This Easy Homemade Pico de Gallo is one of my favorite, go-to recipes when I want something fresh, quick, and flavorful. It’s made with just a handful of real ingredients—ripe tomatoes, zesty lime, crisp onion, and fresh cilantro—and comes together in under 10 minutes.
Whether you’re making it as a taco topping, scooping it with chips (I love grain-free Siete), or meal prepping for the week, this healthy homemade Pico de Gallo recipe is the perfect way to add color, crunch, and nutrients to your plate. Makes for a great summer appetizer too!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Homemade Pico de Gallo
Not only is this simple tomato salsa (yes, we’re using salsa and Pico interchangeably here lol) full of vibrant flavor and color, but it’s also packed with health benefits.
The juicy, fresh tomatoes are rich in antioxidants like lycopene, which supports heart health and fights inflammation. Cilantro adds detoxifying properties and a burst of freshness, while lime juice provides vitamin C and a zesty finish.
I love using heirloom or Roma tomatoes for that juicy texture, and Anaheim pepper gives it just the right amount of mild heat. No jalapeños needed here—this Pico de Gallo without jalapeños is super family-friendly but still deliciously bold. I add a few dashes of hot sauce for a touch more depth of flavor, but you can of course omit entirely or amp up the spice level if you’d like!
How to Serve Pico de Gallo
This quick pico de gallo is incredibly versatile—serve it with grilled chicken, on top of your eggs in the morning, scoop it into a lettuce wrap, or layer it into bowls for a Whole30-friendly meal.
It’s also the ultimate party dip or taco night essential—we love a good excuse to celebrate. Along with my 20-Minute Shredded Chicken Verde, I just made it for my mom’s birthday, which also happens to be Cinco de Mayo, and it was so fresh and delish. I literally could eat it with a spoon (don’t judge!).
Anyways! However you use it, it’s a fresh and healthy way to elevate any dish. Tag me on IG when you make it, and let me know what you think in the comment section below. Enjoy!
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:
- Heirloom or Roma tomatoes
- Red or white onion
- Anaheim pepper
- Fresh cilantro
- Juice of 2 limes
- Hot sauce
- Sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
HOW TO MAKE EASY HOMEMADE PICO DE GALLO
Add all prepped ingredients (tomato, onion, Anaheim pepper, cilantro, fresh-squeezed lime juice, hot sauce, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper) to a medium bowl, and toss to combine.
Let sit for 10–15 minutes to allow the flavors to come together, then taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Serve fresh, or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
RECIPE SUBSTITUTIONS & QUESTIONS
Feel free to make this recipe your own! You can swap Roma or heirloom tomatoes for cherry tomatoes if that’s what you have on hand. If you prefer more heat, replace the Anaheim pepper with jalapeño or even serrano for a spicier kick.
Don’t love cilantro? Try flat-leaf parsley instead—you’ll still get that fresh, herbaceous balance without the soapy taste some people experience with cilantro. And if you’re out of lime juice, lemon juice works in a pinch for that bright, citrusy flavor.
What’s the difference between salsa and Pico de Gallo?
Pico de Gallo is a type of salsa, but it’s made with fresh, raw ingredients and has a chunkier texture. Unlike blended or cooked salsas, Pico de Gallo is uncooked, which makes it crisp, bright, and super refreshing. It’s also sometimes called “salsa fresca” or “salsa cruda.”
Is Pico de Gallo healthy?
Yes! Pico de Gallo is a nutrient-dense, low-calorie condiment and healthy dip made with whole, real ingredients. Tomatoes are rich in antioxidants like lycopene, while onions and cilantro offer detox benefits. It’s naturally vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, Whole30- and paleo-friendly, making it a clean and flavorful option for any diet.
More Fresh & Healthy Recipes You’ll Love:
Smoky Street Corn Chicken Bowls (Easy and High-Protein)
Avocado Egg Salad (No Mayo!) with Everything Bagel Seasoning
Healthy Green Goddess Chicken Salad with Crispy Chickpeas and Fresh Herb Dressing
Click here to watch the reel I made of this recipe 🙂
Easy Homemade Pico de Gallo
Ingredients
- 1 large heirloom tomato or 4 Roma tomatoes, diced
- ¼ red or white onion, finely diced
- 1 Anaheim pepper, seeded and diced
- ½ cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- Juice of 2 limes
- A few shakes of your favorite hot sauce
- ~1 teaspoon sea salt, to taste (adjust as needed)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Add all prepped ingredients (tomato, onion, Anaheim pepper, cilantro, fresh-squeezed lime juice, hot sauce, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper) to a medium bowl, and toss to combine.
- Let sit for 10–15 minutes to allow the flavors to come together, then taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve fresh, or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
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