Pico de Gallo is a delicious Mexican condiment made with chopped tomatoes, onions, jalapenos, lime juice, and cilantro.
It’s an incredibly versatile ingredient that you can use to liven up tacos and burritos — or as a dip for chips and nachos.
But what if there’s some leftover Pico de Gallo in the fridge?
What are the best ways to use it? The best ways to use leftover Pico de Gallo include topping burgers or sandwiches with it, adding it to an omelet or frittata for extra flavor, stirring it into soups or chili for a touch of heat and acidity, serving it over grilled meats as a salsa, using it as a topping for pizza or pasta dishes, blending it into creamy dips and dressings, tossing it with roasted vegetables before serving them hot out of the oven.
Plus much more!
From quick snacks to great mains — these 10 ideas will show you how to make your leftovers shine!
10 Ideas For What To Do With Leftover Pico de Gallo
Pico de Gallo is a fresh, flavorful salsa that’s perfect for topping tacos and other Mexican dishes.
But what do you do with the leftovers? Here are ten ideas to help you make the most of your Pico de Gallo:
1 – Use It as a Dip or Condiment
Pico de Gallo makes an excellent dip or condiment for a variety of dishes, from chips and tacos to grilled meats and seafood. Its fresh and tangy flavor provides a great contrast to the richness of the main dish.
To use it as a dip, simply serve it in a bowl with some tortilla chips or vegetable crudites on the side. You can also add it to a bowl of guacamole or sour cream to create a more complex flavor profile.
As a condiment, spoon it over grilled meats, fish, or vegetables to add some brightness and acidity to the dish. You can also mix it with some mayo or yogurt to make a fresh and zesty sauce for sandwiches or burgers.
2 – Make Salsa or Tomato Sauce
Pico de Gallo can be transformed into a delicious salsa or tomato sauce with just a few extra ingredients. Simply blend it in a food processor or blender until smooth, then add some salt, chili powder, and lime juice to taste.
For a simple salsa, add some cilantro and diced jalapeno or serrano pepper. You can also add some canned or fresh tomatoes to make a more traditional red salsa.
To turn it into a tomato sauce, simmer the blended pico de gallo in a saucepan over medium heat until the liquid has reduced and the sauce has thickened. You can add some extra garlic, olive oil, and herbs such as basil or oregano to enhance the flavor.
3 – Mix It in with Rice or Quinoa
Pico de Gallo can be a great addition to rice or quinoa dishes, adding some extra flavor and texture to the grains. Simply stir it into cooked rice or quinoa, then season with some salt and lime juice to taste.
You can also add some beans or veggies to make a hearty and healthy side dish. Black beans, corn, and avocado are all great options that complement the flavors of Pico de Gallo.
This dish is perfect for a quick and easy lunch or dinner, and it can also be packed as a meal prep option for busy weekdays.
4 – Top Off Some Eggs
Pico de Gallo can be a perfect topping for eggs, providing some extra flavor and freshness to your breakfast or brunch dish. Simply spoon some over scrambled eggs, omelets, or huevos rancheros.
You can also mix it with some avocado and spread it on a piece of toast for a quick and nutritious breakfast. Add some crumbled feta cheese or queso fresco for some extra creaminess.
This dish is not only delicious but also provides a great source of protein, fiber, and vitamins to start your day.
5 – Freeze It for Later
If you’re not sure what to do with your leftover Pico de Gallo, don’t worry about it going to waste – you can simply freeze it for later use.
To freeze Pico de Gallo, put it in a freezer-safe airtight container or a ziplock bag, then lay it flat in the freezer. This will make it easier to thaw later and prevent freezer burn.
When you’re ready to use it, remove the container from the freezer and let it thaw in the fridge or room temperature. The texture may be slightly softer than fresh Pico de Gallo, but the flavor will still be great.
This method is perfect for those times when you have a surplus of Pico de Gallo but don’t want to use it all at once. You can use it later as a dip, condiment, or any of the other ideas mentioned above.
6 – Use It as a Marinade
Pico de Gallo can be a fantastic marinade for meats, fish, and vegetables. Simply mix it with some olive oil or vinegar to create a paste-like consistency, then rub it onto your protein or vegetables.
Let it sit for a couple of hours or overnight in the fridge to allow the flavors to absorb. The acidity of the Pico de Gallo will also help to tenderize the meat and add some moisture to the dish.
When you’re ready to cook, simply grill, broil, or bake the protein or vegetables until fully cooked. This method will infuse your dish with a bold and fresh flavor that everyone will enjoy.
7 – Add It to Soup or Chili
Pico de Gallo can be an excellent addition to soups or chili, adding some extra layers of flavor and texture. Simply stir it in towards the end of cooking.
This method works great for both meat-based and vegetarian soups or stews. It can also be a perfect way to use up any leftovers in your fridge and create a quick and nutritious meal.
8 – Make a Chunky Avocado Salad
Pico de Gallo and avocado are an excellent flavor match that can make a delicious and healthy salad. Simply dice some avocado and toss with a generous portion of Pico de Gallo, then season with some salt, lime juice, and cilantro.
This dish is perfect for those hot summer days when you crave something light and refreshing. It can also be a great side dish for grilled meats or fish.
9 – Use It as a Pizza Topping
Pico de Gallo can be a unique and tasty pizza topping, especially on a thin crust or flatbread. Simply spoon some over the pizza dough, then add some mozzarella, black beans, corn, and any other toppings you like.
Bake the pizza in the oven until the crust is crispy and the cheese is melted. The fresh and tangy flavors of the Pico de Gallo will perfectly balance the richness of the cheese and the saltiness of the toppings.
10 – Add It to Your Cocktail
Pico de Gallo can make a great addition to your margarita or bloody mary. Simply muddle some together with fresh lime juice and a splash of tequila or vodka, then add ice and your preferred mixer.
This method will create a unique and flavorful drink that everyone will love. It’s also a great way to use up any extra Pico de Gallo you have leftover from another recipe.
Jenny has always been passionate about cooking, and she uses her platform to share her joy of food with others. Her recipes are easy to follow, and she loves giving tips and tricks to help others create their own unique culinary creations.