Your FAVORITE Pickle de Gallo Recipe

Keep the Pickle Fix going with this Pickle de Gallo mix

Your FAVORITE Pickle de Gallo Recipe-2
Your FAVORITE Pickle de Gallo Recipe
Summary
Pickle de Gallo is a tangy, fresh salsa-like condiment that puts a briny twist on traditional Pico de Gallo. Here's everything you need to know about this trending culinary creation.

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What is Pickle De Gallo and How do you make a Pickle De Gallo??

Pickle de Gallo is a zesty mix of finely diced pickles, vegetables, and seasonings that creates a crisp, flavorful topping or dip. Unlike traditional pico de gallo, it features pickles as the star ingredient, offering a unique and addictive flavor profile.

Key Ingredients

  • Pickles: Dill pickles are the primary ingredient, preferably refrigerated or fresh varieties

Vegetables:

  • Red bell pepper
  • Yellow or red onion
  • Cucumber
  • Tomato (optional)
  • Flavor Enhancers:
  • Pickle brine
  • Fresh garlic
  • Jalapeño or serrano pepper
  • Fresh dill
  • Lime juice
  • Salt

Preparation Method

  1. Finely dice all vegetables into similar-sized pieces
  2. Combine ingredients in a mixing bowl
  3. Add pickle brine, lime juice, and seasonings
  4. Refrigerate for 1-2 hours to allow flavors to meld

Serving Suggestions

  • Dip for tortilla chips
  • Topping for tacos
  • Accompaniment for burgers
  • Side dish for grilled meats
  • Garnish for sandwiches
  • Pro Tip: The key to great Pickle de Gallo is consistent, small dice and allowing the mixture to marinate, which intensifies the flavors.

Related

What are some variations of pickle de gallo?

Pickle Variety Variations

  • Pickle Types:
    • Dill pickles (most traditional)
    • Combination of dill and sweet pickles
    • Refrigerated pickles like Claussen, Grillo's, or Bubbies
    • Homemade pickles for a custom touch

Ingredient Variations

  • Vegetable Mix:
  • Red and yellow bell peppers
  • Cucumber additions
  • Different onion types (red, yellow, green)
  • Optional tomato inclusion

Can I use pickle de gallo as a dip for vegetables?

Absolutely! Pickle de Gallo makes an excellent dip for vegetables. Its tangy, crisp flavor profile pairs wonderfully with fresh vegetable sticks. The combination of diced pickles, bell peppers, onions, and jalapeños creates a zesty, crunchy dip that works great with raw vegetables like:

  • Carrot sticks
  • Celery
  • Cucumber slices
  • Bell pepper strips
  • Radishes

The pickle brine and fresh ingredients give the dip a bright, refreshing taste that complements the crispness of raw vegetables. It's a healthier alternative to traditional dips and adds a unique pickle-forward flavor to your veggie snacking experience. For best results, let the Pickle de Gallo chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together

How long can I store pickle de gallo in the fridge?

Pickle de Gallo can be stored in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days when kept in a tightly sealed container. The key to maintaining its quality is:

  • Use an airtight container
  • Store in the refrigerator immediately after preparation
  • Keep the mixture well-sealed

Pro Storage Tips:

  • Stir gently before serving to redistribute ingredients
  • Check for any signs of spoilage before consuming
  • The acidity from pickle brine helps preserve the ingredients

If you want to maximize freshness, prepare smaller batches and consume within a few days. The vegetables may start to get soggy or lose their crisp texture after 5 days, even though the mixture might still be technically safe to eat.

What other types of pickles can I use in pickle de gallo?

Recommended Pickle Types

  • Dill Pickles (Best Choice):
    • Kosher-style dill pickles
    • Refrigerated dill pickles
  • Recommended brands:
    • Grillo's
    • Claussen
    • Bubbies
    • Wegman's brand
  • Pickle Varieties to Avoid
    • Sweet pickles
    • Bread and butter pickles
    • Overly soft or mushy pickles
  • Alternative Pickle Options
    • Spicy dill pickles for extra kick
    • Baby kosher dill pickles
    • Dill pickle spears (chopped)

Pro Tip: The key is choosing a pickle with a bold, crisp flavor. Refrigerated pickles tend to maintain the best texture and crunch in Pickle de Gallo.

When selecting pickles, remember that you'll be using both the chopped pickles and their brine, so pick a variety you genuinely enjoy eating.

Can I make pickle de gallo without using pickle brine?

While pickle brine is a key flavor component in traditional Pickle de Gallo, you can still make the dish without it by using alternative liquid ingredients. Here are some substitutes:

Brine Alternatives:

  • Fresh lime juice
  • Lemon juice
  • Apple cider vinegar
  • White vinegar with a pinch of salt

Important Considerations:

  • Pickle brine adds unique tangy flavor and saltiness
  • Substitutes will alter the original taste profile
  • Use acidic liquids sparingly to maintain the right balance
  • Add salt to compensate for the missing brine's seasoning

Recommended Liquid Ratios

  • 2-3 tablespoons of alternative liquid
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • Optional: Add a splash of water to adjust consistency

The goal is to maintain the bright, tangy flavor while keeping the pickle de gallo fresh and crisp. Experiment with different acidic liquids to find your preferred taste.

Pro Tip: If possible, use the liquid from other pickled vegetables as a close substitute for pickle brine.

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Hello! My name is Jolea and I am a recent college graduate of UC Berkeley. After graduating, I realized I didn't want to face the pressure of finding a job and building a stable career so immediately after college. Instead, I dreamed about traveling the country on my own to learn more about myself and the world I live in. I am fortunate enough to have my family and friends' support of my to help me reach my goals!