Quick Pico De Gallo Recipe (2024)

Pico de Gallo is a basic and delicious Mexican salsa that is perfect for dipping chips or garnishing your Mexican dishes. "Pico" salsa takes minutes to throw together and makes any dish taste complete.

Quick Pico De Gallo Recipe (1)

Pico de Gallo Salsa

I could eat Pico de Gallo every day of the week. I can’t seem to get enough of the fresh veggies with a little hint of lime juice.

We eat this delicious salsa on tortilla chips, salads and just about any Mexican dish.

Pico de Gallo is a simple recipe that takes just a few minutes to put together. You can make it your own by adding your desired amounts of spice and heat.

We have kept our recipe simple and basic to fit everyone’s preferences, but you can add whatever you want to your pico de gallo.

How to cut a Jalapeno

Jalapenos can be potent! They can also burn your cuts or eyes like an onion.

If you feel the need, you can wear some gloves before cutting your jalapeno. We recommend not touching your eyes or face when cutting a jalapeno.

Begin by cutting the stems off of the jalapeno.

Use your finger to strip the seeds off the jalapeno- just drag your finger along the line of seeds to remove them. You could also do this with a spoon.

Using your palm, press the jalapeno halves down on the cutting board. Cut the pepper length wise into long strips about a centimeter wide. Dice the strips into smaller pieces.

If you are looking for a little more heat in your pico salsa, you can add a few of the seeds to it.

how to make pico de gallo that’s fail-proof

Step 1: Start by slicing your onions and tomatoes. You can dice these to your desired size. I like my tomato pieces bigger and my onion pieces small and thin.

Step 2: Cut your jalapeno as instructed above. Keep as many or as little jalapeno seeds as desired.

Step 3: Remove the leaves of the cilantro and dice them into small bits. I just use a sharp knife and slide it across the leaves multiple times until they reach a desired size.

Step 4: Add your chopped garlic. You can chop your own, but I prefer buying it pre-chopped in a glass jar at the store.

Step 5: Squeeze your lime juice over the top of your Pico De Gallo.

How to get the most juice out of your limes

I don’t know why this hack has been a secret for so long because it is life-changing!

Did you know if you microwave your lime for 20 seconds, you will get almost double the juice than just cutting your lime and squeezing it as is?

Who knew a little heat was the answer to getting all your lime juice?!

They will be oozing with juice and you will get so much out of them once they are heated.

Looking for recipes to put your Pico De Gallo on?

  • Salsa Verde Lime Tacos
  • 20 Minute Taco Cups
  • Honey Lime Chicken Enchiladas
  • Baked Creamy Chicken Taquitos

Serves: 6

Quick Pico De Gallo Recipe

Pico de Gallo is a basic and delicious Mexican salsa that is perfect for dipping chips or garnishing your Mexican dishes. "Pico" salsa takes minutes to throw together and makes any dish taste complete.

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Print

Ingredients

  • 4 firm roma tomatoes
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 1 jalapeno pepper
  • 4 Tablespoons chopped cilantro
  • juice of 2 limes
  • 1 teaspoon garlic minced

Instructions

  • Dice tomatoes and onion.

  • Remove some, all or none of the seeds in the jalapeno pepper depending on how hot you want it, then dice it.

  • Remove leaves of cilantro from stems and dice.

  • Add 1 teaspoon chopped garlic.

  • Mix gently and squeeze lime juice over top.

  • Mix gently and refrigerate for at least 2 hrs for flavors to blend.

Nutrition

Calories: 16 kcal · Carbohydrates: 4 g · Protein: 1 g · Fat: 1 g · Saturated Fat: 1 g · Polyunsaturated Fat: 1 g · Monounsaturated Fat: 1 g · Sodium: 3 mg · Potassium: 134 mg · Fiber: 1 g · Sugar: 2 g · Vitamin A: 388 IU · Vitamin C: 10 mg · Calcium: 10 mg · Iron: 1 mg

Recipe Details

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: Mexican

Be sure to not miss another recipe!
Follow Six Sisters’ Stuff on Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest | YouTube

Have you heard about our newest cookbook, Copycat Cooking? We took over 100 of our favorite restaurant recipes and simplified them so that you can make them right at home!

Every recipe has a beautiful mouth-watering photo and has been picky-eater approved. The directions are simple, easy to follow, and do not require any strange ingredients.

Quick Pico De Gallo Recipe (2)

This cookbook includes copycat recipes from Wingers, Texas Roadhouse, Starbucks, Panera, Cheesecake Factory, Kneaders, and so much more. We have you covered from drinks, to dessert and everything in-between.

We are so excited to share these recipes with you. Order your copy today!

Six Sisters’ Stuff COPYCAT COOKING <—– Click here to order!

Quick Pico De Gallo Recipe (3)

Join The Discussion

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

  1. CR says:

    just made this and ate it with tortilla chips. ah-mazing!

  2. Debra Kapellakis says:

    mmmmm...fast and fresh, good...

  3. run 3 says:

    What did you serve with this? It looks great!

  4. Cyd says:

    We love to eat this with tortilla chips, it's also great on tacos, taquitos, tostadas, or any other Mexican dish.

Quick Pico De Gallo Recipe (4)

About The Author:

Elyse Ellis

Elyse lives in northern Utah with her husband and her four kids: 2 boys and 2 girls. She loves working out and movie theater popcorn.

