I like guacamole, but I LOVE this Giada pico de gallo recipe. It’s practically fat-free, makes everything from fish and seafood to beans and grains taste amazing, and is a guilt-free topping for tacos or dip for chips.

With ripe tomatoes, serrano chile, shallot, grated carrot, and fresh basil, this zesty pico de gallo recipe is a quick and easy dip or topping that takes about 10 minutes to whip up and serves 4 people.

Recipe Ingredients

• 2 cups of diced ripe tomatoes (about 2 large tomatoes)
• 1 serrano chile, finely minced
• 1 small shallot, finely minced
• 1 cup of grated carrot (about 1 large carrot)
• ¼ teaspoon of ground coriander
• 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh basil leaves
• 1 tablespoon of white balsamic vinegar
• 2 teaspoons of extra-virgin olive oil
• ¾ teaspoon of kosher salt

How To Make Giada G’s Pico de Gallo

1. Mix the Base Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, minced serrano chile, and minced shallot, making sure all ingredients are evenly distributed for the best flavor.
2. Add Carrot and Seasonings: Add the grated carrot, ground coriander, and fresh basil to the bowl, and gently toss to combine everything thoroughly for a fresh, vibrant taste in each bite.
3. Finish with Vinegar, Oil, and Salt: Pour in the white balsamic vinegar and extra-virgin olive oil, then sprinkle the kosher salt on top. Toss gently once more to evenly coat all ingredients, and adjust salt to taste if needed.

Recipe Tips & Variations

• Add a dash of lime juice: Squeeze fresh lime juice for extra zing and brightness in the pico de gallo; it balances the serrano chile’s heat perfectly.
• Let it chill for 15 minutes: Allowing the pico de gallo to sit briefly helps flavors blend better, making each bite more flavorful.
• Use a mix of tomatoes: For added texture and taste, combine Roma and cherry tomatoes; they offer different sweetness levels and are less watery than standard tomatoes.
• Dice ingredients uniformly: Uniformly diced tomatoes, shallots, and chiles ensure an even flavor distribution, so every scoop has a perfect balance of spicy, tangy, and savory notes.
• Swap basil with cilantro: If you want a traditional Mexican taste, replace basil with chopped fresh cilantro, which pairs wonderfully with tomatoes and spices.

Recipe FAQs

Check out More Giada Recipes:

• Giada Apricot Mostarda
• Giada Bacon Onion Dip
• Giada Avocado and White Bean Dip Recipe