Pico de Gallo is a fresh, uncooked Mexican salsa made from chopped tomatoes, onions, cilantro, fresh chili peppers, lime juice, and salt. Unlike smooth salsas, pico de gallo has a chunky texture, making it a fresh and zesty topping for tacos, grilled meats, or tortilla chips.

Pico de Gallo (Fresh Mexican Salsa)

Servings: 4–6

Prep Time: 10–15 minutes

Total Time: 10–15 minutes

Ingredients

4 medium ripe tomatoes, diced
1 small white or red onion, finely chopped
1–2 fresh jalapeño peppers, finely chopped (remove seeds for milder heat)
1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
2–3 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
Optional: 1 clove garlic, minced

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Wash the tomatoes, jalapeños, and cilantro.
Dice the tomatoes into small, uniform pieces for even flavor.
Finely chop the onion and jalapeño. If you prefer less heat, remove the seeds from the jalapeño.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, chopped onion, and jalapeño.
Add the chopped cilantro and minced garlic (if using).
Sprinkle with salt and drizzle with fresh lime juice.

Step 3: Mix and Taste

Gently stir all ingredients until well combined.
Taste and adjust salt or lime juice as needed.

Step 4: Rest (Optional)

Let the pico de gallo sit for 10–15 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together, though it’s also delicious immediately.

Nutrition information for Pico de Gallo (per ½ cup serving):

Calories: 25 kcal
Carbohydrates: 5 g
Fiber: 1.5 g
Sugars: 3 g
Protein: 1 g
Fat: 0 g
Sodium: 150 mg (from added salt, adjustable)
Vitamins & Minerals:
- Vitamin C: ~25% of daily value
- Vitamin A: ~4% of daily value
- Potassium: ~200 mg

Serving Suggestions

As a Topping – Spoon over tacos, burritos, enchiladas, quesadillas, or grilled meats for a fresh, zesty flavor.
With Chips – Serve as a dip with tortilla chips for a simple appetizer or snack.
On Eggs – Add to scrambled eggs, omelets, or huevos rancheros for a burst of freshness.
With Seafood – Use as a topping for grilled fish, shrimp, or ceviche.
Salad Mix-In – Stir into rice, black beans, or avocado salads for extra flavor and color.

Pico de Gallo adds a fresh, tangy, and slightly spicy kick, making it versatile for Mexican dishes and beyond.

Tips & Tricks

Use ripe, firm tomatoes – They provide the best flavor and prevent the salsa from becoming too watery.
Remove excess seeds/liquid – Scoop out seeds from tomatoes or jalapeños to avoid a soggy salsa.
Chop uniformly – Evenly chopped ingredients give consistent texture and flavor in every bite.
Adjust heat to taste – Remove seeds from jalapeños for milder salsa or leave them in for more spice.
Fresh lime juice – Always use fresh lime juice for a bright, zesty flavor; bottled lime juice can taste flat.
Chill briefly – Let the pico de gallo rest 10–15 minutes in the fridge before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Make fresh – Pico de gallo is best eaten the same day; it loses its fresh crunch if stored too long.
Add a twist – Optional extras like diced mango, pineapple, or roasted corn can add sweetness and complexity.

Health benefits of Pico de Gallo:

Low in Calories – Made mostly of fresh vegetables, it’s a light, guilt-free addition to meals.
Rich in Vitamins – Tomatoes provide vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants like lycopene, which support heart health and immunity.
High in Fiber – Onions, tomatoes, and peppers add dietary fiber, aiding digestion and keeping you full longer.
Supports Metabolism – Chili peppers contain capsaicin, which may help boost metabolism and improve circulation.
Antioxidant-Rich – Cilantro and tomatoes are rich in antioxidants, which help combat free radicals in the body.
Hydrating – The high water content in tomatoes and onions helps keep you hydrated.
Natural and Fresh – No preservatives or added sugars, making it a healthy, whole-food option.

Pico de Gallo is a nutritious, low-calorie, and flavor-packed way to enhance any meal while reaping the benefits of fresh vegetables.

Why you love the Recipe of Pico de Gallo

You’ll love Pico de Gallo because it’s fresh, vibrant, and bursting with flavor, adding a bright, zesty kick to any meal. Its crisp vegetables, tangy lime juice, and mild heat from jalapeños make it a perfect balance of freshness and spice. It’s quick to make, versatile as a topping or dip, and brings a healthy, colorful element to tacos, grilled meats, or even snacks — making every bite feel light, flavorful, and satisfying.

Pico de gallo