If you’re anything like me, a good salsa can make or break a meal. Whether you’re enjoying tacos, grilled meats, or just some crispy tortilla chips, a fresh, flavorful pico de gallo is the perfect addition to any dish. Today, I’m sharing my go-to recipe for this classic Mexican salsa that is always a crowd-pleaser. It’s fresh, tangy, and bursting with flavor—and the best part? It’s so easy to make!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
Pico de Gallo is the ultimate fresh salsa that’s made with just a handful of simple ingredients. It’s perfect for any occasion—whether you’re hosting a party, prepping for taco night, or just looking for a quick snack. The combination of juicy tomatoes, zesty lime, and fragrant cilantro gives it a delicious, refreshing taste. Plus, it takes less than 10 minutes to prepare, so you can have this flavor-packed salsa ready in no time.
This recipe is also super customizable. Want it spicier? Add more jalapeño. Prefer a sweeter salsa? Toss in some diced mango. There’s no wrong way to make it!
Ingredients
(Full list of ingredients can be found below!)
For the basic pico de gallo, all you’ll need are ripe tomatoes, red onion, fresh cilantro, jalapeño (if you like a little heat), and a squeeze of lime juice. Simple, right? Just a few ingredients that come together to create a salsa that’s better than anything you’d find in a jar.
Directions
1. Prepare the Ingredients
Start by dicing your tomatoes. You want them to be small enough to scoop up with chips but still chunky enough for that satisfying bite. Next, finely chop the red onion. It adds a nice crunch and a bit of sweetness to balance out the acidity of the tomatoes. If you want a milder flavor, rinse the onions under cold water to take some of the bite away.
2. Dice the Jalapeño
For those who like a little heat, this is the step where you can add a diced jalapeño. If you want less spice, remove the seeds and membrane before chopping it up. For a mild pico de gallo, you can skip the jalapeño entirely—this salsa still has plenty of flavor without it.
3. Chop the Cilantro
Cilantro is one of those ingredients that people either love or hate. If you’re a fan, chop up a small bunch of fresh cilantro to add to the salsa. It brings a wonderful, fresh flavor that really makes the pico de gallo shine. If you’re not a cilantro fan, you can skip it or substitute with fresh parsley, though it will change the flavor profile slightly.
4. Mix Everything Together
Now that your veggies are prepped, throw them all into a bowl. Add a good squeeze of fresh lime juice—about 1 to 2 limes, depending on how tangy you like your salsa. Stir everything together, taste, and adjust with salt as needed. I love adding a pinch of salt to really bring out the flavors, but be sure to go easy and taste as you go.
5. Let it Marinate
For the best flavor, let the pico de gallo sit for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This gives the ingredients a chance to marinate and meld together, allowing the juices to combine and create a flavorful salsa that’s bursting with freshness.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Use ripe tomatoes: The key to great pico de gallo is using perfectly ripe tomatoes. They’re juicy, sweet, and full of flavor. Try to avoid tomatoes that are too firm or under-ripe—they won’t have the same taste.
- Adjust the heat: If you’re unsure about the spice level, start with half a jalapeño and taste as you go. You can always add more, but you can’t take it out once it’s in!
- Let it rest: Letting the pico de gallo sit for a few minutes before serving helps all the flavors come together. It makes a big difference in taste.
- Use a serrated knife: For cleaner cuts and easier dicing, use a serrated knife for chopping the tomatoes. This helps to avoid squishing them and ensures nice, even pieces.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Mango Pico de Gallo: Add diced mango for a touch of sweetness to balance the tangy lime and spicy jalapeño.
- Avocado Pico de Gallo: For a creamy twist, gently stir in some diced avocado. It adds richness and makes the salsa even more satisfying.
- Pineapple Pico de Gallo: Swap the tomatoes for pineapple for a tropical variation that’s great with grilled shrimp or pork.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Pico de gallo is perfect for so many dishes! Here are a few ways to enjoy it:
- Tacos: Pile it on top of your favorite tacos—whether they’re filled with grilled chicken, beef, or fish, pico de gallo adds a burst of flavor.
- Chips: Of course, it’s always great with tortilla chips for a quick snack or appetizer.
- Grilled Meats: Serve it alongside grilled chicken, steak, or even fish for a fresh, zesty contrast.
- Burrito Bowls: Spoon some pico de gallo over a rice and bean bowl for an extra punch of flavor.
- Eggs: Try it on top of scrambled eggs or omelets for a fresh, flavorful breakfast.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Pico de gallo is best served fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The longer it sits, the more the ingredients will soften, so it’s ideal to eat it within a day or two.
I don’t recommend freezing pico de gallo, as the tomatoes and onions can become mushy once thawed.
4 FAQs
- Can I make pico de gallo ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to give it at least 10 minutes to marinate before serving. The flavors will develop over time, but I recommend eating it within 24 hours for the best texture. - What can I substitute for cilantro?
If you don’t like cilantro, you can substitute it with fresh parsley or even basil for a different flavor profile. It won’t taste exactly the same, but it will still be delicious! - How can I make it spicier?
To increase the heat, add more jalapeños or try adding a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the mix. - Can I use a food processor?
While it’s tempting to throw everything in a food processor, I recommend chopping everything by hand. It keeps the texture of the salsa nice and chunky. If you prefer a smoother salsa, feel free to use the food processor, just be careful not to over-blend.
Conclusion
There’s nothing like a fresh bowl of pico de gallo to liven up your meal. This easy, vibrant salsa is a must-have for any taco night or party spread. It’s incredibly versatile, so feel free to experiment with flavors and spice levels to make it your own. And the best part? It’s ready in minutes. Enjoy!
Print
Pico de Gallo: The Freshest Salsa You’ll Ever Make
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
- Method: No-cook, Chopping, Mixing
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Pico de Gallo recipe is a fresh, tangy salsa made with ripe tomatoes, cilantro, jalapeño, and a squeeze of lime. Perfect for tacos, chips, or grilled meats, it takes less than 10 minutes to prepare and is fully customizable for your taste.
Ingredients
- 4 ripe tomatoes, diced
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 1–2 jalapeños, diced (seeds removed for less heat)
- 1 small bunch fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 limes, juiced
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
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Prepare the Ingredients:
- Dice tomatoes into small chunks, ensuring they’re bite-sized but chunky enough to scoop with chips. Finely chop the red onion. Rinse under cold water if you prefer a milder taste.
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Dice the Jalapeño:
- Add a diced jalapeño for heat. Remove the seeds and membrane for a milder flavor. If you prefer a milder salsa, omit the jalapeño.
-
Chop the Cilantro:
- Chop fresh cilantro (or parsley if you dislike cilantro) and add it to the salsa.
-
Mix Everything Together:
- Add all the chopped ingredients into a bowl. Squeeze 1-2 limes (adjust based on preference) and add salt to taste. Mix and taste, adding more salt or lime if needed.
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Let it Marinate:
- Let the salsa sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Taste again before serving.
Notes
- Use ripe, juicy tomatoes for the best flavor.
- Adjust the heat by controlling the amount of jalapeño added.
- Let the salsa sit for at least 10 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors.
- Use a serrated knife for clean cuts, especially when dicing tomatoes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 25
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg