Colombian Empanada sauce (Pico de Gallo Salsa)

Colombian empanada sauce is tomatoes, onions, and cilantro - what could be simpler than that? Yet my time in Colombia taught me that authentic Colombian pico de gallo recipe dazzles in its simple, sharp flavors and perky attitude.

Check out my approach to this Colombian salsa, or how to make these simple ingredients shine! 

First Time Discovering Colombian Empanada Sauce

Colombian empanada sauce is more commonly known as Colombian pico de gallo.

The first time my love suggested we make this pico de gallo recipe, I corrected him to call it 'salsa'. For which he just looked at me for a few minutes, eyebrow raised.

Then I backtracked and allowed that perhaps, he knows how to call a dish in his native tongue better than I do.

Colombian Salsa as Part of A Traditional Meal

The occasion was Christmas, when we hosted six of our friends for a true Colombian meal. Hearty ajiaco Bogotano, twice-fried patacones, pico de gallo, aji, baked plantains with bocadillo and cheese and perky mousse de maracuya for dessert - the menu of foreign sounds and flavors was calling out my name like a fervent siren, weaving a web of familiar ingredients presented in new and exciting forms.

When you broke down each dish, it all made sense - chicken soups and stews with potatoes, the contradictory combination of sweet jam and salty cheese, passion fruit mousse parfait intercepted with homemade cookies - these were familiar flavors to an experienced cook, especially one who immerses themselves into immigrant cuisines.

But a recipe for Colombian sauce served with empanadas, the dish I formerly knew as Colombian salsa or pico de gallo recipe, that included no chilles, no spices, no wild and exotic flavor combinations? That just seemed plain old boring.

Learning to Make Empanada Sauce from A Colombian

Still, I relented. I followed my partner's patient instructions for Colombian empanada sauce, reasoning with myself that after all, I did promise him a traditional Colombian meal. And traditional means no frills or exotic changes. No additions of cumin or harissa or whatever other Middle Eastern flavor was calling my name.

Five minutes later, with my Colombian pico de gallo recipe ready - tomatoes, onions and cilantro finely chopped and macerating in the juices of lemons and limes (I was allowed this one concession - the mixing of citrus), I told myself: well, even if boring, at least this salsa was fast to make.

And then, a few hours later, when I ladled our homemade empanada sauce on our patacones and took one big bite, my mouth filling with explosive, fresh and refreshing flavors, I thought - "How could you be so stupid?"

What is Colombian Empanada sauce, or Colombian Pico de Gallo?

Colombian empanada sauce is the name most often given to both Colombian aji and Colombian pico de gallo. In this recipe, I am looking at Colombian pico de gallo salsa.

This sauce is served with Colombian empanadas, or alongside Authentic Colombian cheese arepas. I also like to serve it alongside this healthy keto enchilada sauce for another alternative empanada sauce!

There is nothing wrong with simple, clean Colombian recipes that demand few ingredients and moments of your time, like our Colombian pico de gallo recipe. The only thing wrong is not giving traditional, authentic food a chance.

 Ingredients

• Roma tomatoes or large juicy tomatoes: Roma tomatoes are a variety of plum tomatoes known for their firm texture and fewer seeds. They can be found in most grocery stores, typically in the tomato section.
• White Onion: White onions have a mild flavor compared to yellow onions and are often used raw in salads and salsas. They are usually available in the onion section of grocery stores.
• Lemon Juice: Lemons are citrus fruits with a tart flavor. Fresh lemon juice is squeezed from ripe lemons and can be found in the produce section of grocery stores.
• Lime Juice: Limes are also citrus fruits known for their tangy flavor. Fresh lime juice is extracted from ripe limes and can be found alongside lemons in the produce section.
• Fresh Cilantro: Cilantro, also known as coriander leaves, is a herb with a bright, citrusy flavor. It is best to use fresh cilantro. 
• Salt and pepper (to taste): Salt and pepper are common seasonings used to enhance the flavor of dishes. They can be found in the spice aisle of grocery stores.

See recipe card for exact quantities.

Equipment

• Chef's Knife
• blender optional

Directions to make Colombian Pico de Gallo

Dice ingredients

Finely chop tomatoes and onion.  Make sure ingredients are chopped roughly the same size. Mince fresh cilantro. Mix thoroughly with lemon and lime juice in large bowl. Season with salt and pepper, adjust to taste, and correct seasonings.

Refrigerate

Optional: blend in a blender or food processor and pulse about 10 times to make a delicious dip. Cover, and leave to macerate in the refrigerator preferably overnight.

Serve pico de gallo

Serve with cheese arepas, tortilla chips, patacones, or your favorite quesadillas. Alternatively, can be served with hot peppers or other peppers. 

Storage

After preparing the pico de gallo sauce, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It should be kept refrigerated to maintain freshness and can be consumed within a few days.

While the Colombian Empanada Sauce is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it for longer-term storage if needed. Place the sauce in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag, ensuring it is tightly sealed to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To thaw, transfer the sauce to the refrigerator overnight and stir well before serving. Note that the texture of the sauce may change slightly after freezing and thawing, but the flavor should remain intact.

What to serve with Colombian Pico De Gallo Recipe?

Eat this simple zesty Pico De Gallo recipe with:

• A pile of Colombian cheese arepas with all the fixings
• Thai tofu in kiwi, ginger and chili marinade, in place of the mango salsa
• Vegetarian Argentinian Empanadas
• Spicy Colombian aji, for a touch of spicy
• Pink fish tacos with pickled onions, feta and salad topper
• Middle Eastern Mujadara

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When to serve Colombian Empanada Sauce?

The traditional time to serve it is every time you eat empanadas. We also serve Colombian pico de gallo for Cinco de Mayo, and even Christmas.

Recipe