Rating: 3.59
(70)

Pico de Gallo

July 8, 2025

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.

Pico de Gallo
Pico de Gallo
3.59 from 70 votes
Pico de Gallo is a traditional Mexican salsa made with fresh tomatoes, onions, cilantro, jalapeño, and lime juice. It’s a refreshing and flavorful condiment perfect for tacos, chips, and more.
Servings 1 people
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes

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.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 35kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 1gFat: 0.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gSodium: 240mgPotassium: 230mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 2mg
Calories: 35kcal
Meal Type: Salad
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: Mexican Cuisine, Pico de Gallo, salsa
Cooking Method: Nobake
Diet: Vegan
Time: <30 Min
Level: Easy
Tried this recipe?Mention @coolinarco or tag #coolinarco!
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Join the Conversation
  1. User avatar lucky777 says:

    3 stars
    I tried using red onion instead, was okay but didn’t taste as good. Stick to white!

  2. User avatar raquel.lehner says:

    5 stars
    This is such an easy and fresh recipe! I love pico de gallo on everything. Thanks!

    1. User avatar al.mitchell39 says:

      5 stars
      Totally agree! Pico de gallo is the best, especially on tacos! 🌮

    2. User avatar shane.block says:

      2 stars
      Isn’t it just tomatoes and onions? Seems too simple, not sure it’s the best.

  3. User avatar lizeth.kub says:

    1 star
    This is basically just guacamole without the avocado, right? 😂

  4. User avatar frances.stracke2024 says:

    5 stars
    Just made this, and WOW. The lime juice really makes it pop! 🌶️🍅

  5. User avatar Miles Teg says:

    2 stars
    Why do people put cilantro in everything? It tastes like soap! Yuck.

  6. User avatar Bok Pacocha DDS says:

    2 stars
    I used store-bought salsa instead… might have been a big mistake. 😂

  7. User avatar ALTplusF4 says:

    5 stars
    This recipe is so simple and fresh! Can’t wait to try it at my next BBQ. Thanks!

  8. User avatar Mr. Popo says:

    3 stars
    I don’t know… is 1 jalapeño really enough? Mine always needs more heat?

  9. User avatar grayce.shields says:

    5 stars
    Chop chop! This is my go-to snack. Everyone loves it!

  10. User avatar lois.feil2010 says:

    4 stars
    I love the taste but it’s sooo watery! How do I fix that?

  11. User avatar Spriggan says:

    5 stars
    Best recipe ever!!! Love love love! 💖

  12. User avatar suspiciousCommentator says:

    1 star
    My dad always says don’t mix fruits with veg. This feels wrong writing it down.

  13. User avatar Ward Osinski DDS says:

    3 stars
    Can u make this ahead of time? What if I use frozen tomatoes?

  14. User avatar joan.daugherty0 says:

    5 stars
    Tastes like my grandma’s! Brings back memories. Thank you for sharing!

  15. User avatar carli.hoppe82 says:

    1 star
    Where’s the avocado? Is this even really pico de gallo without it???

  16. User avatar casandra.gerhold20 says:

    4 stars
    Simple and quick! I love how it’s just the basics and it still tastes amazing.

    1. 5 stars
      Totally agree! Sometimes the simplest things are the best. Can’t wait to make it again.

  17. User avatar deon.reinger says:

    4 stars
    Yum! This made my tacos taste so much better. Will definitely make again.

  18. User avatar shaun.hessel says:

    3 stars
    I don’t get why you’d put a whole jalapeño! That’s too much heat for me.

  19. User avatar debi.ziemann48 says:

    5 stars
    This recipe is so fresh and delicious! Perfect for summer parties!

  20. User avatar toshiko.mann says:

    5 stars
    This is how I learned it in Mexico, but with lime, it’s a must!

  21. 4 stars
    I forgot the lime and it was still good, but I know it would be better with it!

    1. User avatar wendell.deckow39 says:

      2 stars
      I mean, it’s just salsa. How much can lime really change it?

    2. User avatar terminatorXYZ says:

      5 stars
      Lime really does make a difference! Next time don’t forget it! 🙂

  22. User avatar jame.lemke says:

    2 stars
    I don’t think it should have jalapeño. Too spicy! Just stick to tomatoes and onions.

    1. User avatar yoshiko.abernathy1968 says:

      4 stars
      But the jalapeño adds a nice kick! You can always use less if it’s too hot for you. I love it spicy!

    2. 3 stars
      Nah, I think it needs the jalapeño. Otherwise, it ain’t pico de gallo, just a tomato salad!

  23. User avatar Tambra Barrows says:

    5 stars
    So good! Perfect with chips. My friends loved it 😊

  24. User avatar Kid Trunks says:

    1 star
    I thought it was super bland, maybe add more salt? Disappointed.

  25. User avatar quinn.lynch1995 says:

    3 stars
    Isn’t pico de gallo just salsa? Don’t understand the difference.

