• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Dishes With Dad
  • Home
  • Browse Recipes
    • Appetizer Recipes
    • Salads
    • Soups
    • Main Dishes
      • Pasta
      • Poultry
      • Meats
      • Grilling
    • Side Dishes
    • Breakfast Recipes
    • Dessert Recipes
  • Weeknight Meals
  • About Me
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Easter
  • Weeknight
  • About
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipes
  • Easter
  • Weeknight
  • About
×

Home » Recipes » Side Dishes

Easy Pico de Gallo

Published: May 4, 2020 · Modified: Mar 8, 2022 by Scott · This post may contain affiliate links.

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Pico de gallo is a quick and easy fresh salsa that is perfect for scooping with tortilla chips or for topping tacos, burritos, fajitas, nachos, and more!

Pico de gallo salsa served in a bowl pictured with lime wedges and cilantro

What is pico de gallo?

Pico de gallo is also known as salsa fresca, salsa mexicana, or salsa cruda and is common through out Mexican cuisine as a topping or side dish. It is made with simple fresh ingredients; tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and jalapeños or serranos and seasoned with salt and lime juice.

Ingredients

  • Tomatoes - Fresh ripe tomatoes are the star of the dish. I prefer Roma or Plum tomatoes in pico de gallo. They have less seeds and pulp and a good amount of meaty flesh and are typically a good option year round. In the summer months when fresh tomatoes are in season, beefsteak and heirloom tomatoes are also good choices.
  • Onion - I'm not a big fan of raw onion but they are key in this dish so I go with white onion since they generally have a little less bite than red onions. You can also soak your onions in cold water for around 15 minutes then drain before using if you want to mellow out the flavor more.
  • Peppers - One or two finely diced jalapeño or serrano peppers give it a bit of a kick. I'm usually cooking for kids so I usually leave it out. If you like it extra hot you can keep the seeds and the white membrane. Make sure to not touch your face while handling the peppers and wash your hands well afterwards.
  • Cilantro - Another must for pico de gallo is chopped fresh cilantro. If you're like me and are not a cilantro lover, you can substitute parsley, but it won't have the same flavor.
  • Lime juice - Go for fresh squeezed if possible!
  • Salt
  • Olive Oil (optional) - this one's not traditional but I like a little drizzle of olive oil in my pico.
Fresh diced tomatoes and onions with cilantro and lime wedges on a cutting board.

How to prepare the pico de gallo

This is the quickest and easiest homemade salsa recipe around. You'll simply dice the tomatoes, onions, and peppers and chop the parsley and put it all into a bowl. If you want less liquid in the end product, squeeze out the seeds and pulp from the tomatoes before dicing. Then squeeze on some fresh lime juice and season with salt to taste. It's best to let it sit for around 30 minutes to allow the flavors to combine if possible. The tomatoes can release a good bit of liquid after being salted and resting in the bowl so if you want it with less liquid you can drain off some of the excess liquid. I usually serve it with a fork or slotted spoon so I don't typically bother draining it. Just before serving I like to drizzle on a little olive oil and give it a good toss but the olive oil is optional. It will keep for in the refrigerator for about a day but is best if used the same day.

Pico de gallo salsa served in a bowl pictured on a cloth napkin with lime wedges and cilantro

What to serve with your salsa?

  • Guacamole
  • Chicken Fajitas
  • Chicken Enchiladas

If you try this recipe, don't forget to leave a RATING or COMMENT below. I would love to hear from you!!! And FOLLOW me on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram for all the latest recipes!

Pico De Gallo

A quick and easy fresh salsa that is perfect for topping your favorite Mexican dishes or just scooping with chips.
Author: Scott
5 from 3 votes
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 10 mins
Servings: 4
Calories: 52kcal

Ingredients

  • 4-5 roma or plum tomatoes, diced
  • ½ cup white onion, diced
  • ½ cup cilantro, chopped
  • 1-2 jalapeño or serrano peppers, stemmed, cored and finely diced
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • salt, to taste
  • 1-2 tsp olive oil, optional

Instructions

  • Combine all ingredients but the olive oil in a bowl and toss to combine. For the best flavor let rest for around 30 minutes before serving. Just before serving drizzle with olive oil and toss again.

Nutrition

Calories: 52kcal

* All nutrition information we provide are estimates based on third party calculators. We encourage you to calculate these on your own for accurate results.

Course: Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine: Mexican
Tried this recipe?Don't forget to leave a rating above and mention @disheswithdad or tag #disheswithdad on social media!

You may also like

  • Overhead view of a sheet pan filled with barbecue chicken nachos.
    BBQ Chicken Nachos
  • A bowl of Greek salad topped with chicken meatballs and tzatziki sauce.
    Greek Chicken Meatballs
  • A bowl of homemade tzatziki sauce sitting on a countertop.
    Easy Homemade Tzatziki Sauce
  • A tin container filled with Christmas puppy chow mix.
    Christmas Puppy Chow (Reindeer Chow)
  • A serving bowl filled with cheesy sausage balls.
    Bisquick Sausage Balls
  • Close up view of the finished grilled peach pizza.
    Grilled Peach Pizza with Balsamic Glaze
Share this post:
« Baked Panko Chicken Tenders
Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Julia Egan

    January 28, 2023 at 6:40 pm

    5 stars
    Simple easy delicious! Many excellent pointers throughout recipe. Thanks!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

About Me

Hello, I'm Scott! ! I'm a former professional cook and a long-time home cook. I created this space to share my favorite quick and easy, family-friendly recipes and hopefully inspire you to try some of them for yourself!

Read More →

Easter Favorites

  • Overhead view of a plate with a serving of breakfast casserole set beside the baking dish.
    Spinach and Mushroom Breakfast Casserole
  • Close up of a slice of brioche French toast casserole on a plate.
    Brioche French Toast Casserole
  • Hashbrown and Sausage Breakfast Casserole
  • Roast beef shown sliced on a cutting board served with horseradish cream sauce.
    Pepper Crusted Roast Beef
  • Smoked leg of lamb shown on a sheet pan with roasted potatoes and asparagus.
    Smoked Leg of Lamb
  • Broccoli Salad {Chicken Salad Chick Copycat}

See More →

Featured Recipes

  • Side angle view of a serving of creamy chicken and rice casserole with broccoli shown set beside a casserole dish.
    Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole (Without Soup!)
  • Chicken enchiladas with green sauce served on a plate.
    Enchiladas with Green Sauce
  • close up of a baking dish of fresh homemade lasagna.
    Lasagna with Homemade Noodles
  • Instant pot pork roast served on a dish with potatoes and carrots.
    Instant Pot Pork Roast and Potatoes
  • Close up of a slice of brioche French toast casserole on a plate.
    Brioche French Toast Casserole
  • A large bowl of Tuscan chicken pasta with spinach and sun dried tomatoes in a creamy sauce topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
    Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

Footer

↑ back to top

About

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Affiliate Disclosure
  • Accessibility

Follow on Social

  • Pinterest
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter

Newsletter



Copyright © 2023 Dishes With Dad