Dishes With Dad

  • Home
  • Recipe Index
    • Appetizers
    • Salads
    • Soups
    • Main Dishes
      • Pasta
      • Poultry
      • Meats
      • Grilling
    • Side Dishes
    • Breakfast Recipes
    • Desserts
  • Weeknight Meals
  • About Me
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Weeknight
  • Summer
  • About
  • Subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipes
  • Weeknight
  • Summer
  • About
  • Subscribe
×
Home » Recipes » Side Dishes

Easy Pico de Gallo

Published: May 4, 2020 · Modified: Feb 26, 2024 by Scott · This post may contain affiliate links.

↓ Jump to 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 throughout 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.

Ingredient Notes

See the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the complete list of ingredients and measurements.

  • Tomatoes - Fresh ripe tomatoes are the star of the dish. I prefer Roma or Plum tomatoes in pico de gallo. They have fewer 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 onions, but they are key in this dish, so I go with white onions 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 not to touch your face while handling the peppers, and wash your hands well afterward.
  • 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.

Step-By-Step Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.

Tips

  • The tomatoes will release a good bit of liquid after being salted, so if you want it with less liquid you can drain off some of the excess liquid using a colader or mesh strainer. I usually serve the salsa 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.
Pico de gallo salsa served in a bowl pictured on a cloth napkin with lime wedges and cilantro

Storage

This pico de gallo salsa will keep for in the refrigerator for about a day but is best if used the same day. The tomatoes begin turning mushy after that.

If you do plan to make it a day ahead, it is best to store it in a colander set over a bowl, then cover and refrigerate.

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!

📖 Recipe

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 SaveSaved!
Prep Time: 10 minutes mins
Total Time: 10 minutes 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 teaspoon 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

  • Chicken tinga tostadas on a plate.
    Chicken Tinga Tostadas
  • Chicken fajitas with peppers and onions in an air fryer.
    Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas
  • Ground beef and black bean enchiladas on a plate.
    Beef and Bean Enchiladas
  • Walking Taco Casserole
  • Chicken enchiladas with green sauce served on a plate.
    Chicken Enchiladas with Green Sauce
  • Instant Pot Pork Carnitas
Share this post:
« Baked Panko Chicken Tenders
Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas »

Comments

  1. Julia Egan says

    January 28, 2023 at 6:40 pm

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

    Reply
5 from 3 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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.

About Me

Hello, I'm Scott! I'm a former professional cook and an experienced 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 →

Memorial Day Favorites

  • A plate of grilled boneless chicken thighs.
    Grilled Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
  • pulled pork sandwich with slaw
    Pulled Pork Barbecue: Ultimate Guide
  • Red, white, and blue popsicles on a weathered white washed wood background.
    Red White and Blue Popsicles
  • Close up image of a spinach and feta turkey burger on a wheat bun with a thick spread of tzatziki sauce and topped with sliced cucumber and red onion.
    Spinach and Feta Turkey Burgers
  • Grilled flank steak served on a platter.
    Grilled Flank Steak
  • A small cast iron dish on a wooden table filled with smoked baked beans.
    Smoked Baked Beans

See More →

Featured Recipes

  • Chicken enchiladas with green sauce served on a plate.
    Chicken Enchiladas with Green Sauce
  • close up of a baking dish of fresh homemade lasagna.
    Lasagna with Homemade Noodles
  • Side angle view of a serving of creamy chicken and rice casserole with broccoli shown set beside a casserole dish.
    Chicken and Rice Casserole (Without Soup!)
  • lemon dill salmon on sheet pan
    Baked Lemon Dill Salmon
  • A serving plate of beef tenderloin tips covered in mushroom gravy with mashed potatoes.
    Beef Tenderloin Tips in Mushroom Gravy
  • Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Kebabs

Footer

↑ back to top

About

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

Follow on Social

  • Pinterest
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter

Copyright © 2025 Dishes With Dad

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.