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Home » Recipes » Sauces Dips and Spreads » Pico de Gallo Salsa

Pico de Gallo Salsa

Published: Jun 9, 2025 · Modified: Jun 9, 2025 · This post may contain affiliate links · This blog generates income via ads.

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Fresh and delicious pico de gallo is easier to make than you think! This tomato salsa needs only a few ingredients and less than 15 minutes to make, and you can make it as mild or spicy as you like. Loaded with crunch and flavor, it's perfect for dipping tortilla chips or adding some brightness to any of your favorite Mexican dishes!

Ingredients

Three tomatoes, one bunch cilantro, one red onions, two small green limes, one green chili pepper.
  • Tomatoes
  • Red onion
  • Jalapeño pepper
  • Lime
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Salt

Instructions

Salt being sprinkled over diced tomatoes in a metal colander.

Dice the tomatoes and combine with the salt in a colander; stir. Set the colander in a bowl to allow the juices from the tomatoes to drain for 10 minutes.

Bowls of diced red onion, diced green chili pepper, chopped cilantro, and lime juice.

Finely dice the red onion, jalapeño pepper, and cilantro.

A metal colander containing diced tomatoes over a metal bowl containing tomato juice.

Shake off any excess liquid from the tomatoes and discard the liquid.

A round metal bowl containing diced tomatoes, diced red onion, diced green chili pepper, and chopped cilantro.

Combine the tomatoes with the finely red onion, pepper, cilantro, and lime juice in a bowl. Stir to combine and season with more salt, if necessary.

Pro Tip: If possible, chill the pico de gallo in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving. This gives the flavors to develop more!

Serving Suggestions

Diced tomatoes, red onion, green chili pepper, chopped cilantro, and a spoon in a round metal bowl.

Pico de gallo's fresh flavors go well with any Mexican dish, and of course, it is perfect for dipping crisp tortilla chips!

We also like eating it with pulled pork and I find it's really good served with grilled fish, chicken or beef, too!

Commonly Asked Questions

A white and black towel next to a glass jar containing pico de gallo salsa.

What other peppers can I use besides jalapeño?

A great substitute for jalapeños is the long green chili pepper (use only a portion of it). If you want no spice, use green bell pepper.

Can I adjust the spiciness of the pico de gallo?

The spicy from chili peppers come from the seeds and veins. Remove them or adjust the amount you add to the salsa to suit what spice level you prefer. If you want no spice, use some green bell pepper.

What if I do not like cilantro?

You can omit the cilantro or replace it with parsley.

How long will the pico de gallo last?

Store in a jar in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Other Recipes You Might Like

A round wooden bowl containing pico de gallo salsa next to a bowl of tortilla chips and a jar of pico de gallo.

If you are looking for more dip recipes, these are great ones to consider:

  • Super Easy Basic Guacamole
  • Creamy Greek Yogurt Cucumber Tzatziki
  • Indian Tomato Onion Salad
  • Spinach Cashew Pesto
  • Roasted Garlic Spinach Artichoke Dip
  • Yogurt Mint Sauce
A round tortilla chip dipped into a round white bowl containing diced tomatoes, red onions, green chili pepper, and cilantro.

This recipe for pico de gallo is so easy to make and so delicious, there is no reason to not try it! Whip up a batch to top your favorite Mexican foods like tacos or quesadillas or burritos, or just devour it with tortilla chips for a quick snack! You're going to love the freshness and flavors it adds to your dishes!

~ Lisa.

Fresh Pico De Gallo Salsa

Fresh and delicious pico de gallo is easier to make than you think! This tomato salsa needs only a few ingredients and less than 15 minutes to make, and you can make it as mild or spicy as you like. Loaded with crunch and flavor, it's perfect for dipping tortilla chips or adding some brightness to any of your favorite Mexican dishes!
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Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
Makes: 2 cups

Ingredients

  • 3 cups diced tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup finely diced onion
  • 1 jalapeño pepper, diced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Equipment

  • Santoku Knife
  • Measuring Spoons

Instructions

  • Dice the tomatoes and combine with the salt in a colander; stir. Set the colander in a bowl to allow the juices from the tomatoes to drain for 10 minutes.
  • Finely dice the red onion, jalapeño pepper, and cilantro.
  • Shake off any excess liquid from the tomatoes and discard the liquid. Combine the tomatoes with the finely red onion, pepper, cilantro, and lime juice in a bowl. Stir to combine and season with more salt, if necessary.
  • If possible, chill the pico de gallo in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving. This gives the flavors to develop more!

Notes

  • If you cannot find jalapeños, long green chili peppers are a good substitute.
  • The spice is in the seeds and veins of the peppers. Adjust the amount you include in your salsa depending on how spicy you would like it.
  • Add a clove of fresh garlic (minced finely) for an extra layer of heat.
  • If you do not like the taste of cilantro, substitute with parsley.
  • Serve with your crisp tortilla chips or as a garnish for your favorite Mexican food.
  • Store in a jar in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • This recipe was inspired by and adapted from, but not limited to, J. Kenji Lopez-Alt's Classic Pico de Gallo, Belle of the Kitchen's Chipotle Pico de Gallo, and Culinary Hill's Chipotle Tomato Salsa (Copycat).
Have you made this recipe?Leave a comment below and share a photo on Instagram! Be sure to mention @dayinthekitchen!

You Might Also Like:

  • Spinach Cashew Pesto
  • 3-Ingredient Blueberry Jam
  • Sweet and Tangy Balsamic Vinaigrette
  • Yogurt Mint Sauce

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Hey, I'm Lisa!

Welcome to A Day in the Kitchen! This is your one stop shop for easy gluten-free recipes for baking and cooking, as well as traditional home-cooked Chinese dishes! Whether you want to try gluten-free baking, are feeling nostalgic for Chinese dishes you had as a kid, or you simply want easy meal ideas, I've got you covered! It's always a great day to cook!

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