Name: Easy Pico de Gallo Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 4 medium ripe tomatoes, diced; 1/2 medium white or red onion, finely diced; 1 fresh jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced (leave seeds for more heat); 1-2 cloves garlic, finely minced (optional); 1 lime, squeezed (about 2 tbsp juice); 1/3 cup cilantro, chopped; 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste; 1 small avocado, finely diced; 1 small cucumber, finely diced

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Introduction

Pico de Gallo is a fresh and vibrant salsa that adds a burst of flavor to any meal. This easy recipe comes together in just 10 minutes and is perfect for serving with chips, tacos, or grilled meats. Made with ripe tomatoes, zesty lime, and a touch of heat from jalapeño, it’s a versatile condiment everyone will love.

A close-up view of a bowl filled with fresh salsa made from finely chopped red tomatoes, white onions, green herbs, and small red and green peppers. The salsa is mixed evenly, showing a colorful blend of red, white, green, and hints of purple from the onion pieces. The bowl is white and has a smooth texture, sitting on a white marbled surface. The salsa looks juicy, with small bits of liquid making it shiny and fresh. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 medium ripe tomatoes (diced)
1/2 medium white or red onion (finely diced)

1 fresh jalapeño pepper (seeded and minced, leave seeds for more heat)
1–2 cloves garlic (optional, finely minced)

1 lime (squeezed, about 2 tbsp)
1/3 cup cilantro (chopped)

1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
Small avocado or cucumber (optional add-ins, finely diced, to taste)

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, onion, jalapeño, and cilantro.

Step 2: Add the lime juice and salt, then stir gently to combine all ingredients.
Step 3: Taste the mixture and adjust with more lime juice or salt as needed.
Step 4: If using, gently fold in the diced avocado or cucumber, then taste again and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 5: Serve immediately, or for a brighter flavor, let the pico de gallo rest at room temperature for 15–30 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra heat, include the jalapeño seeds or substitute with serrano peppers.
Add a pinch of ground cumin for a smoky twist.

Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor; bottled lime juice can alter the taste.
Try adding finely chopped mango or pineapple for a sweet and spicy variation.
Serve chilled or at room temperature depending on your preference.

Storage

Store pico de gallo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because the tomatoes release juice over time, you may want to drain excess liquid before serving. Reheat to room temperature or serve chilled depending on taste.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a bowl filled with freshly made pico de gallo, showing a colorful mix of finely chopped red tomatoes, white and purple onions, green cilantro, and small pieces of green chili peppers, all evenly mixed together. The bowl is white with a smooth texture and sits on a white marbled surface, capturing the vibrant colors and fresh texture of the salsa. The mix looks juicy and fresh with small bits of herbs spread throughout. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make pico de gallo ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare pico de gallo a few hours in advance to allow the flavors to meld. Just store it covered in the refrigerator and bring it to room temperature before serving for the best taste.

What can I use if I don’t have fresh cilantro?

If you don’t have fresh cilantro, you can omit it or substitute with fresh parsley for a similar freshness, though the flavor will be different. Dried cilantro is not recommended as it lacks the vibrant taste of fresh leaves.