Pico de Gallo (Fresh Salsa) Recipe

Pico de gallo is a classic Mexican condiment that’s fresh, zesty, and easy to make. Use as a topping or side for tacos, grilled meats, nachos, or simply served with tortilla chips. Add this popular fresh ingredient salsa to your Cinco de Mayo feast! Pico de Gallo is a simple condiment that enhances Mexican foods!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

At authentic Mexican restaurants you’ll be offered a variety of salsas; a pureed sauce with a smooth consistency like this Tomatillo Salsa Verde or a chunky salsa like I’m showing you here. Both varieties have some heat from the pepper, but when you chop up your own ingredients you can add the amount of heat that suits your taste buds.

Equipment Needed

You won’t need any special tools to make salsa. Grab a sharp knife and a cutting board.

Where Does The Heat From Jalapeños Come From?

Contrary to popular belief, the seeds in chile peppers are not what carries the the most heat! The highest concentration of capsaicin is in the white pith that is attached to the seeds. It’s true! I learned about that fun fact from an article in Cook’s Illustrated – America’s Test Kitchen. I have since paid attention to the amount of membrane a chile pod has before adding the whole amount to my recipes.

Ingredients Needed

• Tomatoes – I use roma tomatoes for salsa.
• White onion offers the most authentic mexican-style salsa. However yellow onion can also be used in a pinch.
• Cilantro
• Jalapeno – Use more for an extra spicy salsa or use a variety of peppers like serrano or habanero.
• Kosher salt
• Lime – fresh lime, always.

How To Make Pico de Gallo

Once you gather your perfect combination of flavors, there is nothing tastier than homemade salsa! This is especially true if you use tomatoes fresh off the vine!

Making your own fresh salsa is simple. Dice your tomatoes, onion, cilantro, and jalapeno into small pieces. Place in a mixing bowl (all the tomato juice too). Season with salt and lime juice. That it!

What to Serve with Salsa

We like to add pico de gallo like a garnish to tacos, tostadas or in burritos. That’s if there is any left after eating like a dip with tortilla chips! You can also serve over Huevos Rancheros or on top of Beef Chimichangas.

How to Store

One of the best things about preparing your own salsa is that it comes together quick and is used in a variety of ways, so leftovers are rare!

However, the flavors will continue to develop after a day or two. Keep in an airtight container for 3-4 days. After then, the juice from the tomatoes will make the salsa mushy. To salvage the salsa drain the extra juice before using.

Other Salsa Recipes To Try

If you love salsa, then be sure to try these recipes too.

• Ranchero Sauce Recipe – make this chunky or blended
• Healthy Fruit Salsa – serve with cinnamon chips!
• Tomatillo Salsa Verde – green salsa that can be used as an enchilada sauce.

Pico de Gallo (Fresh Salsa)

Fresh cut tomatoes, onion, and cilantro in bite size pieces for a simple salsa for all your Latin dishes. Also tasty over eggs or enjoyed with tortilla chips.

5 from 6 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Condiment

Cuisine: Mexican

Keyword: pico de gallo

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes minutes

Servings: 2 cups

Calories: 31kcal

Author: Sandra Shaffer

Equipment

• Sharp knife
• Cutting Board

Ingredients

• 2 medium tomatoes seeded and diced
• 1/2 cup white onion diced
• 1/3 cup cilantro chopped
• 1 small pepper jalapeño diced
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• Juice of 1 small lime

Instructions

• Mix all ingredients in a medium bowl. Taste and add additional salt or peppers as desired.
• Serve as a condiment for any Mexican dish or as an appetizer with tortilla chips.

Nutrition

Serving: 1/4 cup | Calories: 31kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 1g | Sodium: 285mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g

Disclaimer

Please note that the nutritional information provided are guidelines and may vary based on the brand of products used. For your specific nutritional goals use My Fitness Pal or Verywell Fit recipe calculators. All content within this site is not intended as medical diagnosis or treatment and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical expertise.