Pico de Gallo

This homemade Pico de Gallo recipe comes together in minutes! Serve as an appetizer or snack with chips or use as a topping on main dishes.

I use pico de gallo in so many of my recipes and realized that I’ve never shared my recipe for homemade pico de gallo. It’s such an easy recipe and you can swap out or add ingredients as you please.

What is pico de gallo?

Pico de gallo is fresh salsa. It is a mixture of tomatoes, onions, peppers, cilantro, lime juice, and salt. Depending on who makes it or where you live, the proportions may vary and garlic, black pepper, and cumin may be added.

Start by dicing tomatoes. Wash your fresh Roma tomatoes and cut them into thick slices. Then, cut the slices into small cubes.

Which tomatoes are used in pico de gallo?

Roma tomatoes, also known as plum tomatoes are typically used when making pico de gallo. They are firm with thicker walls or more flesh. Roma tomatoes also have fewer seeds and moisture so you don’t end up with runny salsa.

Next, dice a small white onion. You want the tomato and onion pieces to be somewhat similar in size.

What kind of onion should I use?

• White onions have a crunchy texture and sharp flavor so they work well in salads and salsas.
• Red onions have a pretty purple color and a spicy, peppery flavor. They can be used in sandwiches, salads, and salsas.
• Sweet onions such as Vidalia or walla walla have a mild flavor and more sweetness than white.
• Yellow onions are best for cooking. They have a sharp taste that mellows as they cook.

Wash and chop enough cilantro to make 1/2 to 3/4 cup depending on how much want in your pico de gallo.

Wearing gloves, slice the jalapenos in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes. You can use a jalapeno pepper corer or a teaspoon. Then, finely mince the jalapeno.

Put the diced tomatoes, diced onion, chopped cilantro, minced jalapeno, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and lime juice in bowl.

Stir the mixture until combined. Then, cover and refrigerate for 1-2 hours before serving.

How To Use Pico de Gallo

You can serve pico de gallo as an appetizer, topping, or side dish. For parties serve it alongside queso blanco, guacamole, and homemade tortilla chips. It also is the perfect topping for tacos, burritos, and nachos. Here are a few recipes to try:

Taco Casserole is an easy way to make tacos for your family. All of the ingredients are in one casserole dish and is served by the scoopful.

This Walking Taco recipe for a convenient meal on the go without the need for a plate! Taco In A Bag is a popular choice for camping, parties, and picnics.

Make this loaded Nachos recipe to serve at your next party or surprise your family with sheet pan nachos dinner with all of their favorite toppings!

Tater Tot Taco Pizza is a mouthwatering combo of two of your favorite eats: tacos and pizza! The tater tot crust makes this dinner recipe even more fun.

Want more salsa recipes? Try these next:

Black Beans and Corn Salsa is an easy appetizer when served with tortilla chips or delicious as part of a meal on top of chicken.

This Pineapple Salsa recipe has a delicious combination of sweet and spicy. It can be served with grilled chicken or fish or as an appetizer with chips.

Fruit Salsa with Cinnamon Chips is a healthy appetizer that everyone loves! This fruit salad is super easy to make and is perfect for so many occasions.

This Corn Salsa recipe is a Chipotle copycat with corn, peppers, onions, and cilantro. It can be eaten with chips or on top of chicken, tacos, or fish!