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With fresh and easy ingredients, you can have this Pico de Gallo in minutes! With a little bit of kick, this is my favorite way to make a dip you cannot resist.

I’m a huge dip person, I really don’t care what it is if you put a dip in front of me it’s almost guaranteed that I will eat it, especially with the simple ingredients in this Pico de Gallo.
I love fresh Pico de gallo as it has fresh ingredients and literally comes together in minutes. We make this all the time as it is one of our favorite side dishes, appetizer, and just chill-out foods.
You can serve this great appetizer with a variety of things from pita bread, crackers to chips, or add it on top of your favorite dishes. It really is a personal preference, and you can make it as spicy as you’d like.
If you want it a little less spicy you can use jalapeño pepper. It’s an easy recipe to change up at will. It will remind you of the best pico de gallo from your favorite Mexican restaurant.
I love this stuff on fish tacos and many other dishes. Authentic pico de gallo has soooo many uses!
It is one of those recipes that everyone who likes a good salsa-type recipe should have in the recipe box for sure.
If you are a spicy lover like we are around here, then you absolutely have to make my Pico de Gallo. You won’t be disappointed!
Some of our other favorite dip recipes we have on our site include: Queso Dip, Pub Style Beer Cheese Dip and Roasted Garlic Cream Cheese Dip.

Jump to:
- WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS:
- INGREDIENTS NEEDED (SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST FOR THE FULL RECIPE CARD):
- HOW TO MAKE PICO DE GALLO:
- FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS RECIPE:
- WHAT ARE THE BEST TOMATOES TO USE?
- DO I HAVE TO USE SERRANO CHILIS?
- DO I HAVE TO USE AN AVOCADO?
- CAN I MAKE THIS AHEAD OF TIME?
- ANY ADDITIONS?
- ANY SUBSTITUTIONS?
- HOW TO STORE:
- DANA’S TIPS AND TRICKS:
- Fresh Homemade Pico de Gallo Recipe
WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS:
- Minimal ingredients are used in this easy pico de gallo recipe.
- You can make it as spicy as you’d like. Add an extra serrano pepper or two if you like a little fire!
- This is a great recipe to double if serving a big crowd.
INGREDIENTS NEEDED (SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST FOR THE FULL RECIPE CARD):
- Onion
- Serrano chilis
- Tomatoes
- Cilantro
- Lime juice
- Avocado
- Salt
- Black Pepper

HOW TO MAKE PICO DE GALLO:
- On a chopping board, begin by chopping your tomatoes, onion, serrano chili, and cilantro very finely.
- Combine those ingredients in a large serving bowl.
- Add the lime juice, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Mix until combined.
- Let it rest 15 minutes before serving.
- Optional: Garnish with extra fresh cilantro leaves and Avocado cut into thin slices.
- Serve with tortilla chips as a dip.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS RECIPE:
WHAT ARE THE BEST TOMATOES TO USE?
We like to use Roma tomatoes for this recipe. They are smaller and easier to cut.
These have always been the ones that we have used.
You can technically use any type of tomato you like; just make sure that it is the same amount as the recipe calls for.
If you have fresh tomatoes from the garden, all the better!
DO I HAVE TO USE SERRANO CHILIS?
Serranos can be very hot, like I said we like spice around here.
If you are not huge on spice then I would swap it out with jalapeno peppers instead.
This will be milder with a little bit of kick.
If you don’t like spice at all, just leave out the peppers!
DO I HAVE TO USE AN AVOCADO?
We love using an avocado garnish for our Pico de Gallo Recipe but you absolutely can leave it out.
We love the extra flavor that it gives to this recipe.
Sometimes, basic ingredients make all the difference.

