Classic Pico de Gallo Recipe

This Fresh Pico de Gallo Recipe is a quick and tasty Mexican salsa made with fresh tomatoes, cilantro, onion, jalapeño, and lime juice. It’s perfect on tacos, burritos, enchiladas, or as a dip with tortilla chips. Easy to make, healthy, and full of fresh flavor, it’s a no-cook side dish that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 3 medium ripe tomatoes, diced
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/4 cup finely chopped white or red onion
• 1 small jalapeño, seeds removed and finely chopped (optional, adjust for spice)
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

What’s the difference between Pico de Gallo and Salsa?

Pico de Gallo is a chunky, fresh salsa made with diced vegetables and herbs. It usually has tomatoes, onions, cilantro, chili, and lime juice. Regular salsa can be smooth or cooked, often blended, and sometimes has extra spices or cooked ingredients. Pico de Gallo is fresher and lighter, making it perfect for topping dishes or serving as a dip.

Pico de Gallo Variations

• Garlic twist: Add 1 minced garlic clove for extra flavor.
• Sweet version: Mix in 1/4 cup diced mango or pineapple.
• Richer salad: Drizzle a little olive oil for a side salad style.
• Spice level: Use serrano peppers instead of jalapeño for more heat, or remove seeds for a milder version.

Fresh Pico de Gallo Recipe

Emily Hartwell

This Fresh Pico de Gallo Recipe is a quick and tasty Mexican salsa made with fresh tomatoes, cilantro, onion, jalapeño, and lime juice. It’s great on tacos, burritos, and enchiladas, or served as a dip with chips. Easy to make, full of fresh flavor, and healthy, it’s a perfect no-cook side for any Mexican meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 0 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Side Dish

Cuisine Maxican

Servings 5 People

Calories 20 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 3 medium ripe tomatoes diced
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/4 cup finely chopped white or red onion
• 1 small jalapeño seeds removed and finely chopped (optional, adjust for spice)
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

 

• In a medium bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, chopped onion, cilantro, and jalapeño.
  
• Add lime juice, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until everything is evenly coated.
  
• Let the salsa sit for 5–10 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
• Serve immediately with tacos, burritos, nachos, or tortilla chips.
  

Make-Ahead Tip:

• Prepare without lime juice and salt, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. Add lime and salt just before serving.

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