Homemade Pico de Gallo

Some recipes just stand the test of time. This homemade pico de gallo recipe is probably the ultimate in always good recipes.

I originally shared this recipe in the summer of 2014. I’d made it for years (since my terrible college boyfriend taught it to me). But then in about 2016, it started to gain some traction on Pinterest. And for the next 3 or so years, it was my top post year round!

I’ve made friends on Instagram from people tagging me, sharing a photo of their fresh salsa. It really is a dish that brings people together!

It also made my husband feel famous! One of my old photos included his thumb (see it on Pinterest here), holding a chip. And when it started getting thousands of views and website visits, he and I joked that it was certainly because of him! Probably it’s just because it’s a great recipe, but I’m never gonna tell him that! He’s too wonderful!

Authentic Pico de Gallo Recipe

Fresh salsa is delicious in many forms, but there’s something magical about homemade pico de gallo. The flavors are more fresh. The chunks provide a great consistency whether you’re enjoying it with chips, on a taco, or on a Mexican Balance Bowl.

One of the most important things about getting this pico recipe right is letting the ingredients sit for a bit.

Don’t get me wrong. It’ll be tasty just after you make it, but if you give it a few hours or even a day… well, you just won’t regret it. The flavors merry and magic takes place, I think!

I will give you a bit of warning that there is a decent amount of chopping involved here. It also makes a lot so invite your friends over to enjoy it or even to help you whip it up.

Salsa Ingredients

When it comes to making salsa, almost all recipes start out the same way. Tomatoes (obviously), cilantro, garlic, and usually onion.

Beyond that, there’s a little debate in regard to onion, garlic, and jalapeno. Now while the amounts of these three ingredients is certainly up to preference, I don’t think omitting any one of those would be a travesty.

But beyond these basics, I’m actually a fan of just the original. I know of lots of fruit salsas, doing different things to your tomatoes, and all that jazz.

With the exception of fire roasted tomatoes on occasion, I think these twists are good occasionally (especially this cilantro strawberry salsa situation – delicious!). But when you just need so good ole chips and salsa…go with the authentic pico de gallo!

Can you make salsa in a food processor?

I get asked pretty frequently if you can make pico de gallo in a food processor. It really is a lot of chopping, so I get it. Obviously the consistency will be totally different, but you can do MOST of this recipe in a food processor…

The garlic and jalapeno are PERFECT in a food chopper (in batches or by ingredient) or processor. The onion, however, isn’t. You end up getting finely chopped onion and onion juice (gross!).

So if you want to use the food processor, I’d just recommend chopping the onions by hand. Then you’ll have the perfect dip for chips or topping for tacos!!

What to Serve with Pico de Gallo?

Besides the obvious answer of delicious chips (we prefer white corn to yellow corn), there are a host of tasty recipes to serve with pico.

Veggie, shrimp, or meat fajitas are great and easily made at home with a homemade fajita seasoning mix! That seasoning also goes into these wild rice stuffed peppers, my one pot Mexican casserole, and my 7 layer sweet potato dip (vegan)!

If you want to keep things lighter and healthier, try this roasted veggie salad with cumin dressing and Mexican fruit cups!!

To drink you’ll love easy mango margaritas!

And for dessert, this Mexican Chocolate Cake is a favorite in our family!