CAN I MAKE THIS AHEAD OF TIME?
Yes, I would only make this about a day ahead of time.
The freshest ingredients taste the best.
Do not add the avocado if using until you are ready to serve this recipe, so you make sure that it doesn’t brown too quickly.
ANY ADDITIONS?
Any type of salsa fresca can stand some additions.
A homemade pico de gallo recipe doesn’t have to follow the exact directions!
- Black Beans: Add black beans for extra protein and texture.
- Corn Kernels: Mix in some corn kernels for a touch of sweetness and a great flavor.
- Mango: Add diced mango for a sweet and fruity twist, similar to mango salsa.
- Pineapple: Mix in diced pineapple for a tropical flavor.
- Red Bell Pepper: Add finely chopped red bell pepper for color and a fresh flavor.
- Garlic: Mince and add a clove of garlic for natural flavors and an extra kick.
- Cucumber: Add diced cucumber for a refreshing crunch.
- Jalapeño Peppers: Use jalapeños instead of serrano peppers for a milder salsa.
- Poblano Pepper: Add roasted poblano pepper for a smoky taste.
- Chili Powder: Sprinkle in a little chili powder for an extra kick.
ANY SUBSTITUTIONS?
Keep in mind that the flavors are often better with a couple of hours in the fridge.
Those flavorful tomatoes will have a chance to blend with the rest of the ingredients.
Simple tricks!
- Red Onion: Use red onion instead of white onion for a different flavor profile and great results.
- Lemon Juice: Substitute lime juice with lemon juice for a different citrus flavor and best results.
- Roma Tomatoes: Use Roma tomatoes instead of any other variety for a more consistent texture and the best flavor.
- Cilantro: Replace cilantro with fresh parsley if you’re not a fan of cilantro’s fresh flavor.
- Habanero Peppers: Use habanero peppers for a much spicier and flavorful salsa.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Substitute regular tomatoes with cherry tomatoes for a sweeter flavor and fresh taste.
HOW TO STORE:
Without the avocado, this should last for up to 4-5 days.
If you are using the avocado then I don’t recommend storing long term as it will brown.
I do not recommend freezing.
DANA’S TIPS AND TRICKS:
- You can use any tomatoes you like, we like Romas.
- Serranos can be swapped out with jalapenos for a little less kick or left out entirely for a spice-free pico.
- White or red onion can be used for this recipe.
- The avocado garnish is optional but very tasty.
- You can easily double this recipe to serve more people.

Love a good dip that is fresh, easy, and super tasty?
Then you have to mix together a batch of this Pico de Gallo ASAP!
If you like this recipe, you might also like:
If you’ve tried this PICO DE GALLO, let me know in the comments how it turned out! You can follow me over on PINTEREST, INSTAGRAM OR FACEBOOK to find some more of our mouthwatering recipes!
Fresh Homemade Pico de Gallo Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Roma tomatoes
- ½ of a small onion
- 1-2 serrano chilis to your taste
- ½ cup cilantro
- 2 limes juiced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Dash of pepper
- Avocado for garnish, optional
Instructions
- On a chopping board, begin by chopping your tomatoes, onion, serrano chili, and cilantro very finely.2 pounds Roma tomatoes, ½ of a small onion, 1-2 serrano chilis, ½ cup cilantro
- Combine those ingredients in a large serving bowl.
- Add the lime juice, and salt and pepper to taste.2 limes juiced, ½ teaspoon salt, Dash of pepper
- Mix until combined.
- Let it rest 15 minutes before serving.
- Optional: Garnish with extra fresh cilantro leaves and Avocado cut into thin slices.Avocado
- Serve with tortilla chips as a dip.
Notes
- Nutritional value does not include dippers.
- You can use any tomatoes you like, we like Romas.
- Serranos can be swapped out with jalapenos for a little less kick or left out entirely for a spice-free pico.
- White or red onion can be used for this recipe.
- The avocado garnish is optional but very tasty.
- You can easily double this recipe to serve more people.
Nutrition
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Parsley or you can just leave it out!
This looks so good. My problem is I the cilantro. Unfortunately I am in a small section of the population that thinks it taste like dish soap. What would you say is a good replacement for the cilantro?