Name: Easy Pico de Gallo Salsa Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 4 ripe Roma tomatoes (diced); ½ medium red onion (finely chopped); 1–2 jalapeño peppers (seeded and minced); ½ cup fresh cilantro (chopped); 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed); ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper

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Fresh, vibrant, and impossibly easy, this Easy Pico de Gallo Salsa is the ultimate Mexican-inspired condiment to liven up any meal. With crisp tomatoes, zesty lime, and a punch of jalapeño, each bite bursts with bold flavors and natural crunch. Whether you’re dunking tortilla chips, topping off tacos, or adding a lively twist to salads, this salsa is your new go-to recipe for a taste of summer at any time of year.

Easy Pico de Gallo Salsa Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how just a handful of simple ingredients transforms into such a showstopping salsa. Every item not only brings color and character but also layers the salsa with flavor—nothing is wasted, nothing is complicated, and every element shines!

Roma tomatoes: Firm, ripe Roma tomatoes are ideal for their meaty texture and concentrated flavor, guaranteeing juicy bites that hold up without getting watery.
Red onion: This ingredient supplies a sharp, slightly sweet crunch that balances and lifts the tomato base beautifully.
Jalapeño peppers: Use one for a mild kick, two for robust heat, or swap in green bell pepper for a child-friendly version—either way, jalapeños bring the salsa to life.
Fresh cilantro: Fragrant cilantro adds a signature herbal note that makes pico de gallo unmistakably fresh and authentic.
Lime juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice is non-negotiable for bright, tangy acidity that pulls all the flavors together.
Salt: Just a pinch heightens all the other flavors and ensures the salsa isn’t flat.
Black pepper: A quick grind of pepper adds a subtle background warmth you’ll want in every mouthful.

How to Make Easy Pico de Gallo Salsa

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Begin by dicing four Roma tomatoes into uniform, bite-sized pieces for perfect texture. Finely chop half of a medium red onion and mince 1–2 jalapeño peppers, making sure to remove the seeds for less heat if you prefer your salsa on the mild side. Chop half a cup of fresh cilantro, stems and all for maximum flavor.

Step 2: Mix Everything Together

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, red onion, minced jalapeño, and chopped cilantro. Give everything a gentle toss, making sure each ingredient is evenly distributed so every scoop is packed with flavor and color.

Step 3: Season and Add Lime

Pour in two tablespoons of freshly squeezed lime juice, followed by half a teaspoon of salt and a quarter teaspoon black pepper. The lime not only adds zing but also helps the ingredients meld. The simple seasoning enhances every flavor note—from the sweet tomatoes to the herbal cilantro.

Step 4: Let It Rest

Set your Easy Pico de Gallo Salsa aside at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes. This quick rest allows all the flavors to mingle, and you’ll notice a subtle, magical change: everything gets brighter, juicier, and just a bit more delicious.

Step 5: Taste and Serve

Give the salsa a final stir, taste, and adjust the salt or lime if needed. Now your homemade pico is all set! Pile it into a serving bowl and get ready for rave reviews from anyone lucky enough to have a taste.

How to Serve Easy Pico de Gallo Salsa

Garnishes

The beauty of Easy Pico de Gallo Salsa is its simplicity, but if you want to go the extra mile, try a final flourish of fresh cilantro leaves, a wedge or two of lime, or even a scattering of finely diced avocado right on top. These garnishes make it pop both on the table and on your palate.

Side Dishes

This salsa easily takes any meal to the next level! Scoop it up with crunchy tortilla chips for an effortless appetizer, or spoon it over tacos, nachos, grilled meats, or even scrambled eggs for a burst of freshness on your plate. It also pairs beautifully with rice, beans, or roasted vegetables.

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond bowls: layer Easy Pico de Gallo Salsa in mason jars for portable picnic snacks, serve it atop lettuce cups for a light starter, or use it as a zesty base for shrimp cocktails and tostadas. You can even pile it high onto mini phyllo cups for party-ready bites everyone will talk about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, pop your Easy Pico de Gallo Salsa into an airtight container and refrigerate. It’ll stay refreshingly crisp for up to two days—just know the texture will soften slightly over time but the flavors will deepen even more.

Freezing

While it’s tempting to stash a batch in the freezer, this salsa is best enjoyed fresh. Freezing tends to break down the salsa’s crisp veggies into a watery mixture, so if you do have extra, try turning leftovers into a cooked salsa or sauce instead.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat Easy Pico de Gallo Salsa: it’s always served chilled or at room temperature. If it’s come straight from the fridge, give it a stir and let it sit for a few minutes to shake off the chill before enjoying.

FAQs

Can I make Easy Pico de Gallo Salsa ahead of time?

Absolutely! Make it a few hours ahead; the flavors will meld beautifully. Just be aware that the tomatoes may release more juice the longer it sits, so you might want to drain off any excess liquid before serving.

Is this salsa very spicy?

No, the spice level is totally customizable. Use one jalapeño for mild heat, two if you want it fiery, or swap for green bell pepper to make it super mild and kid-friendly.

What’s the difference between salsa and pico de gallo?

Pico de gallo is a chunky, fresh salsa made from raw chopped ingredients, while traditional salsa often has a thinner, more blended consistency and can be cooked. Easy Pico de Gallo Salsa is all about that crisp, garden-fresh bite.

Can I add other ingredients to this recipe?

Definitely! Diced avocado, mango, or even pineapple are delicious in Easy Pico de Gallo Salsa for a creative twist. Just be sure to add these extras right before serving for the best texture.

How do I keep leftover salsa from getting watery?

Try seeding your tomatoes before dicing to reduce moisture. If your salsa does get a bit watery after sitting, simply drain off the excess liquid or use a slotted spoon for serving.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Easy Pico de Gallo Salsa enough—it’s the kind of recipe you’ll reach for all summer and beyond. Simple, versatile, and endlessly tasty, it turns every meal into a fiesta. So gather your fresh ingredients and give it a try—you’ll be amazed at just how quickly it disappears!

Easy Pico de Gallo Salsa Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 30 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegan

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Description

A quick and easy recipe for making fresh and zesty Pico de Gallo salsa that’s perfect for dipping with tortilla chips or as a topping for various dishes.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

4 ripe Roma tomatoes (diced)
½ medium red onion (finely chopped)
1–2 jalapeño peppers (seeded and minced)
½ cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

In a medium bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño, and cilantro.
Add lime juice, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until well mixed.
Let the pico de gallo sit for 10–15 minutes at room temperature to allow the flavors to meld.
Serve fresh as a dip with tortilla chips or as a topping for tacos, grilled meats, or salads.