Dips and Sauce

Simple Pico de Gallo

Name: Simple Pico de Gallo
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 10.5 oz tomatoes, finely diced; 1/2 red onion, finely diced; 0.7 oz fresh cilantro, chopped; 1/2 chili pepper deseeded and finely diced; 1 lime, juiced

April 21, 2025

Servings: 4 Total Time: 10 mins Difficulty: Beginner

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Fresh, zesty, and crazy easy! This homemade Pico de Gallo takes just 10 minutes and is packed with juicy tomatoes, fresh cilantro, a kick of chili, and a splash of lime. Perfect for tacos, chips, or straight-up snacking! 🌮🍅🔥

Table of Contents

There’s nothing like a fresh, zesty Pico de Gallo to level up just about anything—tacos, grilled meats, or even a straight-up chip situation.

It’s one of those recipes that’s so simple, yet it packs a punch of flavor that just hits right.

I whip this up all the time because, honestly, it takes about 10 minutes, and the payoff is huge.

Fresh tomatoes, a little heat from the chili, a good squeeze of lime—it’s fresh, vibrant, and ridiculously easy to make. Let’s do this!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Super Simple & Quick – Just 10 minutes, a handful of fresh ingredients, and boom—you’re done.

✔ Fresh & Flavorful – Juicy tomatoes, zesty lime, a little heat from the chili… it’s like a flavor party in your mouth.

✔ Goes with Everything – Tacos, burritos, grilled chicken, or just straight-up with chips—it’s a game-changer.

✔ Healthy & Guilt-Free – Low-carb, gluten-free, dairy-free… basically, it’s fresh goodness in every bite.

✔ Budget-Friendly – A few basic ingredients, all super affordable. Big flavor, small price!

✔ Customizable – Like it spicier? Add more chili! Want extra tang? More lime! Make it just how you like it.

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Let’s Talk About the Star Ingredients 🌟

✔ Tomatoes – The heart of any good Pico de Gallo! Go for ripe, juicy tomatoes for that fresh, slightly sweet flavor. Roma tomatoes are my go-to since they’re firm and not too watery. 🍅

✔ Red Onion – Adds that slight crunch and a nice pop of flavor. If raw onion feels too strong for you, soak the diced bits in cold water for a few minutes to mellow it out. 🧅

✔ Cilantro – Love it or hate it, cilantro brings that classic fresh and herby punch. If you’re in the “no thanks” camp, swap it for parsley or just leave it out. 🌿

✔ Chili Pepper – A little heat never hurt! Jalapeño keeps things mild, but if you like it spicy, go for serrano or even a bit of habanero (if you dare). 🌶️

✔ Lime Juice – The secret to tying everything together! Fresh lime juice adds brightness and zing—bottled juice just won’t cut it. 🍋

A few simple ingredients, but together? Pure magic. ✨

NOTE: For measurements and rest of the ingredients check the recipe card below.

What You’ll Need To Do

Time required: 10 mins

1| Grab a bowl and toss in those finely diced tomatoes, red onion, fresh cilantro, and that little kick of chili pepper. Give it a quick mix—it’s already looking good!

2| Now, squeeze in that fresh lime juice, drizzle in 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and hit it with some salt and pepper to taste. Stir it all up until everything is happily mingling.

3| Boom! You just made some killer Pico de Gallo. Grab some chips, pile it on tacos, or just eat it straight with a spoon—I won’t judge! 😆

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Recipe Swaps & Creative Tweaks

1️⃣ Tomato Swap: Swap out tomatoes for mango or pineapple if you’re craving a sweet twist. It adds a refreshing, tropical vibe to your Pico de Gallo! 🥭🍍

2️⃣ Herb Twist: If cilantro isn’t your thing (no judgment!), try parsley, basil, or even mint for a different fresh flavor. 🌿

3️⃣ Heat Level Adjustments: For less heat, use a milder chili like a poblano or bell pepper. Want it fiery? Add some habanero or sprinkle in a pinch of cayenne pepper. 🔥

4️⃣ Vinegar Boost: If you’re into tangy flavors, add a splash of apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar for an extra zing! 🍶

5️⃣ Add Avocado: For a creamy upgrade, toss in some diced avocado. It adds richness and balances out the heat. 🥑

6️⃣ Sweeten It Up: Want a little sweetness? Throw in a handful of diced bell peppers or corn kernels for an unexpected pop of color and taste. 🌽

7️⃣ Less Oil: If you’re looking to cut back on oil, just skip the olive oil or use a mild-flavored oil like avocado oil or even a bit of Greek yogurt for creaminess. 🥄

8️⃣ Make It A Salad: Add a handful of cucumber or chopped lettuce for a refreshing salad-style twist—perfect for hot days! 🥒

Get creative! The best part about Pico de Gallo is it’s super versatile, so feel free to experiment with what you love!

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Pro Tips for the Best Pico de Gallo 💡

✔ Use Fresh, Ripe Tomatoes – The better the tomatoes, the better the flavor. Roma tomatoes work great because they’re firm and not too watery. 🍅

✔ Dice Everything Evenly – Small, uniform pieces make sure every bite is balanced with the perfect mix of flavors. No one wants a giant chunk of onion ruining the party. 🧅

✔ Let It Sit for a Bit – If you have time, let your Pico de Gallo rest for 10–15 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully. ⏳

✔ Adjust to Taste – Want more tang? Add extra lime juice. Need more heat? Toss in another chili. Pico de Gallo is super forgiving, so tweak it to your liking! 🔥🍋

✔ Drain Excess Liquid – If your tomatoes are extra juicy, drain some of the liquid before mixing everything together. This keeps it from getting too watery. 🚰

✔ Chill for a Refreshing Twist – Storing it in the fridge for 30 minutes makes it even more refreshing, especially on a hot day! ❄️

✔ Serve Fresh – Pico de Gallo is best eaten the same day. If you need to store leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. (But let’s be real, it probably won’t last that long!) 😆

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How to Serve Pico de Gallo 🌮🍽️

✔ Classic Chips & Dip – The easiest and most addictive way to enjoy it! Grab some tortilla chips and scoop away. 🥑🫓

✔ Taco Topper – Spoon it over tacos, whether it’s chicken, beef, shrimp, or even veggie tacos. Instant flavor upgrade! 🌮🔥

✔ Burrito & Quesadilla Filling – Mix it into burritos or tuck it inside a cheesy quesadilla for a fresh and zesty kick. 🌯🧀

✔ Grilled Meats & Seafood – It pairs amazingly with grilled chicken, steak, shrimp, or even fish. That fresh contrast is unbeatable! 🍗🥩🐟

✔ Eggs & Breakfast Dishes – Spoon it over scrambled eggs, omelets, or even avocado toast for a fresh start to your day. 🍳🍞

✔ Rice & Grain Bowls – Add it to rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice bowls for an extra layer of flavor and texture. 🍚🥗

✔ Topping for Soups & Stews – Sounds weird, but trust me—try adding a spoonful to black bean soup or chili for a fresh, zesty twist. 🍲

✔ Straight from the Spoon – No judgment here. Sometimes, it’s just that good. 😆🥄

So many ways to enjoy Pico de Gallo—just make a big batch and start experimenting!

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