Easy Pico de Gallo is a fresh and vibrant classic. Simply chop up juicy cherry tomatoes, zingy red onion, and bright cilantro. Season with a bit of salt, pepper, and fresh lime juice.

It’s an easy way to liven up all sorts of foods, from basic tortilla chips to burrito bowls.

This quick pico de gallo recipe is also a great way to use up your summer produce. Or, you can drop by your local farmer’s market for some ripe, fresh tomatoes. Yum. 🍅

Quick & Easy Pico de Gallo in a serving bowl with tortilla chips.

Why KJ Loves

Quick & Easy Pico de Gallo

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Quick & Easy Pico de Gallo

You can never go wrong with a quick and easy pico recipe – and this one is just that! I love how easily it comes together for so many different uses. Top, dunk or garnish with this pico!

What makes this pico de gallo recipe easy?

When it comes to making the best pico de gallo, the key is fresh ingredients.

You don’t need much else.

With a sharp knife, cutting board, and bowl, you’ll be on your way to a summery flavor explosion in minutes.

To make this quick pico de gallo, all you have to do is chop and stir.

It’s that easy.

Pico de gallo being mixed together in a bowl.

Pico de Gallo Vs. Salsa

While traditional salsas are more liquidy and sometimes cooked, blended, or mashed, pico de gallo is always diced or chopped.

“Salsa” translates to “sauce” in English. But “pico de gallo” is translated “beak of the rooster.”

Why?

No one is completely sure, but some think it’s because the diced ingredients resemble bird feed. Other people think it’s because people ate pico by pinching pieces between the thumb and forefinger…which could resemble a pecking rooster. 🐓

Regardless of the origin, I love that pico de gallo is a simpler way to add flavor to a dish than a more time-intensive fresh salsa.

Easy Pico de Gallo Ingredients

Grape tomatoes (quartered)

Use your favorite type of small tomato. If you use firmer tomatoes like cherry tomatoes or Roma tomatoes, you’ll end up with a less watery pico. But really any ripe tomato works!

Red onion (chopped)

Red onion has a mellower flavor and adds a beautiful deep purple hue to your pico. If you prefer more bite, you can use white onion instead.

Fresh cilantro (chopped)

You can substitute parsley if you prefer pico de gallo without cilantro.

Salt and pepper

Fresh lime juice

Quick & Easy Pico de Gallo in a serving bowl.

How To Make Pico de Gallo

Prepare the pico ingredients.

With a sharp knife, dice your tomatoes and onions, and chop up your cilantro. Smaller is better.

Cut and juice the lime.

Stir everything together.

Add all the ingredients to a medium bowl and season with salt and black pepper.

…and that’s it. Just two steps to a pico party. 🎉

Handy trick: If you want to make dicing cherry tomatoes easier, check out this grape cutter. Just pop those tomatoes through for a quick and easy dicing experience.

Wash the dishes. How sad.

How To Serve Easy Pico de Gallo

The straightforward option: your favorite tortilla chips.

Add a side of simple guacamole and some strawberry smash peach margaritas, and you’ve got the perfect happy hour.

But homemade pico is delicious atop all sorts of Mexican food, including tacos, taco salad, burritos, simple beef enchiladas, or quesadillas.

You can even serve it for breakfast by mixing it into an omelet!

Pico Additions & Variations

Homemade pico is the perfect canvas for all sorts of modifications and tweaks.

If you want to add your own twist or use up some ingredients in your fridge, try one of these modifications:

Red bell pepper
Fresh corn kernels
Diced avocado
Black beans
Diced jalapeño peppers
Diced serrano peppers

Quick Pico de Gallo FAQ

Is pico de gallo spicy?

This easy pico de gallo recipe is not spicy. But it’s easy to spice it up a little bit. Simply add diced jalapeños or serrano peppers for a kick!

How do you store pico de gallo?

Store pico de gallo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Is pico de gallo healthy?

By itself, homemade pico is a fresh and healthy food. It’s low-calorie, high in nutrients, and made with whole foods. Delicious and good for you!

More Salsa & Dip Recipes to Enjoy

Try out this creamy, cheesy White Queso Dip.
Go tropical with Pineapple Salsa.
Make a classic guacamole.
Shake things up with Mango Guacamole.