Read More

Other Recipes You Might Enjoy

Caramel Apple Butter Dip Recipe

10 minutes mins

Cowboy Dip Recipe

10 minutes mins

Baked BLT Dip Recipe

30 minutes mins

Easy Cream Cheese Vegetable Dip Recipe

20 minutes mins

Readers’ Favorite Recipes

Easy Baked Crack Chicken Recipe

30 minutes mins

Lunch Lady Peanut Butter Bars Recipe

40 minutes mins

Honey Lime Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Peaches and Cream Oatmeal Cookies Recipe

20 minutes mins

Peach Cobbler Dump Cake {4 Ingredients} Recipe

50 minutes mins

Chicken Zucchini Casserole Recipe

55 minutes mins

Quick Pico De Gallo Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is pico de gallo sauce made of? ›

What is pico de gallo? Also called salsa fresca or salsa cruda, pico de gallo is a fresh Mexican salsa made of finely chopped ripe tomatoes, onion, cilantro, jalapeño, and lime. In English, its name literally means “rooster's beak,” though there's no definitive reason why we call it that.

What is pico de gallo seasoning made of? ›

Stir tomatoes, onion, cilantro, jalapeño pepper, lime juice, garlic, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper together in a bowl. Enjoy!

What makes pico de gallo different from salsa? ›

Both pico and salsa use chopped vegetables as a base, but pico usually leaves them chopped, while salsa often blends them together or boils them to a different consistency.

Is pico de gallo healthy? ›

With so many vegetables as its ingredients, it's not hard to believe pico de gallo is also full of health benefits. Armed with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, the onions and garlic in the sauce may prevent the hardening of your arteries, fight bacteria and protect against heart disease.

What do Americans call pico de gallo? ›

Pico de gallo is sometimes called salsa bandera, or flag sauce, because it features all the colors of the Mexican flag (red tomatoes, green peppers and cilantro, and white onions).

Why is pico de gallo so good? ›

Pico de gallo is a salsa popular with Mexican food, like tacos, nachos, or quesadillas. Pico de gallo is a great ingredient for Hispanic dishes, because it is less liquid than other salsas, while also has the same, great flavor. Like most other salsas, pico de gallo is made with tomatoes and other bold ingredients.

Why is my pico de gallo watery? ›

Well, the first thing is to understand that tomatoes contain a lot of water, and anytime you add salt to a vegetable it draws water out of it due to osmosis. The way to avoid watery Pico de Gallo is to salt and drain the tomatoes before mixing them with all the other ingredients.

What does "pico de gallo" mean literally? ›

Pico de gallo has a fowl meaning

Both Twisted Taco and Epicurious agree that the Spanish term "pico de gallo," which translates as "rooster's beak," has its roots in how the condiment used to be eaten.

What does Chipotle call pico de gallo? ›

I bet Chipotle calls their pico de gallo “tomato salsa” since it's easier to say! You might also see it called salsa fresca (fresh sauce). Pico de gallo literally translates to “rooster's beak,” but no one's exactly sure why.

Is salsa just blended pico? ›

It's All About Texture and Freshness

Depending on the recipe, the ingredients for salsa and pico de gallo can be nearly identical. What sets these two condiments apart is their texture and whether the ingredients are cooked or uncooked.

What is a fancy name for pico de gallo? ›

What is another word for pico de gallo?
salsasalsa cruda
salsa frescasalsa mexicana

Is it okay to eat pico de gallo every day? ›

Pico de gallo is extremely low in calories and fat. Adding this condiment to your dietary eating plan is a great way to get a variety of nutrients. However, you may want to limit your intake if you're watching your sodium.

Can diabetics eat pico de gallo? ›

To maintain stable blood sugar levels, practice portion control, and that includes with condiments and dressings. Make lower-carb options like salsa, guacamole, or pico de gallo go-tos.

How long will pico de gallo last in the fridge? ›

Typically, homemade pico de gallo will retain its optimal taste and texture for about 3 to 7 days when stored in the refrigerator in a tightly sealed container. The longevity of pico de gallo is influenced by factors such as ingredient freshness, preparation methods, and storage conditions.

What does pico de gallo come from? ›

To be an authentic Pico de Gallo, the salsa must include fresh ingredients: diced tomatoes, onion, Mexican green peppers (try serrano or jalapeno), cilantro, and lime juice. Pico de Gallo also contains less liquid than traditional salsa and it's never blended and always made with diced and chopped ingredients.

What is Chipotle pico de gallo made of? ›

This smoky Chipotle Pico de Gallo is made with fresh tomatoes, onion, lime, jalapeño, and of course, Smoked Jalapeño Hot Sauce. The combination of smoky heat from the chipotles and the fresh acidity from the tomatoes is truly unbeatable.

Does pico de gallo contain vinegar? ›

Combine tomatoes, cilantro, red onion, cilantro, jalapeños, lime juice, salt, pepper, and garlic in a large mixing bowl. Pour in vinegar and vegetable oil, and gently mix to combine. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour before serving.

What product is pico de gallo? ›

Pico de Gallo is also known as salsa fresca, which translates to “fresh salsa”… and that really says it all! La Mexicana Pico de Gallo uses firm sun-ripened tomatoes, crisp onion, zesty jalapeno and savory cilantro. Dip into it, add it to your own recipes … its refreshing flavor makes it a winner at every meal.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Kerri Lueilwitz

Last Updated:

Views: 5288

Rating: 4.7 / 5 (47 voted)

Reviews: 86% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Kerri Lueilwitz

Birthday: 1992-10-31

Address: Suite 878 3699 Chantelle Roads, Colebury, NC 68599

Phone: +6111989609516

Job: Chief Farming Manager

Hobby: Mycology, Stone skipping, Dowsing, Whittling, Taxidermy, Sand art, Roller skating

Introduction: My name is Kerri Lueilwitz, I am a courageous, gentle, quaint, thankful, outstanding, brave, vast person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.