Pico De Gallo Salsa Fresca Recipe

What’s in this Pico de Gallo Recipe?

This homemade pico de gallo recipe (aka salsa fresca) is one of our go-to healthy dips. It’s a great dip for appetizers, afternoon snacks, or to serve alongside your favorite Mexican dishes at dinner.

Tomatoes: Your salsa fresca will taste so much better with good quality, ripe tomatoes. The fresher, the better! Salt: Salt actually helps to release liquid/juices from the tomatoes! That’s why (as you’ll see) we salt the tomatoes first and drain. We don’t want a liquidy salsa, so this is important. Salt will also be used to season to taste. Onions: White onions are your best option here since they are milder than red onions. Remember, these will be raw! Chili Peppers: I recommend using jalapenos, or serrano peppers if you want something hotter. Cilantro: Finely chopped cilantro tastes delicious mixed into pico de gallo. But you can skip it, or use another leafy herb instead (parsley, basil). Lime Juice: Squeeze fresh lime juice to taste. It adds a great acidic, fruity twist to the salsa.

Pro Tip: If your raw onions are a bit too strong, try soaking them in ice water for about 10 minutes before adding them to the pico.

Variations on Salsa Fresca

There are so many ways to change up this pico de gallo once you get a hang of the basics. Try one of these fan favorites:

Mango Pico de Gallo: Add diced fresh mango. Pineapple Pico de Gallo: Add diced fresh pineapple (canned also works!) Corn Pico de Gallo: Add fresh or canned corn kernels (drain if canned). Pico de Gallo with Avocado: Add diced fresh avocado. Cabbage Pico de Gallo: Add chopped green cabbage.

How to Store

Store leftover pico de gallo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Toss gently before serving cold. I do not recommend freezing salsa fresca.

Serving Suggestions

This is one of my favorite appetizers to make on a summer night, margarita in hand, sitting in a deck chair under the sunshine. Just add some salty, crispy tortilla chips and you’re ready to chow down! If you want something non-alcoholic instead, this Pineapple Agua Fresca is delicious! It’s also a great topping to use on baked chicken tacos, crockpot chicken burritos, street tacos, steak fajitas, shrimp salads, California burritos, taco bowls, pan seared chicken, grilled steak, or any Mexican dish.