Pico de Gallo is one of those magical foods that takes just minutes to make but instantly elevates anything it touches. Also known as salsa fresca, this fresh tomato-based condiment is a staple in Mexican cuisine and for good reason. It brings together a handful of simple ingredients – tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, lime juice, cilantro, and salt – and turns them into a punchy, vibrant mix that’s bursting with flavor.
Unlike traditional salsas that are blended or cooked, Pico de Gallo is served raw, which gives it a crisp, chunky texture. Each bite offers a little burst of acidity, heat, and herbaceous brightness. It’s this raw freshness that makes it so versatile. Whether spooned over tacos, scooped up with tortilla chips, layered into burritos, or served alongside grilled meats and fish, Pico de Gallo is always a good idea.
One of the best things about Pico de Gallo is its adaptability. Want it spicier? Add more jalapeño or even a serrano pepper. Need it a bit sweeter? Use cherry tomatoes or add a pinch of sugar. Not a fan of raw onion? Soak the chopped onion in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow out the bite. It’s easy to customize to your taste while keeping the basic spirit of the dish intact.
It also happens to be a healthy choice. Packed with fresh vegetables and herbs, it’s naturally low in calories and high in flavor. There’s no oil, no added sugar, and no preservatives – just pure, fresh ingredients. That makes it a go-to for clean eating or adding a little extra flavor to dishes without loading up on extra fat or sodium.
Pico de Gallo is more than a condiment. It’s a celebration of simple ingredients and big flavor. Keep a batch in the fridge and you’ll always have a quick way to brighten up meals, from breakfast eggs to midnight quesadillas. It’s one of those things that proves the best food doesn’t need to be complicated – just fresh, balanced, and made with care.

Ingredients
- 2 cups tomatoes diced
- 1/2 cup onion finely chopped
- 1 whole jalapeño seeded and minced
- 1/4 cup cilantro chopped
- 1 whole lime juiced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt to taste
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine diced tomatoes, chopped onion, minced jalapeño, chopped cilantro, and lime juice.
- Season with salt to taste and mix well to combine all ingredients.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate to allow flavors to blend before serving.
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I tried using red onion instead, was okay but didn’t taste as good. Stick to white!
This is such an easy and fresh recipe! I love pico de gallo on everything. Thanks!
Totally agree! Pico de gallo is the best, especially on tacos! 🌮
Isn’t it just tomatoes and onions? Seems too simple, not sure it’s the best.
This is basically just guacamole without the avocado, right? 😂
Just made this, and WOW. The lime juice really makes it pop! 🌶️🍅
Why do people put cilantro in everything? It tastes like soap! Yuck.
I used store-bought salsa instead… might have been a big mistake. 😂
This recipe is so simple and fresh! Can’t wait to try it at my next BBQ. Thanks!
I don’t know… is 1 jalapeño really enough? Mine always needs more heat?
Chop chop! This is my go-to snack. Everyone loves it!
I love the taste but it’s sooo watery! How do I fix that?
Best recipe ever!!! Love love love! 💖
My dad always says don’t mix fruits with veg. This feels wrong writing it down.
Can u make this ahead of time? What if I use frozen tomatoes?
Tastes like my grandma’s! Brings back memories. Thank you for sharing!
Where’s the avocado? Is this even really pico de gallo without it???
Simple and quick! I love how it’s just the basics and it still tastes amazing.
Totally agree! Sometimes the simplest things are the best. Can’t wait to make it again.
Yum! This made my tacos taste so much better. Will definitely make again.
I don’t get why you’d put a whole jalapeño! That’s too much heat for me.
This recipe is so fresh and delicious! Perfect for summer parties!
This is how I learned it in Mexico, but with lime, it’s a must!
I forgot the lime and it was still good, but I know it would be better with it!
I mean, it’s just salsa. How much can lime really change it?
Lime really does make a difference! Next time don’t forget it! 🙂
I don’t think it should have jalapeño. Too spicy! Just stick to tomatoes and onions.
But the jalapeño adds a nice kick! You can always use less if it’s too hot for you. I love it spicy!
Nah, I think it needs the jalapeño. Otherwise, it ain’t pico de gallo, just a tomato salad!
So good! Perfect with chips. My friends loved it 😊
I thought it was super bland, maybe add more salt? Disappointed.
Isn’t pico de gallo just salsa? Don’t understand the difference.
I don’t get it either. They both have tomatoes and stuff, right? Why not just call it salsa?
Not really! Pico de gallo is fresh and chunky, while salsa can be smooth and cooked. They’re both great though!
Easy peasy! I love making this for taco night. Thanks for the recipe!
Yum! I added some corn and it was a hit! Can’t wait to make it again.
Sounds great! Corn is a nice twist. I’m gonna try that for sure!
Why corn tho? Isn’t that like not traditional for pico de gallo?
Kinda bland. Needs garlic or somethin’.
I actually think it’s perfect as is! The freshness of the veggies shines through. Garlic would overpower it!
Why do you need cilantro? It tastes like soap to me!
I understand where you’re coming from! Cilantro can be divisive. You can totally skip it if you don’t like it. It still tastes great without it!
Pico de gallo? Sounds fancy but my salsa is better. Just saying.
So fresh and flavorful! This recipe is a staple now.
Totally agree! Pico de Gallo is the best! 🌶️
Yum! I made this for a party and everyone loved it. I will make again for sure!
I used garlic in mine, is that weird? It was really tasty lol.
Pico de gallo is the best! Perfect with chips or on tacos.
Absolutely agree! I love making it fresh. It’s so good with grilled chicken too!
This is the best pico de gallo I’ve ever made! So fresh and delicious!
I’ll pass, prefer store-bought. This looks like a lot of work for some salsa.
This is the best pico de gallo recipe! Fresh and so easy to make. My family loved it! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I don’t know how to chop tomatoes well. Can I just use canned tomatoes?
Simple and fresh. Perfect for summer parties. Just made a batch! ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Yum! I added some garlic and it’s delicious! Can’t live without pico now.
Garlic in pico? That’s interesting! I usually just stick to the basics. But I’m glad you liked it! 🙂
Looks good but seems like too much lime for me. Maybe cut it in half?
This was so easy to make! I added some avocado and it was delish!
Tastes great, but too spicy for my kids. Maybe less jalapeño next time?
I totally get that! My kids can’t handle spice either. Maybe try a bell pepper instead?
Isn’t pico just salsa? I thought there was more to it. This is just tomatoes!
No way, it’s not just tomatoes! The onion and jalapeño give it some kick. Maybe try it out before judging?
Actually, pico de gallo is a type of salsa! It’s fresher and chunkier than the blended salsa you might be thinking of. It’s all about the freshness of ingredients!
Why do people even put jalapeños in salsa? It’s just too spicy!
It was ok but I wish it had more flavor. Maybe add garlic next time?
I totally agree! A little garlic would really boost the flavor. Can’t believe it wasn’t included!
I don’t know, it feels like something’s missing. Maybe more spices? 🤷♂️
Nah, it’s perfect as it is! Sometimes simple is better, trust me!
I think you’re right! Maybe try some cumin or garlic powder to amp it up! 🌶️
I don’t get why people go crazy over this. It’s just chopped stuff. Meh.