Easy Pico de Gallo Recipe - 6 Ingredients & 10 Minutes! (2024)

This Easy Pico de Gallo Recipe comes together in a matter of minutes! Fresh tomatoes, onion, cilantro, jalapeno, lime, & garlic make this truly delicious.

This Easy Pico de Gallo Recipe is one of our mostpopular recipes (originally posted April 13, 2016), so I’ve updated it to include a how-to video! Enjoy!

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  • Salsa vs pico de gallo
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  • Nutrition information
  • How to Store

Want more Mexican inspired dips? Be sure to also check out: fresh salsa, loaded queso, instant pot mexican corn dip, grilled corn and avocado salsa, and cream cheese salsa dip!

All hail thisEasy Pico de Gallo Recipe. While this may be the easiest recipe EVER, it’s also one of my favorites.

But before we get to the recipe, I feel like we need to answer the # 1 question I always get:

What is the difference between salsa and authentic pico de gallo?

Salsa in Spanish means “sauce” and pico de gallo means “beak of rooster”.

So that doesn’t really tell us much does it?

Ha!

Basically, salsa is more of a “sauce” aka more liquid and pico de gallo has much less liquid and tends to be more chunky! Also, some salsas are cooked while pico de gallo is always left raw!

And now for most asked question # 2:

Why is it called pico de gallo?

This is debatable and I’d love to hear more in the comments below if you have any insight!

From what I’ve read, however, there are two main theories about why pico de gallo or “beak of rooster” got it’s name:

  1. It resembles the colors of a rooster
  2. People used to eat it by picking it up with their index finger and thumb, which resembles a rooster’s beak

Regardless of the technicalities of this recipe, let’s just say, this easy pico de gallo is really ridiculously delicious . . .

and you should just make it already! 😉

Easy Pico de Gallo Recipe - 6 Ingredients & 10 Minutes! (2)

For me, having a food blog means that I hardly ever get to go back to an old recipe and make it again, because I’m constantly testing and trying new recipes.

Most of the time it’s great, because I never get sick of any one particular recipe, but it kinda stinks, too, because there are a lot of recipes that I haven’t made in FOREVER (like this these Healthy Turkey TacosTrevor requests at least once a month 😉 )

ThisEasy Pico de Gallo, however, in an exception. Over the past few months, I’ve made it to go with my Slow Cooker Carne Asada, my Loaded Chicken Nachos, my Cauliflower Taco Skillet, and . . .

chips.

All the chips.

Easy Pico de Gallo Recipe - 6 Ingredients & 10 Minutes! (3)Whatever the dish, thisEasy Pico de Gallo immediately takes the dish to the next level. It’s bright, it’s fresh, and helllooo it’s full of flavor.

Did I mention that it’s EASY too? 😉

What is in the best pico de gallo recipe?

  • Roma tomatoes
  • Yellow onion
  • Cilantro
  • Jalapeno
  • Fresh lime juice
  • Garlic
  • Salt

Basically all you’re doing ischopping tomatoes, onion, cilantro, jalapeno, and garlic. Place that into a large bowl and stir in some lime juice and plenty of salt.

Serve immediately if you’re absolutely needing some fresh pico right then and now (I can’t blame you), but I would recommend, if you can, making this ahead of time so the pico de gallo has a chance to chill and really build its flavor.

Easy Pico de Gallo Recipe - 6 Ingredients & 10 Minutes! (4)Honestly, this is best the next day. 🙂

And it’s seriously so so good.

Bright fresh tomatoes with my favorite herb: cilantro + spicy jalapeno, my beloved garlic, onion, and a generous squeeze of tart lime.

This is perfect with any of the above recipes I’ve mentioned, but really, just grab some chips and go to town!

Is easy pico de gallo healthy for you?

Yes. Yes. YES!

Other than that tortilla chip vessel you’re probably going to use to eat this with. 😉

I’d say this recipe makes enough for two to enjoy with chips, but it’s easily doubled, tripled, or even quadrupled, for when you want more!

Easy Pico de Gallo Recipe - 6 Ingredients & 10 Minutes! (5)ThisEasy Pico de Gallo Recipe is classic, fresh, and don’t forget, ultra delicious!

– Jennifer

What are your favorite ways to use pico de gallo? Show me the yummy!

Easy Pico de Gallo Recipe - 6 Ingredients & 10 Minutes! (6)

Easy Pico de Gallo Recipe

4.96 from 310 votes

This Easy Pico de Gallo Recipe comes together in a matter of minutes! Fresh tomatoes, onion, cilantro, jalapeno, lime, & garlic make this truly delicious.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Yield: 2 people

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Equipment for this recipe

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Ingredients

  • 5 whole roma tomatoes diced
  • 1/4 large yellow onion diced
  • 1/4 cup Cilantro minced
  • 1/2 large jalapeno pepper minced, seeded if you want a more mild taste
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 2 cloves garlic minced or pressed
  • salt to taste

Recipe Video

Instructions

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STORING

Room Temp:N/A

Refrigerator:4-5 Days

Freezer:3 Months

*Storage times may vary based on temperature and conditions

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Nutrition Information

Nutrition Facts

Easy Pico de Gallo Recipe

Amount Per Serving

Calories 43

% Daily Value*

Sodium 10mg0%

Potassium 387mg11%

Carbohydrates 9g3%

Fiber 2g8%

Sugar 5g6%

Protein 1g2%

Vitamin A 1465IU29%

Vitamin C 32.3mg39%

Calcium 21mg2%

Iron 0.4mg2%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

*Note: Nutrition information is estimated and varies based on products used.