    1. User avatar Sand-Dial says:

      2 stars
      I don’t get it either. They both have tomatoes and stuff, right? Why not just call it salsa?

    2. User avatar jeanine.okuneva says:

      4 stars
      Not really! Pico de gallo is fresh and chunky, while salsa can be smooth and cooked. They’re both great though!

  26. 4 stars
    Easy peasy! I love making this for taco night. Thanks for the recipe!

  27. User avatar wilbur.reichel81 says:

    5 stars
    Yum! I added some corn and it was a hit! Can’t wait to make it again.

    1. User avatar cody.parker13 says:

      5 stars
      Sounds great! Corn is a nice twist. I’m gonna try that for sure!

    2. User avatar alba.gutkowski1969 says:

      2 stars
      Why corn tho? Isn’t that like not traditional for pico de gallo?

  28. User avatar tissues_with_issues says:

    3 stars
    Kinda bland. Needs garlic or somethin’.

    1. User avatar belkis.okon37 says:

      5 stars
      I actually think it’s perfect as is! The freshness of the veggies shines through. Garlic would overpower it!

  29. User avatar bobbie.gusikowski28 says:

    1 star
    Why do you need cilantro? It tastes like soap to me!

    1. User avatar tynisha.jakubowski29 says:

      5 stars
      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!

  30. User avatar sha.ziemann says:

    2 stars
    Pico de gallo? Sounds fancy but my salsa is better. Just saying.

  31. User avatar melony.fadel says:

    5 stars
    So fresh and flavorful! This recipe is a staple now.

    1. User avatar Arthur Dent says:

      5 stars
      Totally agree! Pico de Gallo is the best! 🌶️

  32. User avatar NAFO.SUPREMACY says:

    5 stars
    Yum! I made this for a party and everyone loved it. I will make again for sure!

  33. User avatar olin.roob says:

    4 stars
    I used garlic in mine, is that weird? It was really tasty lol.

  34. User avatar julian.kshlerin90 says:

    5 stars
    Pico de gallo is the best! Perfect with chips or on tacos.

    1. User avatar bart.reichert says:

      5 stars
      Absolutely agree! I love making it fresh. It’s so good with grilled chicken too!

  35. User avatar dean.senger26 says:

    5 stars
    This is the best pico de gallo I’ve ever made! So fresh and delicious!

  36. User avatar annabelle.sipes says:

    1 star
    I’ll pass, prefer store-bought. This looks like a lot of work for some salsa.

  37. User avatar glendora.damore says:

    5 stars
    This is the best pico de gallo recipe! Fresh and so easy to make. My family loved it! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

  38. User avatar virgilio.ankunding78 says:

    3 stars
    I don’t know how to chop tomatoes well. Can I just use canned tomatoes?

  39. User avatar anonymous_hacker says:

    4 stars
    Simple and fresh. Perfect for summer parties. Just made a batch! ⭐⭐⭐⭐

  40. 4 stars
    Yum! I added some garlic and it’s delicious! Can’t live without pico now.

    1. 4 stars
      Garlic in pico? That’s interesting! I usually just stick to the basics. But I’m glad you liked it! 🙂

  41. 3 stars
    Looks good but seems like too much lime for me. Maybe cut it in half?

  42. User avatar dante.hintz37 says:

    5 stars
    This was so easy to make! I added some avocado and it was delish!

  43. User avatar heath.watsica says:

    4 stars
    Tastes great, but too spicy for my kids. Maybe less jalapeño next time?

    1. 4 stars
      I totally get that! My kids can’t handle spice either. Maybe try a bell pepper instead?

  44. User avatar allyn.hintz70 says:

    2 stars
    Isn’t pico just salsa? I thought there was more to it. This is just tomatoes!

    1. User avatar erich.hahn15 says:

      3 stars
      No way, it’s not just tomatoes! The onion and jalapeño give it some kick. Maybe try it out before judging?

    2. User avatar russell.johns50 says:

      4 stars
      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!

  45. User avatar miquel.flatley says:

    2 stars
    Why do people even put jalapeños in salsa? It’s just too spicy!

  46. User avatar daron.mcclure says:

    3 stars
    It was ok but I wish it had more flavor. Maybe add garlic next time?

    1. 5 stars
      I totally agree! A little garlic would really boost the flavor. Can’t believe it wasn’t included!

  47. User avatar donnell.langworth94 says:

    3 stars
    I don’t know, it feels like something’s missing. Maybe more spices? 🤷‍♂️

    1. User avatar josephine.farrell says:

      2 stars
      Nah, it’s perfect as it is! Sometimes simple is better, trust me!

    2. 4 stars
      I think you’re right! Maybe try some cumin or garlic powder to amp it up! 🌶️

  48. User avatar irvin.kerluke says:

    2 stars
    I don’t get why people go crazy over this. It’s just chopped stuff. Meh.

3.59 from 70 votes
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