Pico de gallo, also known as salsa fresca, adds a fresh, spicy flavor to your favorite Mexican recipes. This homemade tomato salsa recipe is easy. Once you taste homemade salsa, you’ll never go back to the store-bought stuff again!
If you’re craving fresh salsa, like you might find it in your favorite Mexican restaurant, look no further. With just a few simple ingredients, you can be on your way to making a big bowl of this classic Mexican recipe.
Living a significant portion of my life in Southern California has made me a 🌶 Salsa Snob. I’ve tasted so many amazing salsa recipes. This homemade pico de gallo recipe is my favorite way to make salsa. It’s one of the easiest recipes and goes with every Mexican food you can think of.
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What is Pico de Gallo?
Pico de Gallo is a fresh tomato salsa that is sometimes called Salsa Fresca. It’s a chunky salsa made with fresh ingredients, and unlike a roasted salsa, it is uncooked.
This classic recipe is full of fresh, juicy tomatoes and crispy onions and gets a hint of heat from either serrano or jalapeño pepper.
Health Benefits Of Salsa
Salsa is a healthy, easy way to add flavor to dishes. Its ingredients are anti-inflammatory and have numerous health benefits. Besides being high in fiber
- Tomatoes contain lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to a reduction in cancer risk and with multiple benefits for cardiovascular health. Vitamins A, C, and K support eye, bone, and skin health. Potassium helps to regulate blood pressure.
- Onions are high in vitamin B, which is involved in metabolism, blood pressure regulation, and nerve function. Vitamin C helps boost the immune system and increases the production of collagen and the absorption of iron.
- Chilis contain vitamins A, B6, C, and K, as well as Copper, an essential trace mineral for bones and neurons.
Pico De Gallo Ingredients
- Fresh tomatoes: Use fresh, ripe tomatoes. I find that fresh plum tomatoes or Roma tomatoes have the best flavor.
- Peppers: Serrano peppers are a spicy addition to this Pico de Gallo. If you want something with a little less heat, opt for jalapeños.
- Onion: I like white onion best for this recipe, but you can also use red onion.
- Fresh Garlic
- Fresh Chopped Cilantro
- Fresh Lime Juice
- Olive Oil…not pictured
- Cucumbers…optional, also not pictured.
The Best Pico De Gallo
The awesome thing about making fresh salsa is that it is super easy. The only step is to cut everything up, add it to a bowl, and stir to combine.
STEP 1: PEPPERS + ONION
Dice the peppers, onions, and garlic. Combine with the salt and lime juice. Set aside. If you prefer, use less onion.
Remove the seeds and white membranes from the peppers for a less spicy salsa.
STEP 2: TOMATOES
Dice the tomatoes. Remove the seeds from the tomatoes and then dice them into small pieces.
STEP 3: ADD THE Tomatoes and then the Cilantro
Add the diced tomatoes and the minced cilantro to a bowl. Add a little salt and pepper. I also add a small amount of olive oil.
STEP 4: STIR TOGETHER
Stir all of the ingredients together. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed. Serve chilled or at room temperature with tortilla chips or your favorite Mexican cuisine.
Step-By-step Instructions
This Traditional Pico De Gallo Recipe hardly needs instructions. But here’s a visual of every single step!
Salsa Variations
This fresh salsa recipe is also a master recipe that can be made with other fruits. Did you forget that tomatoes are a fruit? You can substitute watermelon, peaches, mango, or pineapple in this salsa recipe.
FAQS AND HELPFUL TIPS
If you need to freeze your pico de gallo, you’ll lose the fresh texture that makes this dish. Try giving it a quick puree in your favorite blender to preserve the flavors you love!
Pico de Gallo is a type of salsa also known as Salsa Fresca. One thing about Pico de Gallo is that it is never cooked. Other versions of salsa may or may not be cooked. Salsa typically has a thinner consistency.
Pico de Gallo will keep in the fridge for at least a week. Store it in an airtight container. This chunky fresh salsa will get better as it sits in the refrigerator.
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Homemade Pico de Gallo Recipe
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Meta: This easy pico de gallo recipe is infinitely customizable and far superior to anything you can buy in a store. Make it the way you like it!
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Dice the onions, the garlic, and the serrano pepper. Add the diced vegetables to a non reactive bowl. Add the salt and the lime juice. Set aside.
2 serrano peppers, 1 cup onion, 2 tsp kosher salt, 1 lime
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Dice the tomatoes and add them to the bowl.
4 cups fresh tomatoes
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Add the diced cilantro and the olive oil.
½ cup fresh cilantro, 2 tsp olive oil
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Toss the ingredients together. Season with black pepper and more salt if needed.
1 tsp black pepper
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Optional: Add diced cucumber.
1 cucumber
I love the freshness cucumber adds to the salsa. My husband…not so much. So a lot of the time I will leave out the cucumber.
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Serving: 0.33cupCalories: 32kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 1gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 393mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gCalcium: 17mgIron: 1mg
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