Keywords: authentic pico de gallo recipe, best pico de gallo recipe, pico de gallo recipe easy

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Course: Snack/Appetizer

Cuisine: Mexican

Easy Pico de Gallo Recipe - 6 Ingredients & 10 Minutes! (2024)

FAQs

What are the ingredients in traditional pico de gallo? ›

Pico de gallo is so easy to make.

You will need only five ingredients (six if you count the salt): ripe red tomatoes, white onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime and salt.

What makes pico de gallo different from salsa? ›

Pico de gallo has far less liquid than salsa. Though salsa can be made chunky, the tomatoes are often blended with the other ingredients, making it runnier than pico de gallo. Pico de gallo is always made fresh. While pico de gallo is technically a type of salsa, it is usually made with fresh ingredients.

How do you keep pico de gallo from getting watery? ›

Use the tomato flesh, not the seeds and juices.

You don't want your pico to be too watery, so make sure to remove the seeds from the tomatoes as you dice them. I like to use tomatoes on the vine in my pico. Roma tomatoes and plum tomatoes are good choices too, as they're less juicy than other varieties.

What does pico de gallo mean literally? ›

What is Pico de Gallo? Translated in Spanish, pico de gallo literally means “beak of rooster.” Some believe this is because it was originally eaten by pinching between the thumb and finger, making the shape of a rooster's beak.

What does pico de gallo do to your body? ›

Pico de Gallo contains high amounts of vitamin C, which is essential for a healthy immune system. Vitamin C helps your body produce white blood cells that fight off infections and diseases. Regular consumption of Pico de Gallo can boost your immune system and protect you from illnesses.

How long does homemade pico de gallo last? ›

How long does pico de gallo last? Fresh-made Pico de Gallo should be stored in an airtight container, and it will last up to 3 days in the fridge. Over time, the tomatoes and cilantro will get droopy and lose their freshness. So it's best to eat while fresh!

How healthy is pico de gallo? ›

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 is my pico de gallo missing? ›

If it's missing something, it's probably salt. Spice it up. If you want the Pico de Gallo to be spicier then add some of the reserved jalapeno seeds or a pinch of cayenne.

Is pico or salsa healthier? ›

Pico de gallo is generally considered healthier since it isn't cooked so the raw nutrients in the sauce aren't altered. However, salsa has a lot of the same nutrition, just partially processed.

Should you drain tomatoes for pico de gallo? ›

Season tomatoes with 1 teaspoon (4g) salt and toss to combine. Transfer to a fine-mesh strainer or colander set in a bowl and allow to drain for 20 to 30 minutes. Discard liquid. Combine drained tomatoes with onion, chiles, cilantro, and lime juice.

Why does my pico de gallo taste bitter? ›

The Jalapeno seeds and membranes could be the culprit, depending on how many you used. Tomato seeds may be a problem, also.

Why does my Pico taste bland? ›

Your pico de gallo can taste a bit bland when you don't season with salt properly.

What do Mexicans call pico de gallo? ›

Pico de gallo (Spanish pronunciation: [ˈpiko ðe ˈɣaʝo], lit. 'rooster's beak'), also called salsa fresca ('fresh sauce'), salsa bandera ('flag sauce'), and salsa cruda ('raw sauce'), is a type of salsa commonly used in Mexican cuisine.

Is pico de gallo good for weight loss? ›

Not only is Pico de Gallo delicious, but it also has several health benefits. Tomatoes contain lycopene, which is an antioxidant that helps protect against cancer and heart disease. Jalapeños contain capsaicin, which can help boost metabolism and aid in weight loss.

What do Mexicans call salsa? ›

If it's fresh chopped tomatoes, onion, chile verde/jalapeño or árbol and cilantro, it's called “Pico de gallo”. If it's cooked, it's just salsa roja or casera. I'm Mexican.

How was pico de gallo created? ›

Pico de Gallo is a traditional Latin American dish that comes from a rich cultural and culinary history in Mexico. It's believed that this amazing dish was derived from the ancient Aztec culture, and widely popularized in Mexican cuisine, especially in regions such as the Yucatan and Sonora.

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 is the origin of pico de gallo? ›

Image of What is the origin of pico de gallo?
Mexico, officially the United Mexican States, is a country in the southern portion of North America. It covers 1,972,550 km², making it the world's 13th-largest country by area; with a population of almost 130 million, it is the 10th-most-populous country and has the most Spanish speakers.
Wikipedia

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