Pico de gallo
A chunky fresh salsa of tomato, onion, cilantro, chile and lime. It is bright, juicy and goes with everything.

Mmm... Pico de Gallo (5923456035): jeffreyw, CC BY 2.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
Where it comes from
Pico de gallo is a staple of Mexican tables, served beside tacos, eggs and grilled meats. Its name means 'beak of the rooster' and it is made without cooking.
Explore the cuisine of Mexico.
Recipe
Make Pico de gallo at home
Ingredients
- 4 ripe Roma tomatoes, diced
- 1/2 white onion, finely diced
- 1 jalapeno or serrano, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 garlic clove, minced (optional)
How it's made
- Dice the tomatoes and drain in a sieve for 5 minutes.
- Mix with the onion, chile and cilantro.
- Add the lime juice and salt.
- Rest 15 minutes so the flavors blend.
- Taste and adjust.
- Serve fresh with chips, tacos or grilled meat.
Variations
- Fruit pico: with mango or pineapple.
- Roasted pico: with charred tomatoes.
- Corn pico: add sweet corn.
Cook’s tip: Use firm tomatoes and drain them well so the salsa stays chunky, not watery.
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About this page
Description and method written by Intercontinental Chef. Home-style method; quantities are a starting point, so adjust to taste.
Photo credit
- Mmm... Pico de Gallo (5923456035): jeffreyw, CC BY 2.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
