Craving something fresh and zippy? This pico de gallo recipe is chunky, bright, and ready in about 10 minutes, the easiest win for taco night.

It has juicy Roma tomatoes, a kiss of lime, cilantro, and just the right salt to make every bite pop. Scoop it with tortilla chips or spoon it over your favorite Mexican dishes.

For more fresh Mexican dips, try our Homemade Salsa, Guacamole, and Queso Blanco for an instant party platter.

Why we think you’ll love it:

  • Quick and easy. Other than the time it takes to chop up veggies, this recipe is very simple.
  • Customizable. This pico de gallo recipe can be customized with the ingredients you like.
  • Side or topping. It’s great to serve alongside chips or to serve on top of any Mexican food.
Tomatoes, onion, garlic, and cilantro on a wooden counter.

Pico de Gallo Ingredients

  • Roma tomatoes (4, chopped) – Tomatoes add juicy sweetness and a sturdy texture that holds up without getting watery.
  • Red or purple onion (ยผ to ยฝ, chopped) – This brings sharp, crunchy bite that balances the tomatoes.
  • Minced garlic (1 teaspoon) – Garlic boosts savory aroma and rounds out the simple mix.
  • Garlic salt with parsley flakes (ยผ to ยฝ teaspoon) – Garlic salt seasons quickly and evenly for reliable flavor.
  • Lime juice (ยฝ teaspoon) – Lime brightens everything with fresh acidity.
  • Chopped fresh cilantro (2 tablespoons) – Cilantro adds herbal freshness and that classic pico finish.

How to Make Pico de Gallo

Fresh pico de gallo served in a white ramekin.

CHOP & COMBINE. To make the pico, chop up all the ingredients (except the chopped cilantro) and add to a bowl.

Refrigerate until ready to serve. Right before serving, add cilantro and avocados, if desired.

Close up of homemade pico de gallo in a small white bowl.

Kristyn’s Recipe Tips

  • Chop everything small and evenly so that each scoop tastes balanced.
  • For heat, stir in minced jalapeรฑo or serrano peppers.
  • Chill 20 to 30 minutes so flavors meld before serving.
  • Serve over Chicken Tacos, Fish Tacos, Nachos, Cheese Quesadillas, and more.
5 from 3 votes

Pico de Gallo

Everyone loves a good pico de gallo recipe. With few ingredients and only minutes to make, it's an addictive favorite!
Servings: 12 people
Prep: 10 minutes
Total: 10 minutes

Video

Ingredients 

  • 4 Roma tomatoes, chopped
  • ยผ – ยฝ red or purple onion, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • ยผ – ยฝ teaspoon garlic salt with parsley flakes
  • ยฝ teaspoon lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions 

  • Combine all ingredients except cilantro in a medium bowl and mix to combine.
  • Refrigerate until ready to serve and add chopped cilantro right before serving.
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Notes

Recipe Tips.
  • Chop everything small and evenly so that each scoop tastes balanced.
  • For heat, stir in minced jalapeรฑo or serrano peppers.
  • Chill 20 to 30 minutes so flavors meld before serving.
  • Serve over Chicken Tacos, Fish Tacos, Nachos, Cheese Quesadillas, and more.
Storage. This fresh pico de gallo recipe is best served the same day you make it, but if needed, it can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
For more substitutions and tips, check out the full recipe post

Nutrition

Serving: 1g, Calories: 4kcal, Carbohydrates: 1g, Protein: 0.2g, Fat: 0.04g, Saturated Fat: 0.01g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.02g, Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g, Sodium: 50mg, Potassium: 51mg, Fiber: 0.3g, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 177IU, Vitamin C: 3mg, Calcium: 3mg, Iron: 0.1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Recipe FAQ

How to store?

This fresh pico de gallo recipe is best served the same day you make it, but if needed, it can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

This post was originally published February 2018.

About Kristyn

Kristyn Merkley is a published cookbook author, wife, mom of six, and major food enthusiast! For the past 15 years, she has been sharing foolproof, family-friendly recipesโ€”each one tested in her kitchenโ€”that anyone can master. As a seasoned recipe creator, she loves making cooking simple, stress-free, and totally doable for everyone!

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5 from 3 votes

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6 Comments

  1. Kerry Reeves says:

    5 stars
    I could live on pico de gallo. Thank you!

    1. Lil' Luna Team says:

      Haha- you are my kind of person. I’m glad you like the recipe!

  2. Sophie says:

    5 stars
    Delicious! I used roasted green chilies and fresh tomatoes from the farmers market.

    1. Lil'Luna Team says:

      Ooh that sounds amazing!!

  3. Hannah says:

    5 stars
    This pico is perfect on so many recipes! We love it!

    1. Kristyn Merkley says:

      I am so glad you think so & I agree! Thank you!