• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
MomSkoop
  • Home
  • Home
  • Home
  • Home
  • About
    • ADVERTISE WITH MOMSKOOP
    • Contact Us
    • Featured On
    • MomSkoop Accessibility Statement
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms
    • Usage FAQs
  • Blog Page
  • Blog Page
  • Blog Page
  • Archive Page
  • Archive Page
  • Archive Page
  • ENTERTAINMENT
    • DISNEY
    • MOVIES
  • Contact
  • Contact
  • Contact
  • FOOD
    • Appetizers & Dips
    • Beef
    • Beverages
    • Bread
    • Breakfast and Brunch
    • Brownies
    • Cakes
    • Casseroles
    • Chicken
    • Cookies
    • Cupcakes
    • Entrees
    • Ground Beef
    • Healthy Recipes
    • Instant Pot
    • Italian
    • Lunch
    • Kitchen Basics
    • Main Dishes
    • Meatless Main Dishes
    • Mexican
    • Muffins
    • Old Fashioned Country Recipes
    • Pasta
    • Pasta Salad
    • Pies
    • Pizza
    • Pork
    • Salads
    • Sandwiches
    • Seafood
    • Side Dishes
    • Slow Cooker
    • Soups and Stews
    • TikTok
  • LIFE
    • BEAUTY
    • BODY
    • CLEANING
    • CREATE
      • Crafting/DIY
      • Exclusive MomSkoop Printables
      • FONTS
      • PRINTABLES
    • DECOR
    • FAMILY TRAVEL
      • Tennessee
    • GIVEAWAYS
    • HOLIDAYS
      • New Year's
      • Valentine's Day
      • St. Patrick's
      • Easter
      • Cinco de Mayo
      • Mother's Day
      • Patriotic
      • Halloween
      • Thanksgiving
      • Hanukkah
      • Christmas
    • MIND
    • HEALTH
    • ORGANIZING
    • Planning
    • Parenting
    • Productivity
    • TECHNOLOGY
    • TOYS and GAMES
  • Easter
  • Blog
menu icon
go to homepage
  • About
  • Entertainment
  • Holidays
  • Life
  • Recipes
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • About
    • Entertainment
    • Holidays
    • Life
    • Recipes
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » FOOD » Appetizers and Dips

    Homemade Pico de Gallo Recipe

    Published: Apr 21, 2020 · Modified: Apr 17, 2023 by Rhonda · Leave a Comment

    Post contains Amazon Affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please refer to our disclosure policy for more information.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Homemade Pico de Gallo, also known as Salsa Fresco, is a classic Mexican side that is full of tomatoes, jalapenos, onions, cilantro and lime juice. If you are looking for a delicious way to use up those fresh tomatoes from the garden, then whipping up a batch of homemade salsa is it! Believe me, once you take a bite of this fresh salsa, you will be wanting to make it all of the time.

    A red bowl full of fresh pico and a stack of corn tortilla chips

    I think the best part about Pico is that you really don't need to eat it with anything but tortilla chips!  It's just THAT good!

    Pico de Gallo really is such a simple recipe and you can change it up for own family's taste buds. It's very versatile! Of course Pico is a not only great with tortilla chips, you can also serve it on top of tacos, such as our Chicken Tacos, on top of Enchiladas such as my Creamy Beef Enchiladas, and it also works great on our Doritos Nacho Casserole.

    Pico is a Mexican Salsa that is made with fresh red tomatoes, garlic, onion, cilantro and jalapenos. If you are looking for other salsa recipes, then check out my Salsa Verde recipe.

    ❤Why Should I Make This Recipe?

    You should totally make this recipe because it's:

    Versatile - you can adjust the amount of heat as well as the amount of the vegetables.

    Easy - this easy side dish can be made in less than 15 minutes.

    Budget-friendly - this recipe is a great way to use up all of those ripe tomatoes!

    🥘Ingredients

    Tomatoes - you can use any variety of tomatoes that you have on hand. But most importantly, make sure they are ripe.

    Onions - you can use yellow sweet onions if you prefer.

    Cilantro - not everyone is a fan of this herb. You can certainly just prepare it and serve it on the side.

    Ingredients needed to make fresh pico

    🔪Instructions

    You will find the complete breakdown of the recipe in the printable recipe card below. I have included basic steps and a few in-process photos for your reference.

    🧾Substitutions

    • Cilantro - you can omit this if you prefer.
    • Poblano peppers - you can use these instead of the jalapeno. To really take the dish to a new level, roast the peppers first.

