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This easy pico de gallo recipe is ready in minutes. Tomatoes, red onion, garlic, cilantro, and lime make this fresh salsa tasty on everything!
Try it alongside my Mexican guacamole recipe!!
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Pico De Gallo aka Salsa Fresca
Pico de gallo and salsa fresca (fresh salsa) are two names for the same thing—a chunky, uncooked mix of tomatoes, onions, peppers, cilantro, and lime. If you like Chipotle pico de gallo, this version is similar but includes garlic, which makes it more of an authentic salsa.
Why you'll love this recipe
- It’s quick and easy to make—no cooking required.
- You get authentic Mexican flavor with festive, vibrant colors.
- It’s a great way to use up juicy summer tomatoes.
- This fresh salsa is low in calories but full of nutrients.
- It’s a versatile topping for tacos, burrito bowls, and more.
- Perfect for parties, potlucks, or anytime you’re craving something bright and fresh.
What you'll need
- Tomatoes – Roma and vine-ripened tomatoes are great picks because they’re firm, flavorful, and easy to find year-round. Use whatever is ripe and juicy.
- Onion – Red onion adds sharpness and color, but white onions will make this a more authentic recipe.
- Fresh Cilantro – This herb brings the fresh, citrus flavor that makes pico de gallo taste authentic. Chop it finely for even distribution.
- Jalapeño or Serrano Pepper – Jalapeños are usually milder, but their heat can vary. Serrano peppers bring more consistent heat. Start small and add more to taste.
- Fresh Lime – Lime juice adds tang, and the zest boosts that citrus flavor even more. Fresh is best—skip the bottled stuff.
- Garlic – Optional, but I highly recommend it. I like to grate it with a microplane so it disappears into the salsa without adding chunks.
- Salt and Pepper – The only seasoning you need. Salt brings everything to life and pepper adds just a hint of warmth without overpowering.
How to make pico de gallo the easy way
This simple pico de gallo recipe is one of my favorite foods for Mexican night and game day. Here's how easy it is to make it.
First, dice tomatoes, onion, and jalapeno pepper or Serrano as finely as possible (hold back some of the peppers for spice control). Zest and juice lime. Chop cilantro and grate garlic.
Next, combine ingredients in one bowl. Squeeze lime over everything, toss gently and add salt and pepper to taste.
Serve chilled. You won't believe how quick and easy this recipe is and, of course, how quickly it will disappear next to a pile of tortilla chips!
Recipe tips
- Choosing Tomatoes: Use ripe tomatoes of any kind—Roma, vine-ripened, or even cherry tomatoes. The key is juicy, flavorful tomatoes at their peak.
- Spice Level: Jalapeños offer mild to medium heat, while serranos are spicier. Always remove the seeds for less heat and start with a small amount, adding more to taste.
- Lime Juice Matters: Fresh lime juice makes a big difference in flavor. Bottled lime juice doesn’t have the same brightness, so squeeze it fresh if you can.
- Make Ahead: This salsa tastes even better after resting for 30 to 60 minutes in the fridge. The flavors meld and mellow over time.
- Don’t Freeze It: Pico de gallo doesn’t freeze well. The texture of the tomatoes and cilantro becomes soft and watery once thawed.
Tools I use for this recipe
I always use a sharp chef’s knife and cutting board for the tomatoes—choppers make them too mushy. But a chop wizard works great for onions, garlic, or peppers if you want to save time.
Serving ideas
Pico de gallo is a popular topping for any Mexican food. These are my favorite ways to use it.
- Scooped pico over steak nachos, taco pasta, turkey taco skillet, or taco bowls.
- It's an essential layer in everyone's favorite Mexican layer dip appetizer.
- Perfect with grilled chicken tacos or chicken burrito bowls.
- It's the perfect topping for cilantro lime brown rice.
- It makes best topping for refried black beans.
- Totchos tater tot nachos are delicious with fresh pico.
Try these salsa recipes
📖 Recipe
Easy Pico De Gallo Recipe (mild or spicy!)
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Note about scaling
When scaling, the light gray ingredient notes after the comma don’t change. Adjust as needed.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Ripe Tomatoes (diced), *see footnote
- ½ large Onion, diced
- ½ cup Cilantro, chopped
- 1-2 Fresh Jalapenos (or Serrano Peppers), seeded and minced
- 2 Limes, zested and juiced
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- Sea Salt, to taste
- Black Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Add the TOMATOES, ONION, CILANTRO, JALAPEÑO, LIME ZEST, LIME JUICE, and GARLIC to a mixing bowl. Gently toss to combine.
- Season with SALT and PEPPER to taste. Start with a pinch and adjust after tasting.
- Serve immediately or cover and chill to let the flavors meld.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Do not freeze.
Recipe Notes
Equipment
Nutrition
Nutrition facts are estimates and may vary based on brands, ingredients, and portions.
Phyllis Graff says
I made the salsa and it was delicious.
Traci Antonovich says
Yay! So glad you enjoyed. Thanks for making my recipe and for sharing your feedback. xoxo
Ali says
Made this pico de gallo for tacos and it was the best filling!! Also tastes delicious all on its own.
Traci says
Yay! Glad you're enjoying it. Thank you!
Nathan says
Absolutely adore this pico de gallo recipe! So easy to make and turned out so fresh and flavorful. A new snacking staple for me!
Traci says
Yay! Fresh pico really is the perfect snack. I'm glad you're enjoying. Thanks!
Beth says
This recipe is quick, easy and so flavorful - perfect for any dinner party or quick snack!
Traci says
Yay! So glad you're enjoying it. Thank you for sharing your experience!
Janie says
This is my go to favorite recipe! I love making this pico de gallo when I have tacos or a bowl of salad. It's the perfect combo.
Traci says
Yay! So good with tacos for sure. Thank you for sharing your experience!
Jacqueline says
That looks so delicious and so very summery.
Traci says
Yay! So glad you're enjoying it. Thanks!
Jeff says
Love this fresh salsa recipe. I recently learned pico de gallo means "rooster's beak". Who knew?! Thanks for sharing another winner KG!
Jenn says
I love pico de gallo! I love it on chips, chicken, tacos, and more. I'd never made it, till I saw your recipe. Your steps were perfect and so too was the result! I'll be making batch #2 this weekend!
The Kitchen Girl says
Yay Jenn! So glad you enjoyed it 🙂 Thanks so much!
Tara says
Yum! This Pico de Gallo looks so good with all those refreshing flavors. I love how easily it comes together and all that color too.
The Kitchen Girl says
Yesss! We are sold on making homemade Pico de Gallo forever 🙂 Thanks!
Jacque Hastert says
Nothing beats a fresh Pico de Gallo during the summer months when all the ingredients are fresh!
The Kitchen Girl says
Couldn't agree more! Thanks!
Sara Welch says
Loved how quickly and easily this comes together! Was perfect with chips and salsa for a snack, and even better on tacos; loved every bite!
The Kitchen Girl says
Awesome! So glad to hear it, Sara 🙂 We love fresh Pico de Gallo too!
Shashi says
We are making tacos this weekend and your recipe for pico de gallo is on our taco meal menu! This looks ah-mazing!
The Kitchen Girl says
Yay! Glad you can enjoy this one!
JB says
Yep, this salsa gets devoured every time we make it. I love that it calls for garlic as many Pico de Gallo recipes do not. Another winner KG! Thanks
The Kitchen Girl says
Yes, garlic in Pico de Gallo for the win. I'm so glad you love this one too! 🙂