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Pico de Gallo

This pico de gallo has fresh tomatoes, sweet yellow onion, spicy serrano, and citrusy lime juice, and is ready for your next party!

Pico de Gallo in a bowl topped with avocado.

If you’re a fan of Mexican cuisine, chances are you’ve heard of pico de gallo. 

This colorful and fresh salsa is a staple in many Mexican dishes, from tacos and fajitas to nachos and burritos!

This pico de gallo is full of diced tomatoes, sweet yellow onion, fresh cilantro, bright lime juice, some spicy serrano chili, and of course, salt for seasoning.

Pico de Gallo can be made a day in advance (and arguably tastes even better if it is,) and is super versatile! Pair it with chips for a snack, eggs for breakfast, or some fish for dinner. 

This pico de gallo is so easy and delicious, you’ll be making it all summer long!

Pico de Gallo ingredients on a table.
Chopped tomatoes, cilantro, onion, and chilies on a cutting board.

Ingredients

  • Tomatoes – Be sure to get them as ripe as you can! 
  • Yellow onion – Yellow onions will add a subtle sweetness to the pico de gallo.
  • Serrano chili – Serrano chili adds a spicy kick!
  • Cilantro – Cilantro will add an herbaceous flavor to the salsa.
  • Lime juice – Lime juice will add some citrus and zing!
  • Kosher salt – Kosher salt is necessary to help enhance all of the flavors of the pico de gallo.
Pico de Gallo ingredients in a bowl.
Large bowl of Pico de Gallo.

How hot is a serrano pepper?

Did you know that serrano peppers are up to 5 times hotter than jalapeños? 

If you’re looking to turn down the heat a little, you have a couple of options.

All of the heat lives in the seeds and the ribs (the white parts that the seeds are attached to). So if you’re looking for a milder spice, be sure to remove those before using the pepper in the dish!

Alternatively, you can substitute the serrano pepper with a jalapeno instead.

You’ll still get some spicy, but not nearly as much as you would with the serrano. 

Pico de Gallo served with chips.

Variations

Feel free to play with this recipe and make it your own:

  • Switch out the yellow onion for red, or for white.
  • Try adding a little mango, like in my Mango Habanero Salsa!
  • Use different chiles, like jalapeño, or even chipotles in adobo for a smoky taste.
  • Love garlic? Grate or mince some in for added flavor!
Pico de Gallo in a ceramic bowl.

Serving suggestions

Pico de gallo is such a great addition to any dish! 

It’s great as a side for Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos, or on top of some Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs, or with some Baked Ground Chicken Tacos!  

Pico de Gallo served with extra kosher salt.

Make ahead!

As I said, pico de gallo tastes much better when it’s made a day in advance!

This makes meal prep even easier for yourself for serving dinner, preparing for a party, or a weekend BBQ!

Storage and leftovers

Any leftover pico de gallo can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days. 

Pico de Gallo served with extra lime.

More dip recipes

Pico de Gallo

Author: Brandy O’Neill – Nutmeg Nanny
This pico de gallo has fresh tomatoes, sweet yellow onion, spicy serrano, and citrusy lime juice, and is ready for your next party!
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 5 cups

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds tomatoes chopped
  • 1 cup finely chopped yellow onion
  • 1-2 Serrano chilies finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
  • 2 limes juiced
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  • In a large bowl add all your ingredients and mix to combine.
  • Let it rest for 15 minutes to meld flavors before serving.
  • Serve with chips for dipping or serve on top of tacos, nachos, etc.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 66kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 1g | Sodium: 264mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 8g
Course Appetizers
Cuisine Tex Mex
Keyword fresh pico de gallo, fresh tomato salsa, homemade pico de gallo, tomato salsa
Did you try this recipe?Leave a comment and 5 star review!
Pico de Gallo pin for Pinterest.
Brandy

About Brandy!

I am a food lover and recipe developer bringing you delicious recipes that taste great and are easy to make! My food is inspired by travels around the world and my love of flavorful food. A list of things that make me happy: cats, Coke Zero, houseplants, and travel. Read more...

Recipe Rating




Shadi Hasanzadenemati

Friday 9th of June 2023

Easy and delicious, this one is a keeper. I know I’m going to make it over and over again!

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