Craving something tangy, crunchy, and refreshingly bold? Pickle de Gallo is your new go-to condiment!
A playful twist on traditional salsa and quick pickles, this vibrant medley combines the crispness of fresh vegetables with the briny bite of a quick pickle.
Perfect for burgers, hot dogs, tacos, grilled proteins—or even just scooped up with chips—Pickle de Gallo brings zesty flavor to any dish.
Ingredients List
Crafting the perfect Pickle de Gallo requires a handful of fresh ingredients and a quick-pickle brine to tie everything together. Here’s what you’ll need:
Vegetable Mix Ingredients
- 2 cups cucumber, thinly diced
- ½ cup red onion, thinly diced
- ½ cup red bell pepper, thinly diced
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
Pickling Brine Ingredients
- ½ cup vinegar (white or apple cider)
- ½ cup water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon honey
Required Kitchen Tools
To prepare this fresh and tangy relish efficiently, you won’t need any fancy gadgets—but having the right tools on hand will make the process smooth and enjoyable:
- Cutting Board & Sharp Knife: Essential for finely dicing your fresh vegetables evenly.
- Medium Mixing Bowl: For combining and tossing the chopped veggies together.
- Small Saucepan: To heat and dissolve the brine mixture quickly.
- Colander or Fine Mesh Strainer: For draining the brine from the vegetables after pickling.
- Storage Container (with lid): For refrigerating your finished Pickle de Gallo.
These basic tools are all you need to whip up this punchy, colorful condiment in no time.
Veggie Preparation and Pickling Process
Bringing together the crisp textures and bold flavors of Pickle de Gallo starts with a few simple steps. From chopping to pickling, here’s how to get it just right.
Step 1: Mix the Fresh Ingredients
Begin by adding the diced cucumbers, red onions, and red bell peppers to a medium mixing bowl. Toss in the freshly chopped dill and mix everything gently to ensure the ingredients are well distributed.
Tip: Use seedless cucumbers or remove the seeds to avoid excess moisture.
Step 2: Prepare the Quick-Pickle Brine
In a small saucepan, combine the vinegar, water, salt, and honey. Set the pan over medium-high heat and stir occasionally for 2–3 minutes, or just until the honey and salt dissolve completely.
Note: Don’t let the mixture boil—gentle heating is all that’s needed.
Step 3: Pour and Pickle
Carefully pour the warm brine over the vegetable mixture in the bowl. Stir to combine and let the vegetables soak for no more than 5 minutes. This quick pickling gives them flavor without overpowering their natural crunch.
Caution: Exceeding the 5-minute soak can result in overly salty or limp veggies.
Straining and Final Touches
Once the vegetables have soaked up all that tangy flavor, it’s time to finish your Pickle de Gallo and get it ready to serve.
Step 4: Strain the Brine
Using a colander or fine mesh strainer, drain the excess brine from the vegetables. This step ensures your Pickle de Gallo stays crisp and isn’t too watery when served. Give it a gentle shake or press to remove any lingering liquid.
Optional: Reserve a tablespoon or two of the brine if you like a slightly juicier finish for tacos or sandwiches.
Step 5: Chill and Store
Transfer the strained vegetables to an airtight container. Place it in the refrigerator to chill before serving. While you can eat it right away, letting it sit for at least 30 minutes enhances the flavor.
Storage Tip: Your Pickle de Gallo will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just give it a quick stir before serving.
Serving Suggestions and Storage Tips
This crunchy, tangy creation is incredibly versatile—ready to brighten up just about any dish you can think of.
How to Serve Pickle de Gallo
Whether you’re throwing a barbecue or prepping a quick lunch, here are some fun and flavorful ways to serve it:
- Topping for Grilled Meats: Spoon over grilled chicken, steak, or fish to add a burst of acidity and crunch.
- Burger or Hot Dog Upgrade: Use it in place of traditional pickles or relish for a fresh, zesty twist.
- Taco Garnish: Add a spoonful on top of tacos or nachos for a bright contrast to rich, savory fillings.
- Snackable Dip: Pair it with tortilla chips or pita crisps for a vibrant, healthy dip option.
- Wraps & Sandwiches: Elevate deli sandwiches and wraps with a spoonful for extra flavor and texture.
Storing Your Pickle de Gallo
Once prepared, keep your Pickle de Gallo in a sealed container in the refrigerator. It stays crisp and delicious for up to 5 days.
Freezing Not Recommended: Due to the high water content in cucumbers and peppers, freezing will compromise the texture. It’s best enjoyed fresh.
Pickle de Gallo
Ingredients
Vegetable Mix
- 2 cups cucumber, thinly diced
- ½ cup red onion, thinly diced
- ½ cup red bell pepper, thinly diced
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
Pickling Brine
- ½ cup vinegar (white or apple cider)
- ½ cup water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon honey
Instructions
- Dice the cucumber, red onion, and red bell pepper into small, even pieces. Finely chop the fresh dill.
- In a medium mixing bowl, toss together the diced cucumber, red onion, red bell pepper, and dill until evenly mixed.
- In a small saucepan, add the vinegar, water, salt, and honey. Heat over medium-high heat for 2–3 minutes, stirring until the honey and salt fully dissolve. Do not boil.
- Pour the warm brine over the vegetable mixture. Stir well and let it sit for no more than 5 minutes to quick-pickle the vegetables.
- Use a colander or fine mesh strainer to drain the brine from the vegetables. Let it sit briefly to remove excess liquid.
- Transfer the pickled vegetables to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. Store in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Use as a topping for burgers, tacos, wraps, grilled proteins, or enjoy as a dip with chips.
Conclusion
Pickle de Gallo brings together the freshness of salsa and the tang of a pickle in one vibrant, crunchy condiment. It’s quick to make, endlessly versatile, and a perfect companion for both casual snacks and hearty meals.
With just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes of prep, you’ll have a flavorful topping or side that brightens up anything it touches.
Get creative, mix it into your favorite dishes, and enjoy the punchy, refreshing twist this hybrid brings to the table!
