Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Resting Time: 15–30 minutes (recommended)
Difficulty Level: Easy
Recipe Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 ripe Roma tomatoes, diced
- ½ medium white onion, finely diced
- 1–2 fresh jalapeño peppers, seeded and minced
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper (optional)
Equipment Needed
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Serving bowl
Instructions
Step 1
Wash all vegetables thoroughly under cool running water. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
Step 2
Dice the tomatoes into small, even pieces. Remove excess seeds if you prefer a less watery salsa.
Step 3
Finely dice the onion to ensure every bite has balanced flavor.
Step 4
Remove the seeds from the jalapeño if you want a milder salsa. Mince the pepper finely before adding it to the bowl.
Step 5
Chop the fresh cilantro into small pieces.
Step 6
Place the tomatoes, onion, jalapeño, and cilantro into a large mixing bowl.
Step 7
Add the fresh lime juice, salt, and optional black pepper.
Step 8
Mix gently with a spoon until all ingredients are evenly combined.
Step 9
Allow the Pico de Gallo to rest for 15–30 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the flavors blend together beautifully.
Step 10
Serve chilled or at room temperature with tortilla chips or your favorite Mexican dishes.
Recipe Tips
- Use firm, ripe Roma tomatoes for the best texture.
- Fresh lime juice provides brighter flavor than bottled juice.
- Adjust the amount of jalapeño depending on your preferred spice level.
- For extra heat, leave some jalapeño seeds in the mixture.
- Chill the salsa before serving for even better flavor.
- Drain excess tomato juice if the salsa becomes too watery.
- Fresh cilantro is essential for authentic taste.
- Consume within two days for maximum freshness.
Serving Suggestions
Pico de Gallo pairs wonderfully with:
- Tortilla chips
- Tacos
- Burritos
- Nachos
- Quesadillas
- Grilled chicken
- Steak
- Fish tacos
- Shrimp
- Burrito bowls
- Rice dishes
- Eggs
- Avocado toast
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Stir before serving, as natural juices may collect at the bottom of the container. Freezing is not recommended because the vegetables lose their crisp texture after thawing.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in just 15 minutes.
- No cooking required.
- Healthy and low in calories.
- Naturally vegan and gluten-free.
- Fresh, colorful, and full of flavor.
- Perfect for parties, barbecues, and taco nights.
- Made with simple, everyday ingredients.
- Easy to customize with extra peppers or herbs.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 28
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Total Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Sodium: 295 mg
- Potassium: 240 mg
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 3 g
- Vitamin A: 15% Daily Value
- Vitamin C: 28% Daily Value
- Calcium: 2% Daily Value
- Iron: 3% Daily Value