Pico de Gallo (Salsa Fresca) Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (2024)

Pico de Gallo (Salsa Fresca) Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (1)

By: Becky Hardin

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Pico de Gallo is an easy, fresh, and flavorful little dip you can make any time! Also known as Salsa Fresca, this recipe is loaded with fresh tomatoes, onion, lime juice, cilantro, and chili peppers. This homemade Pico de Gallo recipe is great for chips and salsa, and it’s also the perfect topping for chicken and Mexican dishes.

Pico de Gallo (Salsa Fresca) Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (2)

Table of Contents

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.
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What is pico de gallo?

Pico de gallo is a salsa-like dip made of raw, chopped tomatoes, onions, chili peppers, lime juice, and salt. It’s a fresh, chunky dip that is traditionally served as a table salsa to be eaten with chips. You can also use it as more of a garnish or topping. It’s sometimes known as salsa fresca.

What does “pico de gallo” mean?

Translated from Spanish, “pico de gallo” literally means “beak of rooster.” Some believe this is because it was originally eaten by pinching between the thumb and finger, making the shape of a rooster’s beak.

Is pico de gallo healthy?

Yes, this salsa fresca recipe is so simple, with just a few fresh ingredients. It’s low calorie, and it’s just fruits and herbs. So it makes a great healthy little dip!

What is the difference between pico de gallo and Salsa?

Pico de gallo is also called salsa fresca, so yes, it is a type of salsa. However, it is a little bit different than most of the salsa you might think of.
The main difference is the consistency. Salsas (aka sauces) are usually more liquidy, with varying degrees of chunkiness. While pico de gallo is mainly just chunks of ingredients, mostly dry, like a garnish or salad. We removed as much of the liquid as possible!

What are the best tomatoes?

Use fresh, ripe tomatoes for the best and most flavorful results. If you can’t find super fresh tomatoes (particularly in the winter), use Roma or cherry tomatoes.

Is pico de gallo spicy?

The chili peppers do add a bit of spice, but you can make it more or less spicy as you please. You can remove the seeds and membrane from the chilis to make it less hot. While serrano peppers are a great way to add more heat.

What goes with pico de gallo?

It’s typically served as a table dip with chips, but it also makes a great topping or garnish for all your favorite Mexican dishes.

How long does pico de gallo last?

Fresh-made Pico de Gallo should be stored in an airtight container, and it will last up to 3 days in the fridge. Over time, the tomatoes and cilantro will get droopy and lose their freshness. So it’s best to eat while fresh!

Can you freeze pico de gallo?

I don’t recommend freezing it. The ingredients will be best fresh, and the freezer/thawing can mess with the texture. But it’s such a quick recipe to throw together fresh!

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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, steak fajitas, shrimp salads, taco bowls, pan seared chicken, grilled steak, or any Mexican dish.

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Recipe

Pico de Gallo (Salsa Fresca)

4.50 from 16 votes

Author: Becky Hardin

Prep: 10 minutes minutes

Cook: 0 minutes minutes

Total: 10 minutes minutes

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Serves2

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Pico de Gallo is an easy, fresh, and flavorful little dip you can make any time! Also known as Salsa Fresca, this recipe is loaded with fresh tomatoes, onion, lime juice, cilantro, and chili peppers.

Pico de Gallo (Salsa Fresca) Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (8)

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Ingredients

  • ¾ pound ripe tomatoes diced (about 1½ cups)
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ cup white onion diced
  • 1 serrano pepper or jalapeño pepper, minced (for less heat, remove the seeds and membranes)
  • cup finely chopped fresh cilantro leaves
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice from 1 lime

Recommended Equipment

Instructions

  • Sprinkle salt over the diced tomatoes and gently toss. Transfer the tomato/salt mixture to a medium-sized fine-mesh strainer set over a slightly larger bowl. Allow tomato juice to drain for 30 minutes. Discard liquid.

    ¾ pound ripe tomatoes, ½ teaspoon kosher salt

  • In a medium bowl, combine the drained tomatoes, onion, pepper, cilantro, and lime juice. Mix gently and season to taste with salt and lime juice.

    ¼ cup white onion, 1 serrano pepper, ⅓ cup finely chopped fresh cilantro leaves, 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice

Last step! Don’t forget to show me a pic of what you made! Upload an image or tag me @thecookierookie on Instagram!

Becky’s tips

  • Note: Use fresh, ripe tomatoes for the best Pico de Gallo. In the off season, use Roma or cherry tomatoes.
  • Feel free to leave out or substitute any ingredients you don’t like or don’t have. Cilantro can be left out, you can use a different type of chili pepper, or you can even make a fruitier version instead (add mango or pineapple!).
  • This salsa fresca recipe is best eaten fresh, but it can be kept in the fridge to chill before serving.
  • Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. It will become a bit more liquidy the longer it sits, but it still tastes quite good, especially as a topping.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 42kcal (2%) Carbohydrates: 9g (3%) Protein: 2g (4%) Fat: 0.4g (1%) Saturated Fat: 0.1g (1%) Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g Sodium: 592mg (26%) Potassium: 464mg (13%) Fiber: 3g (13%) Sugar: 6g (7%) Vitamin A: 1629IU (33%) Vitamin C: 29mg (35%) Calcium: 25mg (3%) Iron: 1mg (6%)

Did You Make This?I want to see! Be sure to upload an image below & tag @thecookierookie on social media!

