pico de gallo
/ˌpiko de ˈɡaʝo/masculine
pico de gallo is the Spanish term for a condiment generally made with diced raw onions, tomatoes, chiles and cilantro.
pico de gallo refers to a fresh salsa or condiment composed of chopped raw vegetables, typically including onions, tomatoes, chiles and cilantro.
Meaning: condiment generally made with diced raw onions, tomatoes, chiles, and cilantro (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In parts of Central America, this condiment is known as chirmol.
How does it change in a sentence?
The term is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌpiko de ˈɡaʝo/
Did you know?
- The name is a clever play on words because the Spanish verb picar means to 'peck' like a bird or to 'sting' like a chili pepper.
- In Mexico, pico de gallo is sometimes called salsa bandera because its red, white and green ingredients match the colors of the Mexican flag.
- While many people associate the name with the colorful appearance of the salsa, the literal translation 'beak of the rooster' refers to the way the red and white ingredients resemble a rooster's comb and beak.
Examples in context
- El pico de gallo está muy fresco.The pico de gallo is very fresh.
- Me gusta mucho el pico de gallo con tacos.I really like pico de gallo with tacos.
- ¿Quieres un poco de pico de gallo?Do you want some pico de gallo?
Example conversation
María and Alejandro are preparing a Mexican lunch at home.
- MaríaAlejandro, ¿pusiste el pico de gallo en la mesa?Alejandro, did you put the pico de gallo on the table?
- AlejandroSí, María, ya está listo para comer.Yes, María, it is ready to eat.
- MaríaPerfecto, huele delicioso.Perfect, it smells delicious.
- AlejandroEspero que te guste el sabor.I hope you like the flavor.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pico de gallo” translations and entries pico de gallo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
