Pico de Gallo

Pico de Gallo is a easy Mexican recipe that serves 4. 20 calories per serving. Recipe by Matt Santos on YouTube.

Prep: 15 min | Cook: PT0M | Total: 25 min

Cost: $2.46 total, $0.61 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup Red Onion (small dice, milder and sweeter than white onion)
  • 1 piece Jalapeño Pepper (seeded for less heat, small dice)
  • 2 pieces Tomato (medium ripe tomatoes, diced; seeds optional)
  • 1 piece Lime (freshly squeezed juice)
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Cilantro (chopped)
  • 1/2 tsp Salt (to taste)

Instructions

  1. Dice the Red Onion

    Using a very sharp knife, finely dice the red onion into small, uniform pieces.

    Time: PT3M

  2. Prepare the Jalapeño

    Slice the jalapeño lengthwise, remove seeds if you prefer less heat, then dice it finely.

    Time: PT2M

  3. Dice the Tomatoes

    Core the tomatoes and dice them into bite‑size cubes. If you want a less watery salsa, scoop out the seeds and excess juice.

    Time: PT4M

  4. Combine the Vegetables

    Place the diced onion, jalapeño, and tomatoes into a mixing bowl.

    Time: PT1M

  5. Season the Salsa

    Sprinkle the salt over the mixture, squeeze the juice of one lime, and add the chopped cilantro.

    Time: PT2M

  6. Final Mix

    Stir everything together until evenly combined.

    Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
20
Protein
0.5g
Carbohydrates
4g
Fat
0g
Fiber
1g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Allergens: None

Last updated: April 19, 2026

Amazon Associates

Amazon Associates PartnerTrusted

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this page. This helps support our site at no extra cost to you. Clicking on ingredient or equipment links will take you to amazon.com where you can purchase these items.

Pico de Gallo

Recipe by Matt Santos

A fresh, vibrant Mexican salsa made with diced red onion, jalapeño, tomatoes, lime juice, cilantro, and a pinch of salt. Perfect as a dip for chips or a topping for tacos, burritos, and grilled meats.

EasyMexicanServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
13m
Prep
0m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
23m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$2.46
Total cost
$0.61
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Dice the red onion finely.
  • Remove jalapeño seeds (optional) and dice the pepper.
  • Mix all ingredients thoroughly and taste for seasoning.

Safety Warnings

  • Use a very sharp knife to avoid slipping and accidental cuts.
  • Handle jalapeño peppers carefully; avoid touching eyes or face.
  • Wash hands thoroughly after handling peppers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Pico de Gallo in Mexican cuisine?

A

Pico de gallo, also called salsa fresca, is a traditional Mexican condiment dating back to the Aztec era. It was originally a simple mixture of chopped tomatoes, chilies, onions, and cilantro used to add fresh flavor to tacos and other dishes.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Pico de Gallo in Mexico?

A

In northern Mexico, larger chunks of tomato and onion are common, while in central regions the salsa is finer and often includes more lime juice. Some coastal versions add cucumber or fruit like mango for a sweeter twist.

cultural
Q

How is Pico de Gallo traditionally served in Mexican households and restaurants?

A

It is typically served as a table condiment alongside tacos, quesadillas, and grilled meats, or as a dip with tortilla chips. In many homes it is placed in a small bowl on the table for guests to add as they like.

cultural
Q

On what occasions or celebrations is Pico de Gallo commonly enjoyed in Mexican culture?

A

Pico de gallo appears at everyday meals and festive gatherings such as Día de los Muertos, family barbecues, and celebrations where tacos or grilled foods are served. Its fresh flavor complements many party dishes.

cultural
Q

How does Pico de Gallo fit into the broader Mexican cuisine tradition?

A

It exemplifies the Mexican emphasis on fresh, raw ingredients that add brightness and heat. Pico de gallo balances the richness of cooked dishes and is a staple across all regions of Mexico.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Pico de Gallo versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients are ripe tomatoes, white or red onion, jalapeño or serrano peppers, fresh cilantro, lime juice, and salt. Substitutes can include green onions, different chilies like Fresno, or bottled lime juice if fresh is unavailable.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Pico de Gallo?

