Learn how to make pico de gallo! This easy recipe uses simple, fresh ingredients. Enjoy as a dip with tortilla chips or as an accompaniment to Mexican dishes.
This pico de gallo recipe is the easiest way to make salsa at home! This fresh Mexican salsa is served with simple ingredients like tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, cilantro, and lime. Ready in just 15 minutes, it makes a quick and delicious dip or topping for Mexican dishes like tacos and nachos.
I have been making this pico de gallo recipe for years. Below I’m sharing some tips for the best flavor and some of my favorite ways to use them. You don’t need any special equipment to make this fresh salsa (all you need is a cutting board and knife). So, I hope you give it a try. It might become a kitchen staple!
What is pico de gallo?
Pico de gallo, also called salsa fresca or salsa cruda, is a fresh Mexican salsa made with finely chopped ripe tomatoes, onions, cilantro, jalapeños and lime. In English, its name literally means “rooster’s beak,” but there is no clear reason for calling it that way.
pico de gallo vs dip
Pico de gallo is a type of salsa. This distinguishes it from other salsas in two ways.
- Ingredients are fresh and uncooked
- It is finely chopped without being crushed or mixed.
You’ll notice that many of the ingredients in my homemade salsa recipe are the same as those in this recipe. But homemade salsa is not pico de gallo because it is pulsed in a food processor rather than chopped by hand!
How to make pico de gallo
This fresh salsa is easy to make in under 15 minutes! Finely chop the tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and jalapenos and mix them with the minced garlic, lime juice, and salt. Then season to taste and serve!
Here are some tips for further pico success:
- Use tomato pulp, not seeds and juice. You don’t want your pico to be too watery, so be sure to remove the seeds from the tomatoes when you dice them. I like to use tomatoes on the vine in my pico. Roma and plum tomatoes are also good choices because they are less juicy than other varieties. You can also use quartered cherry tomatoes or cherry tomatoes.
- Give it a chance to cool for the best flavor. I like this fresh salsa best after the flavors have blended together. I often mix it up ahead and let it sit in the fridge for at least an hour or up to a day before serving. Note: Marinating the tomatoes in lime and salt will make the mixture juicier. It’s a good idea to use a slotted spoon or fork to scoop it onto tacos, etc. to keep any excess water.
- High quality ingredient count. Because this recipe is so simple, you’ll need great ingredients for great results! Perfect for summer, the peak season for fresh tomatoes. Use the best one when making this recipe. Whatever you do, avoid soft, watery winter tomatoes.
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This homemade pico de gallo recipe is a fantastic template for other fresh salsas! Feel the joy of making it your own. Here are some ideas to help you get started:
- Try switching up the fruit. Replace tomatoes with chopped mango, pineapple, watermelon, peaches, or strawberries.
- Add more crunch. Add chopped red bell pepper or fresh corn kernels.
- Spice it up. Mix in a little coriander or cumin powder.
- Add something creamy. Avocado and black beans are both delicious.
- Use what you have. Do you have any white onions? Use red onions or chives instead. Are you short on jalapeños? Serrano peppers will also do the trick.
Let me know what variations you try!
How to use pico de gallo
The simplest way to serve this salsa is as a dip. Serve a bowl of tortilla chips for a delicious appetizer or snack. Add guacamole and margaritas for the perfect happy hour treat!
It’s also a delicious and fresh topping for Mexican dishes. Try it…
Are there any leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I love adding it to eggs to make miga for breakfast!
More Favorite Salsa Recipes
If you like this recipe, try one of these homemade salsas:
Looking for more dip recipes? Find 35 of the best dip recipes here.
pico de gallo
serve 6 up to 8
- 2 cup chopped fresh tomatoes, 3-4 small tomatoes
- ⅔ cup finely chopped white onion
- ½ cup chopped fresh coriander
- ¼ cup fresh lime juice
- 2 garlic cloves, chopped
- 1 Jalapeno Pepper, Stem and dice
- ½ teaspoon sea salt, Plus, you can taste more flavors.
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In a medium bowl, mix together tomatoes, onion, cilantro, lime juice, garlic, jalapeño, and salt. Season to taste. Let cool until ready to use.
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Serve as a dip with tortilla chips or see the post above for additional serving suggestions.
