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pico de gallo in a glass bowl with tortilla chips

Homemade Pico de Gallo

This fresh and easy homemade pico de gallo recipe is packed with juicy tomatoes, zesty lime, and a kick of jalapeño. It's perfect for tacos, chips, or any dish that needs a burst of flavor!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 6

Equipment

  • Sharp Chef’s Knife
  • cutting board
  • mixing bowl
  • Citrus Juicer or Reamer
  • Fine Mesh Strainer (optional):

Ingredients
  

  • 4 medium ripe tomatoes, seeded and finely diced
  • ½ medium white onion, finely diced
  • 1-2 jalapeños, seeds removed (for less heat) and finely chopped
  • ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Juice of 1 lime (about 2 tablespoons)
  • ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Prep the veggies: Dice the tomatoes, onion, and jalapeños into small, even pieces.
  • Mix it up: In a medium bowl, combine tomatoes, onion, jalapeños, and cilantro.
  • Add zest: Squeeze in the lime juice, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and stir gently to combine.
  • Taste & chill: Adjust seasoning if needed. For best flavor, let it sit 15–30 minutes before serving.

Notes

Recipe Notes:
• Tomato choices matter:
Roma or plum tomatoes work best because they’re firm and less watery, but cherry tomatoes can add extra sweetness and color variety.
• Adjust salt after resting:
Once your pico sits for a bit, taste again before serving — the lime and tomato juices can mellow the saltiness over time.
• Cilantro swap:
If you’re not a cilantro fan (we get it!), try fresh parsley for a milder but still fresh flavor.
• Onion options:
White onions are traditional, but red onions give a touch of sweetness and extra color pop — perfect for a pretty presentation.
• Add-ins to play with:
Try diced avocado, corn, or a sprinkle of cotija cheese for a fun flavor twist.
• Make it heartier:
Mix in black beans or diced grilled chicken for a quick, light meal or taco topping that doubles as a side dish.
• Serving idea:
Spoon it over tacos, nachos, eggs, or grilled fish for a burst of color and flavor. Or just grab your favorite chips and dive in — no judgment here! 😋
Keyword authentic Mexican pico de gallo, homemade pico de gallo, how to make pico de gallo