The Best Pico De Gallo Recipe (2024)

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Try making this easy Pico de Gallo Recipe for the perfect addition to your tacos, grilled chicken and more. Grab some chips and learn how tomake pico de gallothat is authentic and delicious.

The Best Pico De Gallo Recipe (1)

Easy Pico de Gallo Recipe

We love ordering Pico de Gallo when we go out to eat. Learn how tomake pico de gallo for a fraction of the cost and just as tasty.

This delicious recipe is so incredibly simple and the flavor is authentic and amazing. It makes the best dip for tortilla chips and we love to serve this at parties.

It is amazing served withThe Best Crockpot Chicken Tacos Recipeand Crock Pot Taco Salad Recipe. Jazz up plain chicken and turn it into something amazing with this easy recipe for pico de gallo.

This great recipe is so easy to make with simple ingredients.

The Best Pico De Gallo Recipe (2)

What is Pico de Gallo?

We love pico de gallo and it is has the best flavor and texture. It is known as a salsa fresco because the ingredients are all super fresh and chunky.

Pico de gallo is uncooked and loaded with chopped fresh tomatoes, onion, garlic, jalapeno and more.

We love Mexican food and fresh salsa is even better. My family loves when I serve this pico de gallo.

These easypico de gallo recipe is full of tomatoes, onion, cilantro, and more for an amazing recipe. This easy pico de gallo uses fresh tomatoes, lime juice, red onion jalapeño for the best salsa recipe.

It is so quick and easy!

What is the difference between salsa and pico de gallo?

Pico de Gallo has the same base ingredients as red salsa. But they are prepared different. Salsa has a thinner and more liquid consistency. Also, salsa is more blended together.

Pico de gallo salsa uses raw ingredients, chopped ingredients. The ingredients are super fresh and not at all blended together. It has a chunky texture and great for all of taco recipes.

You can really see each ingredient in Pico de gallo whereas in salsa it all gets blended together. They are great served together or eaten separately.

The Secret for the Best Pico de Gallo:

The secret to the best Pico de Gallo is letting it rest. Resting in the fridge for a day is best, but a few hours works. It allows the ingredients to really blend together since you are using fresh ingredients.

Pico de Gallo adds fresh ingredients to many different recipes. The blended ingredients are great on your Mexican recipes and even on top of grilled chicken.

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What is in Pico de Gallo?

It is very simple and you only need a few easy ingredients. Everything comes together for such an amazing blend of flavor.

  • Roma Tomatoes – When purchasing tomatoes, make sure they are ripe. We have used homegrown tomatoes and they worked out great. Especially since it is the main ingredient for this recipe.
  • White Onion – We usually use white onion. It adds the perfect sweetness but you can use any type onion.
  • Cilantro – Cilantro really makes this recipe. It add so much color and flavor to this recipe that it really can’t be substituted or skipped.
  • Jalapeno Peppers – We used jalapeno peppers and kept a few seeds in them as my family likes it to have a little kick to it.
  • Limes – We recommend only using fresh lime juice.
  • Garlic Salt – Adds so much flavor to this recipe.

How to make Authentic Pico de Gallo Recipe:

  • Chop onion and tomatoes- Make sure to finely chop your onion and tomatoes. We like to make sure that we remove the seeds from the tomatoes.
  • Dice Jalapeno Peppers – Mince the jalapeno in small pieces so you don’t have big chunks. If you want your salsa to have a little bit of kick, keep the seeds with the jalapeno. For a milder mixture, remove the seeds.
  • Chop the Cilantro – We love cilantro adding in a lot of cilantro to our mixture. Chop and add to the mixture.
  • Add the Garlic Salt and Lime – Squeeze in the fresh lime and add in the garlic salt.
  • Mix Together – Combine everything in a medium bowl. I told you it was incredibly simple to make.
  • Refrigerate – Refrigerate for an hour to allow flavors to combine. We like to refrigerate overnight for the best results.
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Tips for the Best Pico de Gallo recipe:

  • Use a Juicer – I used this juicer to juice the limes over the pico. It was a big help.
  • Food Chopper – I also love using asmall food chopper or food processor. This allows us to quickly and easily chop the onions and chopping the tomatoes. It is such a time saving gadget to have around.
  • Evenly Chop Ingredients – Since I use a food chopper, it ensure that the ingredients are chopped closely the same size. This way you don’t have a big chunks of onion but small pieces of other ingredients.
  • Let Pico Rest – Let the pico de gallo rest after you have blended the ingredients. This allows for all the flavors to marinate together.
  • Serve with a Slotted Spoon – Because you are using fresh tomatoes, they produce a lot of moisture. Therefore, we recommend using a slotted spoon to serve.
  • Don’t Skimp on the ingredients – It is known for chunks of ingredients. So when you chop your onion and cilantro make sure you add plenty.
  • Use Fresh Lime – Make sure when to use fresh limes. Bottle lime juice does not work with this recipe.
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How to serve Easy Pico de Gallo:

Pico is so good on multiple things. We love to serve it with chips. Serve it with tacos, burrito bowls, nachos, soups, and even over grilled chicken or steak.