    📖Variations

    • Breakfast tacos - can you imagine this freshness on top of tacos in the morning or for brunch! Yum!
    • Taco Charcuterie Board - make up a taco board full of all of the ingredients to make tacos and add different types of salsa and chips as well. This will definitely be a delicious hit with the family!

    🥫Storage

    It will last up to a week when stored in an airtight container in the fridge.

    Top Tips

    • One of the most important things about making pico is to use fresh ripe tomatoes. It's a must.
    • Save this recipe to celebrate Cinco de Mayo in style!
    • Eating pico is actually good for you and you don't have to feel so guilty about eating it since it's full of fresh vegetables.
    • When you are harvesting your garden, this is a great way to use up some of those ripe vegetables.
    • If you haven't bought one of these yet, you simply must buy one! It makes it so easy to get all of the juice out AND you won't get the seeds!
    • Make this first and then put into the fridge while you prepare the rest of the meal. That way the flavors have time to marry.

    🔎FAQ

    What dishes can you serve Pico de Gallo with?

    Of course the best way to eat Pico is with tortilla chips, however, it goes great on any Mexican dish such as enchiladas, tacos, taco salads, chimichangas, burritos, fajitas, and of course nachos.

    Is it true you need to wear gloves when cutting up jalapenos?

    I always recommend wearing disposable food grade gloves when handling them. I thought I had washed my hands thoroughly once, but the oil had gotten underneath my nails. My fingers burned for quite some time.

    Do you need to remove the juice and seeds from the tomato when dicing them?

    When I am making salsa or cutting up tomatoes for salads, I will remove the insides. However, if I am slicing up tomatoes for sandwiches, I leave the insides.

    Isn't Pico de Gallo and Salsa the same thing?

    Pico is a type of salsa that is made with the same ingredients as salsa, however, traditional salsa has a thinner consistency. What sets Pico apart is that you can see each delicious ingredient.

    A red bowl full of fresh Pico de Gallo sitting on a wooden board
    A red bowl full of fresh Pico de Gallo sitting on a wooden board

    Related Recipes

    Brick Chicken and Salsa Verde

    Black Bean Burritos

    📖 Recipe

    A red bowl full of fresh pico and a stack of corn tortilla chips

    Classic Pico de Gallo Recipe

    Rhonda
    Pico de Gallo, also known as Salsa Fresco, is a classic Mexican side that is full of tomatoes, jalapenos, onions, cilantro and lime juice.
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Additional Time 10 minutes mins
    Total Time 15 minutes mins
    Course Appetizers and Dips
    Cuisine Mexican
    Servings 2 cups
    Calories 77 kcal

    Equipment

    • Citrus juice press
    • cutting board
    • sharp knife
    • disposable food gloves

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 cup red onion finely chopped
    • 1 medium jalapeno seeded and diced
    • Juice from one lime
    • Salt to taste
    • 3 large tomatoes middle cut out and diced
    • ½ c fresh cilantro chopped
    • 1 clove garlic minced (optional)

    Instructions
     

    • First, wash your vegetables and let them dry.
    • Chop up your onion, tomatoes and jalapeno and place them into the bowl. Make sure you are wearing the food gloves when prepping the pepper. The oil from the seeds will get under your nails. And believe me when I say if you itch your eyes with that oil from the seeds on your fingers, your eyes will definitely burn.
    • Then add all of the cut up vegetables into a medium sized bowl.
    • Next, pull the leaves off of the cilantro sprigs and cut them up with your kitchen scissors and add them into the bowl and stir the ingredients together.
    • Cut the lime in half and then put each half in the juice press. *Tip: If you haven't bought one of these yet, you simply must buy one! It makes it so easy to get all of the juice out AND you won't get the seeds! Brilliant!
    • Stir all of the ingredients together and salt to taste. Serve with your favorite tortilla chips, eat it with a spoon, pita chips or whatever you prefer and nosh away!

