When it comes to authentic Mexican flavors, nothing beats a bowl of freshly made Pico de Gallo. Bright, zesty, and bursting with freshness, this salsa is the perfect topping for tacos, burritos, grilled meats, or simply served with tortilla chips. Best of all, it’s quick to prepare and made with just a handful of wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Finely chopped white onion | 1 cup (about 1 small onion) |
| Medium jalapeño or serrano pepper, finely chopped | 1 (ribs and seeds removed) |
| Lime juice | ¼ cup |
| Fine sea salt | ¾ tsp, plus more to taste |
| Ripe red tomatoes, chopped | 1 ½ lbs (about 8 small or 4 large) |
| Finely chopped fresh cilantro | ½ cup (about 1 bunch) |
How to Make Pico de Gallo
Step 1: Prep & Marinate Onion
In a medium serving bowl, combine chopped onion, jalapeño, lime juice, and salt. Let sit for 5 minutes while you chop tomatoes and cilantro.
Step 2: Combine & Season
Stir in chopped tomatoes and cilantro until everything is well combined. Taste and add more salt if needed.
Step 3: Marinate for Flavor
For the best flavor, let the mixture rest for at least 15 minutes or refrigerate for several hours.
Step 4: Serve
Serve fresh as a dip with tortilla chips, or use as a topping for tacos, grilled chicken, or seafood. Use a slotted spoon to avoid excess tomato juice.
This Pico de Gallo recipe is light, refreshing, and naturally healthy. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it the perfect make-ahead salsa for parties or weeknight meals.

