Salsa Cruda in everyday terms!

My Pico di Gallo Story

In my salad days (no pun intended), I dated a gentleman from Austin, TX. He introduced me to many things Tex-Mex, including advising me that if the ingredients are chunky a Pico di Gallo it is. Not sure if it true.. but the young ones find this a cooler name than a salsa, so a Pico di Gallo it is.

What you might ask, happened to the man in question, well the long story… for that we need margaritas. And the short story, well, he was the one who got away…

So, this is a very basic salad without which all things, Mexican, taco and such is incomplete. Anytime I make my smoky beans and my shredded chicken, this basic condiment is a must.

This is such a basic summer condiment, when the tomatoes are overflowing, this is what surfaces. I of course use it in the obvious stuff, but also use it with fish, and in a grilled cheese. But then again, I am a tomato addict! What is a tomato without its cohorts the cilantro and lime. In fact, throw in some chopped cucumbers you have the Indian cousin that we call Kachumber. For today and this weeknight we shall keep and basic and simple. We shall focus on the versatile Pico Di Gallo without which summer in my kitchen is practically incomplete.

Among other things this pairs wonderfully with Gallo Pinto and would work well with this Cucumber Raita with Mint.