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1gCalories: 77kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 1gSodium: 152mgFiber: 2gSugar: 14g
    Keyword How to Make Fresh Pico de Gallo, Mexican dishes, Pico, Pico de Gallo, Salsa, Tomatoes
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
    Share this...
    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • Linkedin

    More Easy Appetizer and Dip Recipes

    • Fall Charcuterie Boards
    • Easter Deviled Eggs on a white tray
      Easter Deviled Eggs
    • Red and Green Christmas Deviled Eggs
      Christmas Deviled Eggs
    • Thanksgiving Deviled Eggs
      Easy Thanksgiving Deviled Eggs
    Rhonda

    About Rhonda

    Rhonda is a wanna be foodie, coffee and chocolate lover, and a genealogy nerd. If shopping was a sport, she would actually set records for it. Creating recipes in her kitchen is how she relaxes. She also loves spending time with her family and getting away when she can to the lake.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    No Comments

    5 from 2 votes (2 ratings without comment)

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    I am an Ohio native who now calls Indiana home, hence the name Transplanted Buckeye Media.

    More about me →

    Popular

    • Blueberry crumble with a scoop of ice cream on a blue and white plate with a gingham blue and white napkin.
      Bisquick Blueberry Crumble
    • Butter Shortbread Cookies on a white tray
      Butter Shortbread Cookies
    • Fruit gelatin mold on top of lettuce and orange slices on a white plate.
      Fruit Gelatin Mold
    • Red bowl full of chili on a wooden board
      Chili Recipes with Ground Beef

    Valentines

    You must use the category name, not a URL, in the category field.
    Share this...
    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • Linkedin

    Hi, I'm Rhonda! I love discovering vintage recipes and remaking them with a modern twist.

    More about me →

    Popular

    • Lemon Blueberry Bisquick Cupcakes topped with frosting and blueberries
      Lemon Blueberry Bisquick Cupcakes
    • Old-Fashioned Cake Recipes
    • Lemon Cookies on a wire rack with slices of lemon
      Old Fashioned Lemon Cookies
    • Classic Spoon Burgers on a bun served with chips on a white plate.
      Classic Spoon Burgers

    Patriotic

    • Finished American Flag graham cracker treats on a wooden surface.
      American Flag Graham Cracker Treats
    • Slab pie with a dollop of ice cream on a white plate
      Rustic Slab Pie

    Search by Category

    Amazon Affiliates

    All links on this site may be affiliate links and should be considered as such. MomSkoop is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. See our privacy policy for more information.
    Mom Skoop coffee cup logo

    Search by Category

    Hi, I'm Rhonda! I love discovering vintage recipes and remaking them with a modern twist.

    More about me →

    Popular

    • This Slim Jim Chili recipe is a fantastic retro chili that has the perfect blend of flavor and spice. If you're looking for an easy chili recipe that requires just minimal effort then look no further, because this hearty dish will become a family favorite.
      Slim Jim Chili
    • donuts made from Bisquick mix and coated in cinnamon sugar and chocolate.
      Baked Bisquick Donuts
    • Spaghetti, chili, kidney beans, chopped onions, and shredded cheese in a white serving dish.
      Cincinnati Chili
    • Tomato Soup Meatloaf on a white plate with mashed potatoes and gravy.
      Tomato Soup Meatloaf

    Patriotic

    • Finished American Flag graham cracker treats on a wooden surface.
      American Flag Graham Cracker Treats
    • Slab pie with a dollop of ice cream on a white plate
      Rustic Slab Pie

    Amazon Affiliates

    All links on this site may be affiliate links and should be considered as such. MomSkoop is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. See our privacy policy for more information.

    Hi, I'm Rhonda! I love discovering vintage recipes and remaking them with a modern twist.

    More about me →

    Popular

    • Christmas tree with presents and white lights
      Holiday Gift Guide
    • Two wooden bowls full of chili with ground beef, tomatoes, and kidney beans
      Old-Fashioned Chili Recipe
    • 2 collins glasses full of orange juice, vodka, ice, grenadine syrup, and cherries
      Tequila Sunrise Cocktail
    • Love Letter Cookies on a white and red plate
      Love Letter Cookies

    Patriotic

    • Finished American Flag graham cracker treats on a wooden surface.
      American Flag Graham Cracker Treats
    • Slab pie with a dollop of ice cream on a white plate
      Rustic Slab Pie
    Mom Skoop coffee cup logo

    Footer

    About

    • About
    • Accessibility
    • Contact Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms

    Our Favorites

    • Top Posts
    • Food
    • Easter
    • Printables

    All links on this site may be affiliate links and should be considered as such. MomSkoop is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. See our privacy policy for more information.

    • Instagram
    • Recipe Index

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms
    • Accessibility Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Media Kit
    • FAQ

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2025 MomSkoop

    Share this...
    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • Linkedin

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.