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More Salsa Recipes We Love

  • Classic Salsa
  • Salsa Verde
  • Tomatillo Avocado Salsa
  • Avocado Corn Salsa
  • Mango Salsa
  • Italian Salsa
  • Fruit Salsa

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FAQs

What's the difference between pico de gallo and salsa fresca? ›

Texture: pico de gallo is a chunky mixture of fresh ingredients, while salsa can be smooth or chunky, depending on how it's prepared. Some salsas are pureed in a blender or food processor to create a smooth, silky texture, while others are left chunky for a more rustic feel.

What is salsa fresca made of? ›

Pico de gallo (a.k.a. salsa fresca) is a type of salsa made with chopped fresh tomatoes and onions, cilantro, fresh chiles, lime juice, and salt.

What is my pico de gallo missing? ›

If it's missing something, it's probably salt. Spice it up. If you want the Pico de Gallo to be spicier then add some of the reserved jalapeno seeds or a pinch of cayenne.

How long does store bought pico de gallo last in the fridge? ›

How long is pico de gallo good in the fridge? Pico de Gallo is best eaten fresh but can last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Be sure to store it in an airtight container and give it a stir before serving.

What do Mexicans call pico de gallo? ›

Pico de gallo (Spanish pronunciation: [ˈpiko ðe ˈɣaʝo], lit. 'rooster's beak'), also called salsa fresca ('fresh sauce'), salsa bandera ('flag sauce'), and salsa cruda ('raw sauce'), is a type of salsa commonly used in Mexican cuisine.

Is pico or salsa healthier? ›

Pico de gallo is generally considered healthier since it isn't cooked so the raw nutrients in the sauce aren't altered. However, salsa has a lot of the same nutrition, just partially processed.

What are the best tomatoes for salsa fresca? ›

Roma Tomatoes are a popular choice for salsa-making due to their dense and meaty texture, small number of seeds, and full-of-flavor tanginess. Variations of this tomato are sometimes called “plum” or “paste” tomatoes. Red Beefsteak Tomatoes are another favorite for those who favor a juicier tomato in their salsa.

Is Fresca a Hispanic drink? ›

Fresca is a grapefruit soft drink that was launched in Mexico in 1994. It is made with 1% grapefruit juice, it is low in sodium and does not contain artificial coloring.

Who founded salsa fresca? ›

Who is the founder of Salsa Fresca Mexican Grill? Marc Miles and Seth Hirschel are the founders of Salsa Fresca Mexican Grill.

Why is my pico de gallo so watery? ›

Use the tomato flesh, not the seeds and juices.

You don't want your pico to be too watery, so make sure to remove the seeds from the tomatoes as you dice them. I like to use tomatoes on the vine in my pico. Roma tomatoes and plum tomatoes are good choices too, as they're less juicy than other varieties.

Why does my pico de gallo taste bitter? ›

You have almost all the ingredients for a classic pico di gallo there - which isn't traditionally blended, it's left in small cubes/chunks. If it tastes better, then you were probably over-blending seeds from either the tomatoes or chillies. If it still tastes bitter, change your supplier.

Can pico de gallo go bad? ›

Pico de Gallo is usually safe to eat within 3 to 5 days when stored properly in the refrigerator. You can use any good quality storage container to store the salsa. To make it last longer, you can core and de seed the tomato you're using for the recipe, and use fresh onion and other ingredients.

Is it OK to freeze pico de gallo? ›

The water in the tomatoes expands when it freezes and makes the tomatoes much softer. You could just blend it up then texture won't be an issue at all. To freeze pico de gallo make sure to drain any excess juice. Place in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.

Is it OK to leave pico de gallo out overnight? ›

Don't prepare pico de gallo more than two hours in advance

Primarily, the USDA says not to leave perishable foods out at room temperature for more than two hours.

Can you eat 3 day old salsa? ›

Once you open a container of a store-bought salsa, it must be refrigerated in an airtight glass jar or plastic container. An open jar of store-bought salsa will last about 2–4 weeks in the fridge but you should always check for signs of spoilage before serving.

What is Pico Fresca? ›

Pico de gallo, also known as salsa fresca, is a fresh, uncooked salsa commonly found in Mexican cuisine. Characterized by its finely chopped ingredients, it typically includes ripe tomatoes, white onions, jalapeños, cilantro, and lime juice, with salt added to taste.

Is pico de gallo and picante the same thing? ›

A rather smooth and puréed-like sauce is the Picante, the semi-chunky texture is the Salsa, and the uniformly chopped tomatoes that traditionally contains more peppers than salsa or picante sauce, is the Pico de gallo.

What is pico de gallo made of? ›

Pico de gallo is so easy to make.

You will need only five ingredients (six if you count the salt): ripe red tomatoes, white onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime and salt. That's it!

Is mild salsa the same as pico de gallo? ›

The biggest difference between salsa and Pico de Gallo is that salsa contains more liquid. It's made with roasted tomatoes, which are then crushed into a chunky texture. Pico de Gallo tomatoes aren't cooked and therefore hold their liquid. The end result is a much drier, more textured dish.

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