Name: Restaurant-Style Pico de Gallo
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 3 cups diced fresh tomatoes* (4 to 5 medium tomatoes); 1 cup finely diced white onion (1 medium onion); ½ cup finely chopped cilantro; ½ to 1 finely diced jalapeno (seeds and ribs removed); 2 Tbsp lime juice; ¼ tsp salt; Optional flavors: 1 clove minced garlic, ¼ tsp cumin

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Made with simple, fresh ingredients, this easy restaurant-style pico de gallo comes together in just 15 minutes. It’s a naturally vegan condiment that’s best served alongside your favorite Mexican meal for a delicious appetizer or side.

Pico de gallo in a white bowl with chips and tomatoes scattered around

When you need an easy recipe that goes with everything, look no further than pico de gallo. This big bowl of salsa fresca is packed with just as many nutrient-rich ingredients as it tastes from the blend of tomato, onion, and lime juice.

Its versatility makes this dish the perfect side for pretty much any Mexican meal. Serve it up for a filling option that’s suitable for all.

Reader rating

★★★★★

“Made this today was delicious!! I’ll always use this recipe to make my own from now on!! Thanks Sarah!!” —Shiren

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Tomatoes
White Onion
Cilantro
Jalapeño
Lime Juice
Salt

Jalapeños, white onion, tomatoes, and cilantro laid out on a blue background

why wait?

Giving the veggies 30 minutes to sit allows a bit of time for the flavors to mix together. As this happens, acids and proteins break down and blend, creating more intense flavors.

A wooden spoon dipping into a clear mixing bowl filled with pico de gallo — Pico contains whole, chunky ingredients, whereas a restaurant-style salsa usually has a blended, pureed consistency. Restaurant style salsa is usually cooked, but pico is made of raw veggies.

Tips for making the perfect pico

Adding extra veggies: If choosing to add extra ingredients, green bell peppers make a great addition!
Adding fruit: Another option is to add fruit! Mangoes and pineapple cubes are popular pico de gallo additions.
In your food processor: Don’t have time to cut everything by hand? You can make pico de gallo in your food processor! Simply add all the ingredients to your food processor and blitz briefly until roughly chopped.

serving suggestions

Enjoy your homemade pico de gallo as a snack or appetizer with homemade tortilla chips! If serving alongside main courses, however, here are some delicious meals you may want to choose from.

Crispy Avocado Tacos: These are creamy with a crispy and light breading—the perfect base for pico de gallo.
Air Fryer Nachos: Nachos need salsa, so why not try fresh pico?!
Black Bean Dip: The perfect creamy companion to serve with this blender salsa.

A bowl of fresh pico de gallo sits on a blue surface, surrounded by whole tomatoes, tortilla chips, and a glass of water—perfect inspiration for spicy vegetarian recipes.

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Restaurant-Style Pico de Gallo

5 from 1 rating

By: Sarah Bond

Prep: 15

Total: 15

Servings: cups

Made with simple, fresh ingredients, this easy restaurant-style pico de gallo comes together in just 15 minutes. It's a naturally vegan condiment that's best served alongside your favorite Mexican meal for a delicious appetizer or side.

Ingredients

▢ 3 cups diced fresh tomatoes*, 4 to 5 medium tomatoes
▢ 1 cup finely diced white onion, 1 medium onion
▢ ½ cup finely chopped cilantro
▢ ½ to 1 finely diced jalapeno, seeds and ribs removed
▢ 2 Tbsp lime juice
▢ ¼ tsp salt
▢ Optional flavors: 1 clove minced garlic, ¼ tsp cumin

Instructions

Prep: Chop and prepare all ingredients.
Stir: Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl. For best results, let sit in the fridge for 30 minutes before digging in.

Notes

*Which tomatoes are best? Roma are great because they have less juice and more tomato flesh (though any ripe tomato will do!).

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Serve with tortilla chips, on tacos, or in salads.

Nutrition

Nutrition information calculated by Sarah Bond, degreed nutritionist.