This is the easiest homemade recipe for Classic Pico De Gallo. This Mexican salsa is loaded with fresh tomatoes, onion, cilantro, and lime juice is amazing!

Serve as a side with your favorite Mexican dish, like classic ground beef tacos!

Homemade pico de gallo in a white bowl topped with fresh chopped greens and limes.

Like our easy shrimp ceviche, this homemade Pico De Gallo is much better than what you would order at your favorite Mexican restaurant. Not only is it absolutely delicious, but it’s also SO EASY to make.

What is Pico De Gallo?

Authentic Pico de Gallo is a type of salsa used in Mexican cuisine. The traditional recipe uses fresh chopped tomatoes, onion, cumin, lime juice, and fresh cilantro.

The salsa is popular at restaurants as an appetizer served with chips, just like authentic guacamole.

What is the difference between Pico De Gallo and Salsa?

Though Pico De Gallo uses similar ingredients to salsa, it is slightly altered in the preparation of the recipe.

Salsa uses finely chopped ingredients and is often blended, while Pico De Gallo uses chunky cubed vegetables.

Pico de gallo in a white bowl topped with fresh chopped greens with a chip being dipped into the salsa.

How to make the BEST Pico De Gallo?

Here are the ingredients needed for authentic Pico De Gallo and tips for preparation.

  • Tomatoes– Cube your tomatoes. You want to be sure to use ripe tomatoes and keep the juices from the tomatoes as they add flavor.
  • Onions– Either sweet or red onion may be used. Finely chop the onion.
  • Jalapenos– We like to add jalapenos for a kick in the salsa. If you don’t like spicy food, leave out the jalapenos.
  • Cilantro– Finely chop the fresh cilantro.
How to make the classic pico de gallo salsa recipe with tomatoes, cilantro, onions and jalapenos.
  • Garlic– Though garlic is not a classic ingredient, we love the added flavor it gives the salsa.
  • Seasoning– Season with cumin, salt, and pepper (to taste).
  • Lime– The freshly squeezed lime gives the tomatoes flavor and is a key ingredient in the recipe.
  • Rest– Mix all ingredients and rest for 10 minutes allowing the salsa a quick marinade. You can make the pico de gallo up to 2 hours in advance and keep it refrigerated (or overnight).
Chef’s tip: Since the tomatoes release juices and combined with the lime juice, there is a lot of liquid in the salsa. Serve the pico de gallo with a slotted spoon.

Homemade pico de gallo in a white bowl with lime slices topped with fresh chopped greens.

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What do you serve with Pico De Gallo?

Serve Pico De Gallo as you would your favorite salsa or side dish, especially great when accompanied by these dishes:

Pico de gallo in a white bowl with a chip being dipped in the salsa.

The Pico De Gallo is especially great with freshly grown tomatoes and may be used with cherry tomatoes in the winter. I hope this appetizer becomes a new favorite!

Other Mexican Recipes-

Pico de Gallo

Author: Valentina
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5 from 1 vote
An EASY recipe for the classic Pico de Gallo. A Mexican salsa loaded with tomatoes, onions, cilantro and fresh lime juice!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ripe tomatoes, cubed
  • 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 jalapeno, chopped
  • 1/3 cup cilantro, finely chopped
  • 1 garlic cloves, minced
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp ground black pepper
  • ¼ tsp ground cumin
  • 3 Tbsp lime juice

Instructions

  • In a serving bowl, add the cubed tomatoes, chopped onions, jalapenos, cilantro, garlic, salt, pepper, cumin, and lime juice. Mix everything until well combined.
  • Serve and enjoy!

Notes

TIP: for the best flavor, allow pico de gallo marinate for 10 minutes or several hours in the fridge.  
STORE: Store the pico de gallo in a container in the fridge, will keep for about 3 days! 

Nutrition

32kcal Calories7g Carbs1g Protein1g Fat1g Saturated Fat298mg Sodium302mg Potassium2g Fiber4g Sugar1072IU Vitamin A25mg Vitamin C15mg Calcium1mg Iron
Nutrition Facts
Pico de Gallo
Amount Per Serving
Calories 32 Calories from Fat 9
% Daily Value*
Fat 1g2%
Saturated Fat 1g6%
Sodium 298mg13%
Potassium 302mg9%
Carbohydrates 7g2%
Fiber 2g8%
Sugar 4g4%
Protein 1g2%
Vitamin A 1072IU21%
Vitamin C 25mg30%
Calcium 15mg2%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
(The nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.)