Salsa Fresca (Pico de Gallo)

This homemade Salsa Fresca recipe (Pico de Gallo) is so fresh and tasty! It's quick and easy to prepare, plus great on a variety of Mexican-inspired dishes. (Vegan, gluten-free, oil-free.)

Salsa fresca is the BEST! It's so refreshing, healthy, and easy to prepare. Best of all, it only requires 5 simple ingredients (plus salt).

Pico de Gallo is a fresh tomato salsa commonly used in Mexican cuisine. It's typically made with fresh tomatoes, onion, serrano pepper (or jalapeño), fresh cilantro, lime juice, and salt. (However this is simply my own favorite version.)

Enjoy it as a refreshing condiment, appetizer, or dip served with tortilla chips. I also love it on Mexican-inspired cuisine to give it that extra flavor and texture!

Ingredients for Salsa Fresca

For this recipe, you'll toss together in a medium bowl:

• Vine-ripened tomatoes: Be sure to use flavorful, ripe tomatoes in this recipe because that can make all the difference. Most often I use tomatoes on the vine, but roma tomatoes can also work depending on what's available. Cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes could even work for a bolder, sweeter flavor if you prefer.
• White onion: Most often I use white onion, but you can substitute yellow onion or red onion.
• Jalapeño pepper: I find jalapeños can range in their spiciness level. To keep the salsa mild, I leave out the seeds and inner ribs. However you could completely omit the jalapeño or use poblano instead. Or if you really like spiciness, feel free to use two jalapeños or even serrano peppers for more spice.
• Fresh cilantro
• Lime juice: Fresh lime juice works best. I like two tablespoons (which is about one lime) but adjust the amount to your liking.
• Salt: Adding some fine-grain salt really helps bring out the flavors. However use as much or as little as preferred.

Customizing

Ingredient amounts: Fine-tune the ingredients to suit your taste because this recipe is quite forgiving! Use more or less salt, onion, cilantro, lime juice, etc.

Flavor variations: A quarter teaspoon of ground cumin is also a great addition. Or stir in a minced garlic clove (even though this isn't typically included in authentic Pico de Gallo).

Other additions: Stir in diced avocado, sweet corn, or even black beans for a different variation.

Spicy version: For more heat, swap in serrano peppers instead of jalapeño peppers. (Serrano peppers are spicier.)

Storing

For best flavor: You can serve the salsa right away, however it tastes bests after it marinates for at least 15-20 minutes. Even better, let it chill in the fridge for a few hours or overnight!

How to store: Place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to enjoy. I find it keeps for about 3-4 days. As it sits, the salt will bring out more liquid from the tomatoes. So feel free to use a slotted spoon for serving to leave behind the excess liquid if desired.

Serving

This fresh salsa is so versatile and tasty on a wide variety of Mexican dishes! A few ideas include:

• On Chickpea-Walnut Taco Crumbles
• On Tofu Scramble or breakfast burritos like this Southwest Tofu Burrito
• As a dip with tortilla chips (great for snacks, side dishes, and appetizers)
• On Vegan Burrito Bowls with avocado or guacamole
• On nachos, fajitas, tostadas, quesadillas, or tacos

For more inspiration, also browse all sauce and seasoning recipes.

If you're enjoying this salsa fresca recipe (pico de gallo), also check out:

• Vegan Bean Dip
• Fresh Garden Salsa
• Corn and Black Bean Fajitas

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