Pico de Gallo – Fresh Mexican Tomato Salsa

Pico de Gallo is a fresh, colorful Mexican salsa made with juicy tomatoes, crisp onions, fresh cilantro, spicy jalapeño, and tangy lime juice. Unlike cooked salsa, this recipe uses fresh ingredients for a bright, crunchy texture and refreshing flavor. It’s perfect with tortilla chips, tacos, grilled chicken, fish, and burrito bowls.

Ingredients

• 4 medium ripe tomatoes, finely diced

• ½ medium red onion, finely chopped

• 1–2 jalapeño peppers, finely chopped

• ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)

• ¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste

• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (optional)

Optional additions:

• 1 small garlic clove, finely minced

• ½ avocado, diced just before serving

• Extra lime juice for a tangier flavor

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the tomatoes

Wash the tomatoes and pat them dry. Remove the tough stem ends and dice the tomatoes into small, even pieces.

If your tomatoes are very watery, scoop out some of the seeds and excess liquid. This helps keep the salsa fresh and chunky rather than watery.

Step 2: Chop the onion

Peel the red onion and chop it finely. Smaller pieces distribute evenly throughout the salsa and provide a crisp, mildly sharp flavor.

If the onion tastes too strong, rinse the chopped pieces briefly under cold water and drain thoroughly.

Step 3: Prepare the jalapeños

Wash the jalapeños, remove the stems, and finely dice them.

For a milder salsa, remove the seeds and inner white membranes. For a spicier version, leave some of them in. Wash your hands after handling the peppers, and avoid touching your eyes.

Step 4: Chop the cilantro

Rinse the cilantro under cold water and dry it thoroughly. Chop the leaves and tender stems finely.

Fresh cilantro gives Pico de Gallo its classic Mexican flavor. If you don’t enjoy cilantro, you can substitute a smaller amount of fresh parsley, although the flavor will be different.

Step 5: Combine the ingredients

Place the diced tomatoes, red onion, jalapeños, and cilantro in a medium mixing bowl.

Add the fresh lime juice, salt, and black pepper, if using. Toss gently with a spoon until all the ingredients are evenly combined.

Step 6: Let the flavors develop

Allow the salsa to rest for 10–15 minutes before serving. This gives the lime juice and salt time to