The Gay Globetrotter

Homemade Pico De Gallo

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Pico de gallo is an easy, Mexican inspired dip made with juicy tomatoes, red onions, spicy jalapenos, and fresh lime juice.

Pico de gallo salsa is guacamole‘s best friend, and great served with everything from loaded nachos to slow cooker carnitas!

 

A bowl of pico de gallo topped with cilantro.

 

Pico De Gallo Ingredients

Pico de gallo will always taste better the fresher the ingredients are. Farmers markets and home grown veggies always thrive in homemade pico de gallo. 

The main ingredients found in pico de gallo:

  • Roma tomatoes – the base, acidic
  • Red onions – add a bite, and sweetness
  • Jalapenos – add a kick and color
  • Cilantro – adds freshness 
  • Lime juice – for fresh citrus flavor
  • Salt and pepper – to round out the dish

Authentic pico de gallo doesn’t need too many spices and additions, the fresh ingredients do all the work for it.

Red onion is a fun spin on classic white onion used in pico de gallo, and adds a touch of sweetness to balance out the acidity of the tomatoes.

Tomatoes, red onions, jalapenos, and cilantro in a clear bowl.

 

How To Seed A Jalapeno

Seeding and dicing a jalapeno isn’t too difficult, but it’s advised to always wear gloves. Rubbing your eyes after coming into contact with a hot pepper is NOT fun. 

To seed a jalapeno:

  1. Cut the tip off of the jalapeno.
  2. Cut the jalapeno pepper in half lengthwise. 
  3. Use a spoon to scoop the seeds out of the jalapeno. 
  4. Cut the half into strips.
  5. Dice.

How To Make Pico De Gallo

To make pico de gallo:

  1. Wash and dice the tomatoes, red onions, and jalapenos. Dice everything finely, as you want to get a little of each ingredient in every bite. Make sure to dice the jalapeno smaller than everything else, as it can pack a kick. 
  2. Add lime juice, cilantro, salt and pepper, and stir to combine. 
  3. Let the pico de gallo sit in the fridge for about 30 minutes to enhance the flavor before serving. 

Pico de gallo in a mixing bowl with a spoon.

 

Tips For Making Pico De Gallo

  • Drain the tomatoes on a paper towel before adding to the rest of the ingredients so the pico de gallo doesn’t get soggy.
  • A clove of fresh minced garlic is always a delicious addition.
  • For less of a kick, add half of the jalapeno or omit it entirely.
  • Serve pico de gallo cold, right after it’s done in the fridge.
  • If it begins to get soggy, pour it into a double strainer then back into the serving dish.

How To Store Pico De Gallo

Pico de gallo will last in the fridge for about 2 days, but the textures of the tomatoes, onions, and jalapenos diminish quickly.

We love taking leftover pico de gallo and pulsing it in a blender a couple times for a quick and easy salsa! 

Pico de gallo does not freeze well, as tomatoes take on a grainy texture when frozen. 

 

A tortilla chip scooping pico de gallo from a serving bowl.

 

More Delicious Appetizers and Dips:

5 from 1 rating

Pico De Gallo

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Author: Bailey
This homemade pico de gallo is made with fresh tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and jalapenos for the perfect fresh summer dip!
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Ingredients

  • 1 pound roma tomatoes 5-6, diced
  • ½ red onion diced
  • 1 jalapeno seeded and finely diced
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice fresh, 1 lime
  • â…“ cup cilantro chopped
  • salt and pepper to taste, about ½ teaspoon each

Instructions

  • In a medium mixing bowl, combine tomatoes, red onion, jalapeno, cilantro, salt and pepper. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
  • Chill for 30 minutes before serving.
Tried this recipe?Please leave a rating and review!
Calories: 15kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 4mg | Potassium: 136mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 516IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 7mg | Iron: 1mg

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A bowl of pico de gallo topped with fresh cilantro and jalapenos.

5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

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