Pico de Gallo
Enjoy the best Pico De Gallo, a fresh Mexican salsa bursting with tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime. An easy party dip and appetizer.
Authentic Pico De Gallo, also known as fresh salsa or Salsa Fresca, combines juicy tomatoes, crisp onions, zesty lime juice, and fragrant cilantro for a fresh dip that’s perfect for chips, tacos, grilled meats, and more. Unlike smoother salsas, Pico De Gallo has a chunky texture and vibrant colors. If you have ripe tomatoes on hand, this is a great way to use them up. This recipe only takes minutes to prepare and is one of those staple recipes that pairs nicely with any Mexican or Tex-Mex dish.
PICO DE GALLO
What makes this the ultimate pico de gallo recipe is the main superstar ingredient: ripe plum tomatoes. This gives the dip its authentically sweet yet slightly tangy base. Red onion adds a crisp bite and a pop of color, while jalapeños bring just the right amount of heat, easily adjustable depending on spice preferences. A handful of fresh cilantro delivers that signature herbaceous lift, and a generous squeeze of lime juice brightens every bite with citrusy zing. A pinch of kosher salt is the finishing touch, pulling all the flavors together without overpowering them. Simple as the ingredients are, when combined, they create a vibrant, fresh salsa that shines alone as a dip or as a topper for all your favorite recipes.
Find my expert tips on how to make homemade pico de gallo from scratch below! Don’t forget to tag me in all of your creations @lifeinthelofthouse on Instagram and Facebook. Let’s stay connected. ❤️
Why You’ll Love This Easy Pico De Gallo Recipe:
- Quick & Easy-To-Make: This homemade pico de gallo dip only takes minutes to prepare with 6 simple ingredients.
- Classic Party Appetizer: Serve fresh pico de gallo for holiday gatherings, Super Bowl parties, and any time you’re craving a fresh Mexican-inspired dip.
- Vegan & Vegetarian-Friendly: Traditional pico de gallo is vegan and vegetarian, making it a healthy alternative to other classic party dips and appetizers.
- Versatile Chip Dip: Use this fresh dip on your favorite breakfast, lunch, and dinner recipes. It can be used on just about anything and is a refreshing topping for Mexican recipes.
Ingredients
- 5 plum tomatoes
- 2 jalapeños
- 1/4- 1/2 small red onion
- 1 lime
- cilantro
- Kosher salt, to taste
Instructions
Dice tomatoes, onion, and jalapenos into a very small dice. (Remove seeds from jalapenos for mild heat).
Place all the chopped veggies in a medium bowl. Add in some fresh, chopped cilantro (as much as you prefer).
Stir all together and then squeeze in the juice of one lime. Add a sprinkling of kosher salt and stir to combine.
Cover and refrigerate in a glass bowl until ready to serve.
Servings
Serves 4-6.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within 2 days. Do not freeze. No reheating necessary.
Holly’s Tips for The Best Pico De Gallo Recipe:
- Use Quality, Ripe Tomatoes: Choose fresh, ripe Roma or vine-ripened tomatoes. Avoid overly juicy or watery tomatoes to keep your salsa from becoming soggy.
- Let It Sit: Allow your pico de gallo to sit in the fridge for 10-15 minutes before serving so the flavors can meld beautifully.
- Add Lime Juice Last: Squeeze fresh lime juice right before serving to keep the ingredients bright and prevent browning.
- Adjust Spice Levels As Needed: Easily adjust the heat by adding more or less jalapeño.
- Make It Your Own: I like to customize my Pico De Gallo with the seasons by adding sweet diced mangoes and crisp cucumbers in the summer for a fresh pop, or kicking up the spice in the fall by adding more jalapeños and a dash of cayenne.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely, just prepare it a few hours in advance and refrigerate, then add the cilantro just before serving.
Plum (Roma) tomatoes are ideal because they are firm, less watery, and hold their shape when diced. They create a chunky texture without making the salsa soggy.
Serve with tortilla chips, tacos, burritos, grilled chicken or steak, fish, eggs, nachos, or as a fresh topping for bowls and salads.
Good news! This Pico De Gallo recipe is already naturally vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free.
Similar Recipes
Looking for something similar? You can’t go wrong with my classic Homemade Salsa.
Looking for something more summery? My Chunky Peach Salsa offers a tropical twist.
Looking for something more Tex-Mex? Try my addictive Fiesta Corn Dip.
Looking for something unique? Try my fresh cowboy-inspired Texas Caviar.
Looking for something more filling? My Mexican Layer Dip works for all parties and occasions.
Have you made this Pico De Gallo recipe? 🍅
Leave a review, and don’t forget to tag me in your creations on Instagram and Facebook! @lifeinthelofthouse! #PicoDeGallo #MexicanDip #LifeInTheLofthouse
Pico De Gallo
Ingredients
- 5 plum tomatoes
- 2 jalapeños
- ¼-½ small red onion
- 1 lime
- cilantro
- kosher salt to taste
Instructions
- Dice tomatoes, onion, and jalapenos into a very small dice. (Remove seeds from jalapenos for mild heat).
- Place all the chopped veggies in a medium bowl. Add in some fresh, chopped cilantro (as much as you prefer).
- Stir all together and then squeeze in the juice of one lime. Add a sprinkling of kosher salt and stir to combine.
- Cover and refrigerate in a glass bowl until ready to serve.
Source: The Pioneer Woman.
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love it!!!!
LOVE pico! I would take pico over salsa any day!
Looks so fresh and delicious!
I love Pico! And your’s look right up my alley because your onions are a nice small dice. I hate biting into a huge chunk of raw onion! Happy Cinco de Mayo!
This looks fresh and fabulous. Ive enjoyed all ur recipes for cinco de mayo :o)
My docket clerk buys this stuff by the tub-ful from the grocery store for her omelettes. I told her it would be easier to make it herself. I’m copying your recipe for her!
I love Pico de Gallo. Unfortunately I am the only one un my family so I haven’t gotten. The chance to make it myself. Your blog is so deliciously amazing, by far one of the best I have come across. I will be making a ton of your recipes hands down. Thank you so much for sharing 🙂
My favorite. Love pico de gallo and PW’s recipe. It’s great!
I love pico, too…especially if it has a little heat to it. We put it on everything when we have it around. Yours sounds great!