Homemade Pico De Gallo Recipe

This classic and authentic homemade Pico de Gallo recipe is the best fresh tomato salsa that you can make. 5 ingredients is all you need and perfect with so many things. Or just scoop with chips!

Best Pico de Gallo Recipe

If you love eating pico de gallo at your favorite Mexican restaurant, you are going to love this recipe.

Juicy tomatoes, spicy jalapeños, and that tangy lime, all together make one of the easiest recipes around.

Trust me, one bite of this homemade goodness and you’ll be going in for round two! And can we just talk about the fresh flavors and bright color? It’s like having a top-notch salsa joint right in your kitchen.

With just a few fresh ingredients, you’re gonna have a pico de gallo that has everyone begging for your secret. Check out this Mango Pico de Gallo for a sweet version:)

What is Pico de Gallo?

Authentic Pico de gallo is a fresh, raw salsa made with just a few simple ingredients. Pico literally translates to “ rooster’s beak ” because of the way that it is eaten.

The meaning comes from the pico being picked up with the fingers and pinched between the thumb and the index finger.

In doing so, your hand forms the shape of a rooster’s head and beak. So funny to learn where we get the names of foods from isn’t it?

Sometimes pico is called “salsa fresca” or “salsa cruda” meaning fresh salsa because everything is ripe and fresh. Fresh tomatoes release their juices when combined with the lime and salt.

How to Use Pico de Gallo

• Tortilla chips
• Fish tacos
• Burritos
• Nachos
• Quesadillas
• any of your favorite Mexican dishes!

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Ingredients Needed

Tomato – I like to use Roma tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, or vine ripe tomato varieties.

Onion – The authentic version uses white onion. Substitute Spanish or yellow onion.

Jalapeño – Fresh jalapeño pepper. Don’t substitute pickled, it won’t be the same.

Cilantro – Chopped fresh cilantro.

Lime – Fresh lime juice is best. Bottled will be ok if that’s all you have.

Salt – Fresh coarse salt like Kosher brand.

For more insider tips & tricks, and a candid behind the scenes look follow me on social media! Check use out on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, & Twitter (yes, people still use Twitter, LOL!)

How to Make Pico de Gallo from Scratch

First: After washing the tomatoes, dice them into even, small, and bite sized pieces.

Second: Dice the onions into pieces the same size as the tomatoes. Stir to combine.

Third: Dice the jalapeno into small pieces and chop the fresh cilantro leaves. Stir in the lime juice and add salt to your taste.

Fourth: Cover or place in an airtight container. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes but it’s best overnight. Serve and enjoy!

For the full recipe and detailed instructions, please refer to the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

How long does it last?

This fresh salsa recipe lasts up to 3 days if stored in an airtight container in the fridge.

It is best to serve it after the flavors have had time to mix. If the tomatoes release too much juice, you can add a pinch more salt and some lime juice.

What is pico de gallo vs salsa?

Good pico de gallo is a mixture of fresh chopped tomatoes, onions, cilantro, jalapenos, and lime. Salsa is made of the same ingredients but usually blended to a thinner consistency.

It is even sometimes cooked or processed and canned for later.

​More Salsa Recipes

• How to Make Salsa for Chips
• Salsa verde
• Pickle de Gallo
• Pineapple mango salsa
• Cranberry salsa
• Apple pie salsa
• Fruit salsa

Tapas Tips & Tricks

• Can’t find Roma tomatoes? Often called fresh plum tomatoes.
• This is a type of “chunky salsa” so leave the food processor in the cupboard.
• The best tip for this recipe is to let it sit! It’s best if it chills in the fridge for at least a day.
• It’s already colorful but if you like, red onion can add even more.
• If you want it spicier, keep the seeds from the jalapeno peppers and add them to the pico de gallo. Or try Serrano peppers.

If you love this recipe as much as I do, please write a five-star review in the comment section below (or on Pinterest with the “tried it” button – you can now add pictures into reviews, too!), and be sure to help me share on facebook!

Keep a batch of this easy pico de gallo recipe stored in your fridge at all times! You never know when you will have a taco emergency and need a great recipe… Perhaps Cinco de Mayo!

This pico de gallo recipe is the perfect Mexican food for game day or Cinco de Mayo! The freshest ingredients combined to make the best salsa around.

{Originally published 06/11/19 – photos and recipe updated 08/17/23 to improve reader experience}

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