What is pico de gallo?

Pico de gallo is a fresh, uncooked salsa from Mexico. It’s made with chopped tomatoes, onions, cilantro, lime juice, and sometimes jalapeño for a bit of heat.

How is pico de gallo different from other salsas?

Pico de gallo is always uncooked, while other salsas can be cooked or raw. It typically has a chunkier texture and a brighter, fresher flavor than cooked salsas.

How long does Pico de Gallo last?

Store pico de gallo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Is pico de gallo spicy?

The heat level can be adjusted to your preference. Remove the seeds and ribs of the jalapeño for a milder salsa.

Can I freeze Pico de Gallo?

Because the texture changes and it becomes a bit mushy, it’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days of making it. Although, if you’re making it in a dish where texture doesn’t matter as much, like a soup or sauce, it can still be used.

Pico De Gallo Restaurant Style

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Your Taco Tuesday’s Secret Weapon

JUMP TO RECIPE

Written by Julie on February 6, 2022

Updated July 17, 2024

Hey there! Tired of store-bought salsa? Make your own homemade Pico de Gallo with just a handful of fresh ingredients in no time! This Mexican salsa is perfect for everything from Taco Tuesdays to game day snacks. It’s so good, you might just find yourself eating it by the spoonful (no judgment here!).

My obsession with pico de gallo started on my first-ever spring break in Cancun. 🌴 Picture this: me, five girlfriends, a swim-up bar, and a waiter named Jorge who served us this incredible dip with endless homemade chips. Jorge didn’t speak English, so I never quite understood how it was made. I just knew I couldn’t get enough of it…

Many visits (and a few margaritas🍹) later, I saw Jorge again!

He’d picked up some English, and I’d learned some Spanish. He noticed my hair had taken on a sun-kissed glow (a.k.a. I’d gone nearly full beach blonde) and I noticed he seemed even happier (if that was even possible — he’s one of the happiest people I’ve ever met!). Through a mix of broken conversations, enthusiastic pointing, and maybe a little help from a translator, I finally found the secrets to their authentic Mexican pico de gallo recipe! After a bit of tweaking, I’ve finally perfected the recipe!

Now, I’m thrilled to share my tried-and-true recipe with you. It’s a staple in our house — one we come back to again and again.

Why You’ll Love Homemade Pico de Gallo

Flavorful: Bursting with ripe, simple, garden-fresh ingredients.
Customizable: Make it mild, spicy, or somewhere in between.
Versatile: Delicious on tacos, salads, grilled proteins, and more.
Make-Ahead Friendly: It gets even better as it sits in the fridge.
Did You Know: Onions offer many benefits and nutrients. They’re a good source of antioxidants, with the outer layers containing up to 10 times more than the core, and may even help improve bone density.

How to make this easy pico de gallo from scratch

Pico De Gallo Prep Step One — Step 1.

Add chopped ingredients to a bowl (tomatoes, onion, jalapeño pepper, cilantro, and if using, garlic and avocados.).

Pico De Gallo Prep Step Two — Step 2.

Add freshly squeezed lime juice.

Pico De Gallo Prep Step Three — Step 3.

Mix well with a spoon or fork to combine.

Pico De Gallo Finished — Step 4.

Dip a chip and give it a try! Add more lime juice or salt to taste. If you want more🔥, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
**TIP:** For the best flavor, let the pico rest for at least 15 minutes to let the flavors mingle, though it’s completely optional!

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FAQ

What is pico de gallo?
Pico de gallo is a fresh, uncooked salsa from Mexico. It’s made with chopped tomatoes, onions, cilantro, lime juice, and sometimes jalapeño for a bit of heat.
How is pico de gallo different from other salsas?
Pico de gallo is always uncooked, while other salsas can be cooked or raw. It typically has a chunkier texture and a brighter, fresher flavor than cooked salsas.
How long does Pico de Gallo last?
Store pico de gallo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Is pico de gallo spicy?
The heat level can be adjusted to your preference. Remove the seeds and ribs of the jalapeño for a milder salsa.
Can I freeze Pico de Gallo?
Because the texture changes and it becomes a bit mushy, it’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days of making it. Although, if you’re making it in a dish where texture doesn’t matter as much, like a soup or sauce, it can still be used.

In the Kitchen Tips

Get the freshest ingredients you can find: Peak-season tomatoes and fresh herbs make all the difference.
Experiment with different chili peppers: Jalapeño is classic, but try serrano or habanero to switch it up!
Taste and Adjust: Adjust the amount of lime juice, salt, and heat to your liking.
Let it sit: Pico de gallo is best after the flavors have had a chance to combine. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes before serving.
How to Store Pico: Keep leftover pico de gallo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Beyond tacos: Pico de gallo is amazing on so much more than just tacos! Try it on, burritos, mexican bowls, nachos, or with refried beans, guacamole, and of course, your favorite chips.

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Pico de Gallo Add-ins

The classic pico de gallo recipe is a masterpiece on its own, but we also like to use these add-ins for extra flavor, color, and nutrients. If you’re adding any of these ingredients, you might need to adjust lime juice and salt to taste.

Avocado: Gently fold in diced avocado after the pico de gallo has rested for a few minutes.
Cucumber: Add the diced cucumber right before serving for maximum crunch.
Sweet Peas: Use fresh or frozen peas, thawed and drained.
Balance the Flavors: If you’re adding any of these ingredients, you may need to adjust the amount of lime juice and salt to taste.