Finely chopped fresh onion, tomato and jalapeños seasoned with salt, lime juice and cilantro give this no-frills Classic Pico de Gallo unbeatable flavor and texture.

A large white serving bowl of pico de Gallo garnished with a sprig of cilantro. There are tortilla chips surrounding the serving bowl.

The Best Pico de Gallo Recipe

Finely chopped fresh onion, tomato and jalapeños seasoned with salt, lime juice and cilantro make this easy, Classic Pico de Gallo perfect for dipping. This fresh and flavorful dip is sure to become a staple at taco night.

A yellow corn tortilla chip being dipped into a large white serving bowl of pico de gallo.

What is Pico de Gallo?

What does “pico de gallo” mean? The literal translation of the Spanish phrase means “beak of the rooster” or “rooster’s beak.” The dish may get its name for the small size of the chopped ingredients, which resemble bird feed.

What is it? Pico de gallo is a fresh salsa traditionally made with chopped tomato, onion, and serrano or jalapeño peppers. Sometimes referred to as ‘salsa fresca.’

What is the difference between pico de Gallo and salsa? Salsa ingredients vary, while pico always contains the same basic fresh ingredients. And unlike most salsa, it’s never blended or cooked. It has a chunky consistency more like a relish than a sauce.

A large white serving bowl of pico de Gallo garnished with a sprig of cilantro. There are tortilla chips surrounding the serving bowl.

Pico de Gallo Ingredients and Supplies

(see the recipe card at the bottom of this blog post for measurements and details)

Ingredients:

  • Roma tomatoes
  • Minced garlic
  • Jalapeño
  • Diced white onion
  • Fresh lime juice
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper

Supplies:

Ingredients to make a classic pico de gallo.

How to Make Pico de Gallo

  • In a medium mixing bowl, combine the tomatoes, garlic, jalapeño, white onion, and lime juice.
  • Gently fold in the chopped cilantro.
  • Season with the salt and black pepper and adjust to taste.
Steps to make pico de Gallo.
  • Fold gently until salt and pepper are blended. Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
A hand holds the bottom left side of a clear glass mixing bowl of pico de gallo. In the upper right of the photo is a bowl of tortilla chips.

How to Store Pico de Gallo

While this dish is best served fresh, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a couple days.

A large white serving bowl of pico de Gallo.

What to Serve with Pico de Gallo

  • Baked Corn Tortilla Chips: One bite of these easy Baked Corn Tortilla Chips and you’ll be in chip heaven! Healthier than their fried cousins and every bit as tasty, they’re sure to become your go-to snack! Or try my flour tortilla chips recipe.
  • Easy Stovetop Queso: Creamy cheddar cheese with fresh tomato, onion, jalapeño and cilantro makes this Easy Stovetop Queso a flavorful party favorite.
  • Bean and Cheese Taco Bites: Just 3 ingredients is all it takes to make these tasty Bean and Cheese Taco Bites. The crowd will go crazy over them at your next get together!
  • The Perfect Guacamole: Creamy, chunky fresh avocado with finely minced fixings make the Perfect Guacamole for snacking, dipping and entertaining. It’s perfectly scoopable!
  • Brandon’s Best Margarita: Making this refreshing house margarita is as easy as 1-2-3! Pour, shake, and strain your way to the most flavorful margarita you don’t have to leave home for. Cheers!

If you make this Classic Pico de Gallo, be sure to snap a picture and share it with me on Instagram @thebakermama so I can see. ???? I love seeing how inspired and creative y’all get with the recipes I share. Enjoy!

xoxo,

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A large white serving bowl of pico de Gallo garnished with a sprig of cilantro. There are tortilla chips surrounding the serving bowl.

Classic Pico de Gallo Recipe

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  • Author: The BakerMama
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 1 and 1/2 cups

Description

Finely chopped fresh onion, tomato and jalapeños seasoned with salt, lime juice and cilantro give this no-frills Classic Pico de Gallo unbeatable flavor and texture.


Ingredients

  • 1 cup diced Roma tomatoes
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced
  • 1/4 cup diced white onion
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more if needed
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more if needed

Instructions

  1. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the tomatoes, garlic, jalapeño, white onion, and lime juice. Gently fold in the chopped cilantro.
  1. Season with the salt and black pepper, and adjust to taste. Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

About The BakerMama

Maegan is the author of her best-selling Beautiful Boards, Spectacular Spreads and Brilliant Bites cookbooks. She started blogging in 2012 and features hundreds of original recipes on The BakerMama. She truly enjoys sharing her easy, family-friendly recipes, creative meal ideas, food board creations, and entertaining spreads to encourage others to get in the kitchen and make something memorable for their loved ones to enjoy together. Learn More

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