We love it over these recipes as well:

  • Taco Chicken Marinade
  • The Best Crockpot Chicken Tacos Recipe
  • Easy Carne Asada Street Tacos Recipe
  • Quick Skillet Chicken Fajitas
  • Tex Mex Skillet Chicken Recipe

Pico de Gallo Variations:

  • Slice an Avocado – Simply add in one diced avocado to the recipe and that is it! Simple! We love avocado so we often add it to this recipe and it is amazing!
  • Add in Corn – Try adding corn to this recipe for another twist on the classic pico de gallo recipe. It is so delicious with the lime and other wonderful ingredients.
  • Extra Spicy – Try adding extra jalapeno peppers to the recipe if you like more heat.
  • Dice up fresh fruit or vegetables – Our favorites to add in are bell pepper, cucumber, mango and peaches.

What are the best tomatoes forPico de Gallo?

Roma tomatoes are the best type of tomatoes to use when making pico de gallo. You can use other tomatoes like grape tomatoes, cherry tomatoes or larger tomatoes, but roma tomatoes are the best choice.

How do you keep it from being watery?

If you have problems with your pico being watery, try adding salt and draining the tomatoes. We have drained the tomatoes before adding it to the mix and it cuts down on the liquid.

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Why is it called Beak of the Rooster?

There are two reasons why it is called roosters beak is because of the following?

  • It is because of the coloring as it resembles the rooster beak.
  • People used it pick it up with a finger and a thumb which resembles a roosters beak.

This is the best Pico de Gallo recipe!

Your family will love having homemade pico de gallo and you will love how easy it is. Take your tacos and other Mexican recipes to the next level with this homemade pico de gallo.

Once you make this and see how easy it is, you will make it all the time. It is perfect for Mexican Monday, Taco Tuesday or any time of the week.

Sometimes we make some of this just for movie night to snack on. It is that good and the kids request it again and again.

How long will Homemade Pico de Gallo Recipe last?

Pico de Gallo will stay fresh up to one week if store in the refrigerator. Place in a bowl and cover or store in an air tight container.

How to Store:

Store you fresh pico de gallo in an airtight container in the refrigerator. After a few days, I like to squeeze in a fresh lime to freshen up the flavors.

It is great leftover for a light lunch when I make grilled chicken or have a burrito bowl.

Pico de Gallo is a crowd pleaser!

We make this recipe all the time. Anytime I make Mexican food or grilling chicken, this is always a fresh side to include. When I have friends for a swim day, this is a light and refreshing snack to share.

The ingredients are simple and easy to make. Everyone loves it and I look forward to making it. It is better to make ahead of time. Which saves me time when my guest arrive.

Print thebest pico de gallo recipe below:

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Review

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Pico De Gallo Recipe

4.97 from 66 votes

Try making this easy Pico de Gallo Recipe for the perfect addition to tacos, grilled chicken and more.Learn how tomake pico de gallo that is authentic.

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Refrigerate 1 hour hr

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Servings 6

Cuisine Mexican

Course Appetizer, Dips

Calories 23

Author Carrie Barnard

Ingredients

  • 6 roma tomatoes diced
  • 1/2 white onion diced
  • 2/3 cup cilatnro diced
  • 2 jalapeno peppers cored, deseeded and finely diced
  • 2 limes juiced
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt

Instructions

  • Combine everything in a medium bowl.

  • Refrigerate for an hour to allow flavors to combine.

Recipe Notes

I used this juicer to juice the limes over the pico – https://amzn.to/2Hm1PV8

Serve over grilled chicken, on tacos, with chips, or any of your favorite Mexican dishes.

Nutrition Facts

Calories 23kcal, Carbohydrates 5g, Sodium 198mg, Potassium 203mg, Fiber 1g, Sugar 2g, Vitamin A 700IU, Vitamin C 21.7mg, Calcium 16mg, Iron 0.3mg

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  • Copycat Fritos Bean Dip Recipe
  • Mexican Corn Salsa Recipe
  • Quick Salsa Verde de Tomatillo Recipe
  • Black Bean Salsa Recipe
The Best Pico De Gallo Recipe (8)

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About the Author

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Hi, I’m Carrie. Welcome to Eating on a Dime!

