Homemade Pico De Gallo: Fresh and Easy to make

Homemade pico de gallo adds a bright flavor to any dish it is served alongside.   With only six ingredients it is easy to make.

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Homemade pico de gallo is a staple for taco night at my house.  We all love the fresh and bright flavor it adds to our plates…yes, even my 1-year-old eats it!

But we do not limit our pico to just tacos though.  It also gets eaten with fajitas, breakfast burritos, scrambled eggs, taco salads, and even in a burger bowl. 

Honestly, a fresh pico de gallo can pair well with many things.

For this recipe, the pico de gallo ingredients are simple but it is important to pick the freshest ingredients you can.  A ripe tomato and crisp jalapeno will make your bowl of pico extra delicious!

Fresh pico de gallo is easy to make.  It just requires some chopping and mixing.  Then let it sit until you are ready to dig in!

Nutrition Provided

Tomatoes are an excellent source of vitamins A and C and are a good source of vitamin K, folate, potassium, and manganese.

Red onions are a good source of vitamin C, folate, and manganese.  They contain sulfur which is used by the body in many biochemical processes, such as detoxification.

Also, red onions contain diallyl sulfide, a compound that is created and released during the cutting process.  This compound has antimicrobial effects and reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Pico De Gallo Ingredients

Tomatoes – for this recipe I use cherry tomatoes because they are typically easy to find and ripe all year round giving them the best flavor. But any ripe tomatoes will work, especially ones you grow yourself or find locally. I do suggest purchasing organic tomatoes to avoid pesticide residue.

Red Onion – I like using red onions for the color and flavor. A white onion would work here too.

Cilantro

Jalapeno – seed the jalapeno to reduce the amount of spiciness or heat.

Lime Juice

Unrefined Salt

Kitchen Equipment needed

• A sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Fine mesh strainer
• Medium glass bowl
• Citrus juicer
• Spoon

How to make pico de gallo

Chop the tomatoes to a medium dice, roughly 1/2″.  Place tomatoes in a fine mesh strainer over a bowl to allow any extra juice to drain away.

While the tomatoes are draining, chop the red onion to medium dice, roughly 1/2″.  Add to a medium-sized glass bowl.

Finely chop the cilantro, and add to the bowl.

Remove the seeds from the jalapeno then into small dice, roughly 1/4″, and add to the bowl.

Cut the lime in half and juice it using the citrus juicer, adding 2 tablespoons to the bowl with the other ingredients.

Add the tomatoes to the bowl with the other ingredients.

Add the salt to the tomato mixture.

Stir the mixture with a spoon until it is thoroughly combined.

Finally, allow the pico de gallo to sit for at least fifteen minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. 

Tip: The pico de gallo will release juices as it sits so serve it with a slotted spoon.  This way you will not get too much juice making your tortilla shell too soft.  Although, this is not as necessary when using it in a salad.

Tips for meal prep

While you can make pico ahead of time, I highly recommend making it just before you will eat it because it does lose its bright and fresh flavor as it sits in the frig.

But there are a few steps you can take to make the side dish come together a little quicker. 

First, you can chop the onion, cilantro, and jalapeno in advance.  Store them in the refrigerator for up to three days.  Second, juice the lime and store it in a separate container, like a small mason jar, in the refrigerator.

Then, when you are ready to eat the homemade pico de gallo, chop the tomatoes.  Combine all the ingredients, stir well, and enjoy!

Storage

Fresh pico de gallo leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

I do not recommend freezing.

Homemade Pico De Gallo FAQs

Final Thoughts

This recipe is so simple yet so delicious, I just know it will become a staple in your kitchen.  Whether you are making tacos using ground beef or shredded chicken, make this fresh pico de Gallo to go with them!

If you are looking for a foolproof sourdough tortilla recipe, I got you covered with this recipe! 

Be on the lookout for a future recipe using pico to make a juicy burger with a south-of-the-border flare!!  It is so good.

If you love this recipe, I would really appreciate a review!