Introduction
Fresh, colorful, and bursting with flavor, this homemade Pico de Gallo is a simple Mexican-style salsa made with juicy tomatoes, crisp onion, fresh cilantro, jalapeño, and zesty lime juice. It comes together quickly and is perfect with tortilla chips, tacos, grilled chicken, burritos, or as a fresh topping for your favorite meals.
Instruction
Ingredients
4 ripe tomatoes, finely diced
1/2 medium red onion, finely diced
1–2 fresh jalapeños, finely chopped
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 small garlic clove, finely minced
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Method
- Wash and dry the tomatoes, cilantro, jalapeños, and lime.
- Dice the tomatoes into small, even pieces. If they are very juicy, remove some of the seeds and excess liquid.
- Finely chop the red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and garlic.
- Add the tomatoes, onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and garlic to a medium bowl.
- Pour in the fresh lime juice and season with salt and black pepper.
- Gently stir everything together until well combined.
- Taste and adjust the lime juice, salt, or jalapeño according to your preference.
- Let the Pico de Gallo rest for 10–15 minutes before serving so the flavors can blend.
Benefits
Pico de Gallo is a fresh way to add vegetables and herbs to a meal. Tomatoes provide vitamin C and antioxidants, while lime adds bright citrus flavor. Fresh cilantro, onion, and jalapeño contribute additional flavor without requiring a heavy sauce.
Nutrition
Approximate nutrition per 1/2-cup serving:
Calories: 30–40
Carbohydrates: 7–9 g
Protein: 1 g
Fat: 0–1 g
Fiber: 2 g
Vitamin C: A good source
Sodium: Depends on the amount of added salt
Tips
Use ripe, firm tomatoes for the best flavor and texture.
For a milder salsa, remove the jalapeño seeds and use only a small amount of pepper.
For extra heat, add more finely chopped jalapeño.
Fresh lime juice tastes better than bottled lime juice in this recipe.
Allowing the salsa to rest for a few minutes makes the flavors more balanced.
For the freshest texture, enjoy it the same day. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator.
Conclusion
This fresh Pico de Gallo is quick, simple, and packed with bright flavors. With just a handful of fresh ingredients, you can make a delicious homemade salsa that pairs beautifully with chips, tacos, grilled foods, and countless other dishes.