I’m on a mission to help you cook delicious meals without busting your budget. Together we are going to cook real food… for real families!

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The Best Pico De Gallo Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What are the ingredients in traditional pico de gallo? ›

Also called salsa fresca or salsa cruda, pico de gallo is a fresh Mexican salsa made of finely chopped ripe tomatoes, onion, cilantro, jalapeño, and lime. In English, its name literally means “rooster's beak,” though there's no definitive reason why we call it that.

What does pico de gallo do to your body? ›

With so many vegetables as its ingredients, it's not hard to believe pico de gallo is also full of health benefits. Armed with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, the onions and garlic in the sauce may prevent the hardening of your arteries, fight bacteria and protect against heart disease.

What is pico de gallo seasoning made of? ›

Stir tomatoes, onion, cilantro, jalapeño pepper, lime juice, garlic, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper together in a bowl. Enjoy!

What makes pico de gallo different from salsa? ›

Both pico and salsa use chopped vegetables as a base, but pico usually leaves them chopped, while salsa often blends them together or boils them to a different consistency.

Why is my pico de gallo watery? ›

Well, the first thing is to understand that tomatoes contain a lot of water, and anytime you add salt to a vegetable it draws water out of it due to osmosis. The way to avoid watery Pico de Gallo is to salt and drain the tomatoes before mixing them with all the other ingredients.

Should you drain the juice from pico de gallo? ›

I always try to wait at least an hour before serving to let the flavors marinade and blend. Serve your homemade pico de gallo with a slotted spoon or drain some of the liquid with a sieve. The tomatoes release a lot of juice and this helps to get rid of some of the extra liquid.

How long is homemade pico de gallo good for? ›

Pico de Gallo won't keep very long in the fridge—probably 24 hours or so. After that, the sugars start to break down and it turns into a soupy mess. So it's best to make it the same day you'll want to serve it, though you certainly could do so several hours before.

How to tell if pico de gallo is bad? ›

Signs that the pico de gallo has passed its prime include a sour smell, discoloration, or a slimy texture. The presence of these signs indicates that the product should be discarded. For optimal taste and safety, it is often advised to consume fresh pico de gallo within 3 days after opening.

Is it okay to eat pico de gallo every day? ›

Pico de gallo is extremely low in calories and fat. Adding this condiment to your dietary eating plan is a great way to get a variety of nutrients. However, you may want to limit your intake if you're watching your sodium.

Do Mexicans eat pico de gallo? ›

Pico de gallo is a salsa popular with Mexican food, like tacos, nachos, or quesadillas.

Is salsa good for high blood pressure? ›

It contains potassium

Potassium helps us regulate our fluid and mineral balance. It's a vital factor in regulating our blood pressure, as well. Most processed foods fall short of our potassium needs, so salsa is another way to fill this gap.

What to eat with pico de gallo? ›

What to Serve with Pico De Gallo. Scooping heapfuls onto tortilla chips is probably the most popular way to enjoy pico de gallo. It can also be used on and served with so many other dishes like tacos, nachos, over grilled seafood, the possibilities are endless.

What does "pico de gallo" mean in English? ›

Pico de gallo (Spanish pronunciation: [ˈpiko ðe ˈɣaʝo], lit. 'rooster's beak'), also called salsa fresca ('fresh sauce'), salsa bandera ('flag sauce'), and salsa cruda ('raw sauce'), is a type of salsa commonly used in Mexican cuisine.

Does pico de gallo contain vinegar? ›

Combine tomatoes, cilantro, red onion, cilantro, jalapeños, lime juice, salt, pepper, and garlic in a large mixing bowl. Pour in vinegar and vegetable oil, and gently mix to combine. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour before serving.

What does "pico de gallo" mean literally? ›

What is Pico de Gallo? Translated in Spanish, pico de gallo literally means “beak of rooster.” Some believe this is because it was originally eaten by pinching between the thumb and finger, making the shape of a rooster's beak.

What are the ingredients in Park Street deli pico de gallo? ›

INGREDIENTS: roma tomatoes, jalapeno peppers, red onions, lime juice, cilantro.

How was pico de gallo created? ›

Pico de Gallo is a traditional Latin American dish that comes from a rich cultural and culinary history in Mexico. It's believed that this amazing dish was derived from the ancient Aztec culture, and widely popularized in Mexican cuisine, especially in regions such as the Yucatan and Sonora.

References

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