A

Common errors include over‑dicing the tomatoes, which releases too much juice, using too much salt, and not removing jalapeño seeds when a milder heat is desired. Also, using a dull knife can bruise the vegetables and affect texture.

technical
Q

Why does this Pico de Gallo recipe use fresh lime juice instead of bottled?

A

Fresh lime juice provides bright acidity and aromatic oils that bottled juice lacks, giving the salsa its characteristic zing and freshness. The acidity also helps balance the heat of the jalapeño.

technical
Q

How do I know when my Pico de Gallo is properly balanced in flavor and texture?

A

The salsa should have a harmonious blend of salty, tangy, and mildly spicy notes, with a crunchy texture from the onion and pepper. Taste and adjust salt or lime juice as needed; the vegetables should be evenly diced, not mushy.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Matt Santos specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Matt Santos focuses on quick, approachable home cooking tutorials, often highlighting fresh, seasonal ingredients and simple techniques for everyday meals.

channel
Q

What is the cooking philosophy and style of the YouTube channel Matt Santos?

A

Matt Santos emphasizes using sharp tools, minimal waste, and flavor‑first recipes that can be prepared in under 30 minutes, catering to busy home cooks who want tasty, wholesome dishes.

channel

You Might Also Like

Similar recipes converted from YouTube cooking videos

Homemade Yogurt (1 Gallon)
26

Homemade Yogurt (1 Gallon)

Learn how to make a full gallon of creamy, tangy homemade yogurt using raw or store-bought milk. This low‑maintenance method uses glass jars, a water bath, and a simple incubation step, yielding thick yogurt with live cultures and no artificial additives.

25 hrs 55 minServes 16$6
American
Seared Ribeye Steak with Pico de Gallo, Fried Eggs, Goat Cheese & Basil Tequila Cocktail
9

Seared Ribeye Steak with Pico de Gallo, Fried Eggs, Goat Cheese & Basil Tequila Cocktail

A Texas‑style ribeye steak cooked in a hot pan, basted with butter, rested, then sliced and served with fresh pico de gallo, creamy goat cheese, and perfectly fried eggs. Paired with a fragrant basil‑infused tequila cocktail, this dish brings the bold flavors of the Lone Star State to your kitchen.

1 hr 20 minServes 2$22
American (Texan)
Taco Bowls! Ground Beef, Herb Rice, Corn Salsa, Pico De Gallo, Black Beans, Avocado, and Veggies
6

Taco Bowls! Ground Beef, Herb Rice, Corn Salsa, Pico De Gallo, Black Beans, Avocado, and Veggies

A complete lunch/dinner recipe featuring fragrant herbed jasmine rice, seasoned ground‑beef taco meat, sautéed peppers & onions, black beans, fresh corn salsa, pico de gallo, creamy avocado, sour cream and cheddar, served in a bowl. Accompanied by three mini banana‑bread loaves (plain, chocolate‑chip and walnut) that bake in just 17 minutes.

1 hr 49 minServes 4$38
American
Chipotle Chicken Tacos with Pineapple Pico de Gallo
3

Chipotle Chicken Tacos with Pineapple Pico de Gallo

Spicy chipotle‑seasoned chicken tucked into crispy corn tortillas, topped with a bright pineapple pickle. A quick, flavorful Mexican‑inspired taco that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or taco night gatherings.

57 minServes 4$13
Mexican
JALAPEÑO POPPER BURGER from Tony Beef in Galloway, NJ!! 🌶️🧀🍔🔥 Insanely delicious.
3

JALAPEÑO POPPER BURGER from Tony Beef in Galloway, NJ!! 🌶️🧀🍔🔥 Insanely delicious.

A juicy smashed beef burger loaded with jalapeño slices, jalapeño‑cheddar cream cheese, melted cheddar, and sweet‑savory bacon jam, all sandwiched between a toasted buttery bun. Inspired by Tony Beef in Galloway, NJ, this burger packs heat, richness, and crunch in every bite.

30 minServes 2$27
American
How to cook a 10 gallon Jambalaya
0

How to cook a 10 gallon Jambalaya

A massive, hearty one‑pot Southern feast featuring smoked sausage, tender chicken thighs, pork, the classic holy trinity vegetables, and plenty of rice. Perfect for large gatherings, backyard cookouts, or any event where you need to feed a crowd with bold, comforting flavors.

1 hr 55 minServes 20$136
Southern American