Easy Pico de Gallo Recipe

Looking for an effortless way to add some zing to your next taco or burrito? Look no further than Pico de Gallo! This classic Mexican condiment is fresh, bright, and bursting with flavor. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make at home!

A close-up of a tortilla chip being dipped into a white bowl of pico de gallo.

Pico de Gallo, also known as salsa fresca, is a simple and refreshing Mexican condiment that has gained immense popularity worldwide. This easy-to-make dish is made from diced tomatoes, onions, chilies, and cilantro, with a splash of lime juice and salt to adjust the flavor. This classic pico de gallo recipe is a healthy and low-calorie sauce that pairs well with almost any Mexican dish, including tacos, nachos, and burritos. This flavorful condiment is often served as a garnish or a side dish, and it adds freshness and flavor to any meal. It can be used as a dip, a topping for tacos, burritos, tostadas, Chiles Rellenos or any Mexican dish, or even as a side dish.

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Avocado Cilantro Crema– Are you looking for a delicious, healthy sauce to complement your Mexican-inspired dishes? Look no further than avocado cilantro crema! This flavorful and creamy sauce is easy to make and pairs well with everything from tacos to burritos
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Creamy Chicken Enchiladas– These creamy chicken enchiladas are such a delicious and easy dinner! Tender chicken, creamy sauce, and just a little spice make these the perfect meal!

A small white bowl of pico de gallo on a dish towel.

FAQ & Tips for Making the Best Pico de Gallo-

Choose fresh ingredients – When it comes to making delicious pico de gallo, using fresh, high-quality ingredients is key. Here are five tips for choosing the best ingredients for your homemade pico de gallo: Choose ripe, bright red tomatoes for the best flavor and texture. For the best flavor use a, mild onion like red or white onion, finely minced or diced. Make sure you have fresh cilantro leaves, preferably with the stems removed, for a bright and herbaceous flavor. When choosing a jalapeño pepper, look for green ones that are firm to the touch and free from any soft spots or blemishes. If possible use fresh squeezed limes for the freshest taste, and always use kosher or sea salt to add a subtle burst of flavor.

I like to use roma tomatoes because they are less watery than other tomatoes, but during tomato season I usually choose the variety that looks the most fresh and delicious!

Adjust the flavor with lime and salt– One of the keys to making perfect Pico de Gallo lies in adjusting the flavor with salt and lime juice. While the recipe calls for a certain amount of these ingredients, it’s important to taste and adjust before serving. If the Pico de Gallo seems bland, it probably needs a little more salt. If it seems too acidic, a squeeze of lime juice can help balance the flavors. Remember to add these seasonings gradually and taste as you go until you achieve the desired depth of flavor.

An overhead view of a tortilla chip being dipped into a white bowl of pico de gallo.

How to store pico de gallo– After making your Easy Pico de Gallo, keep it refrigerated in an airtight container for up to four days. However, while it can be stored for a few days, it is best enjoyed fresh on the first day it is made. If you prefer to let the flavors mingle, let it sit in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. Also, it is recommended to allow the pico de gallo to sit at room temperature for about fifteen minutes before serving to bring out its full flavor.

Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely! You can make pico de gallo 2-3 days ahead of when you plan to serve it. Store it refrigerated in an airtight container to keep it fresh.

How to serve this pico de gallo– Once you’ve made your delicious Pico de Gallo, you might be wondering what to serve it with. The answer is practically everything! We love this recipe with tortilla chips for snacking, but it can also be used as a topping for Pollo Asado Tacos , California Burritos, Red Fish Tacos nachos, salads, and sandwiches. It is also delicious over grilled meats like chicken or steak. It is tasty on fish (fish tacos too) or even on pasta! It is great for parties or Mexican nights served alongside other delicious dips like Pineapple Pico de Gallo, Avocado Crema or Elote dip

You can dice your vegetables in larger or smaller pieces depending on how you want to serve your pico de gallo. If you’re planning to serve it as an appetizer with tortilla chips you’ll want a smaller dice. If you’re using it to top grilled chicken you might want larger pieces.

A tortilla chip being dipped into a white bowl of pico de gallo in front of a basket of chips.

Variations & Substitutions-

This pico de gallo is delicious the way it is buy you can make lots of variations by adding or swapping out ingredients. I love to add fruit and veggies to pico de gallo. In fact I’ve made this recipe in a cucumber variation and a pineapple pico de gallo. You can also try adding other tropical fruits like mango! Diced avocado makes a tasty addition too.

If you like a little more spice you can swap out the jalapeños for different peppers like serranos or habanero. You can also add in spices like cumin, chili powder, or smoked paprika and season to taste.

I like to use red onion in this recipe but you can also make it with finely chopped white onion, or green onions.

Make pico de gallo without cilantro-

This classic recipe has fresh cilantro in it, but there are a lot of people who don’t like cilantro. So you may be wondering “can I make pico de gallo without cilantro?” The answer is YES! You can simply omit it and this fresh pico de gallo will still be super tasty. If you want the taste of fresh herbs you can add chopped fresh parsley or fresh oregano (only use about 2 Tbsp).

Ingredients for Fresh Pico de Gallo-

An overhead view of several ingredients for pico de gallo on a marble countertop.

2- Cups Diced Roma Tomatoes (plum tomatoes)

1- Cup Diced Red Onion

1- Jalapeno- finely diced with the seeds removed

1/2- Cup Chopped Fresh Cilantro

2- Tbsp Fresh Lime Juice

1/2 tsp Salt

Pinch of pepper

Here’s how to make this Pico de Gallo recipe-

A collage of four images showcasing the process of making pico de gallo. In the first panel is an overhead view of several pico de gallo ingredients in bowls. In the second panel, all the vegetables have been added to a bowl. In the third panel, lime juice and salt have been added, and the ingredients have been mixed together. In the final panel is a portion in a white bowl with a tortilla chip being dipped into it.

After dicing your vegetables place the tomato, onion, jalapeno and cilantro in a large bowl. Gently stir to mix them.

Pour the lime juice over the top of the vegetables and sprinkle the salt over them. Stir again to evenly coat the veggies with the lime and salt.

Cover and allow to sit at room temperature or refrigerated for 15 minutes before serving.