Last Updated on August 26, 2025 by Casia Valdés
Pico de Gallo is one of those recipes that feels like a staple—simple, rustic, and full of bold, fresh flavors. I’ve made countless batches for taco nights, outdoor cookouts, and even just to snack on with chips at home. It’s a dish where every ingredient matters, and with the right balance of acidity, heat, and crunch, it becomes more than just a topping—it’s the highlight of the meal.
This version of The Best Pico de Gallo stays true to the traditional Mexican style—diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, lime juice, and chiles—but I like to fine-tune each batch to match the season’s produce and my personal heat tolerance. Whether spooned onto tacos, served with carne asada, or eaten by the handful with tortilla chips, this recipe never fails.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Fresh and vibrant – All raw ingredients, chopped fresh.
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Quick to prepare – Done in under 15 minutes.
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Customizable spice level – Add more or less jalapeño to taste.
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Naturally healthy – Gluten-free, dairy-free, and low-calorie.
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Endlessly versatile – Use it as a dip, topping, or mix-in.
Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
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4–5 ripe Roma tomatoes, seeds removed, finely diced
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½ cup white onion, finely diced
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⅔ cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
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1 jalapeño pepper, diced (adjust to desired spice level)
(Serrano pepper can be used for more heat) -
Juice of 1 lime (start with half, add more as needed)
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½ teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
Instructions
Step 1: Chop the Ingredients
Dice the tomatoes and remove the seeds to avoid excess moisture. Finely chop the white onion and cilantro. Dice the jalapeño—removing the seeds and membranes if you prefer a milder salsa.
Step 2: Combine in a Bowl
In a medium bowl, add the diced tomatoes, onion, jalapeño, and cilantro. Give it a gentle stir to combine.
Step 3: Add Lime and Salt
Squeeze half the lime over the mixture and sprinkle in the kosher salt. Stir well. Taste and adjust:
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Add more lime for tang
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Add more salt for balance
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Add more jalapeño if you like it hot
Every tomato and lime is a little different, so take a moment to find the perfect flavor for you.
Step 4: Chill (Optional)
For the best flavor, cover and chill the pico de gallo for 15–30 minutes before serving. This gives the ingredients time to meld and develop.
Serving Suggestions
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Spoon over tacos, burritos, or nachos
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Use as a topping for grilled chicken, steak, or shrimp
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Mix into scrambled eggs or omelets
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Serve as a classic dip with tortilla chips
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Stir into cooked rice for a quick, vibrant side dish
Tips and Variations
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Make it mild: Use less jalapeño or substitute with bell pepper.
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Go extra spicy: Add a diced serrano pepper or even a touch of habanero.
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Switch the citrus: Use lemon instead of lime for a different zing.
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Add fruit: Stir in diced mango, pineapple, or watermelon for a tropical twist.
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Storage tip: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. The tomatoes will soften, but the flavor holds beautifully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use another type of tomato?
Yes—beefsteak, vine-ripened, or heirloom tomatoes work, but Roma is preferred for its firm flesh and low moisture.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Definitely. Make it a few hours ahead and store it in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before serving.
How do I reduce the onion’s sharpness?
Soak the diced onion in cold water for 5–10 minutes, then drain before mixing into the pico.
Is this salsa the same as regular tomato salsa?
Not quite. Pico de Gallo uses chopped fresh ingredients and is chunkier, while many salsas are blended or cooked.
Can I freeze Pico de Gallo?
Freezing isn’t recommended—fresh ingredients like tomatoes and cilantro don’t hold up well after thawing.
Final Thoughts
A great pico de gallo is about balance—just enough salt, the right touch of heat, and that fresh citrus zing. This Best Pico de Gallo recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again because it’s versatile, quick, and seriously flavorful.
It’s proof that with just a handful of fresh ingredients, you can create something unforgettable. Keep it simple, keep it fresh, and let your ingredients shine.
The Best Pico de Gallo
Ingredients
Method
- Dice the tomatoes and remove the seeds to avoid excess moisture. Finely chop the white onion and cilantro. Dice the jalapeño—removing the seeds and membranes if you prefer a milder salsa.
- In a medium bowl, add the diced tomatoes, onion, jalapeño, and cilantro. Give it a gentle stir to combine.
- Add more lime for tang
- Add more salt for balance
- Add more jalapeño if you like it hot
- Every tomato and lime is a little different, so take a moment to find the perfect flavor for you.
- For the best flavor, cover and chill the pico de gallo for 15–30 minutes before serving. This gives the ingredients time to meld and develop.
