This fresh no jalapeño mild pico de gallo recipe is a delicious salsa with a burst of flavor! Five simple ingredients are juicy tomatoes, red onions, cilantro, garlic salt seasoning, and lime juice. This fresh salsa is the perfect summer appetizer dip or use year-round on tacos, salads, or with tortilla chips!
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Why I Love This Recipe
- Picky eater approved: Mild zest, not spicy, and made with no jalapeño peppers and no serrano peppers (kid-friendly, just like my simple guacamole recipe!)
- Simple ingredients, easy prep: Only five simple ingredients. Make this colorful salsa so quick in under 10 minutes.
- Healthy topping for protein: Naturally gluten-free, vegan, and paleo. Perfect to top summer meals like grilled chicken, mahi mahi fish tacos, salmon, quesadillas, or shrimp.
- Chipotle-inspired: Make your favorite salsa at home!
What is Pico de Gallo Salsa Made Of?
Here are the ingredients you need to make this recipe. Reference the recipe card at the bottom for exact measurements and the notes below for substitution ideas.
- Ripe tomatoes: I recommend using cherry tomatoes, Roma tomatoes, or plum tomatoes for ease of preparation, and they are less watery. Use whatever fresh tomatoes are accessible to you in your grocery store.
- Cilantro: Fresh cilantro is generally found in salsa, but you can omit it if you do not care for it.
- Limes: Fresh lime juice provides acidity and a tangy flavor. It also works as a natural preservative to help the salsa last longer in the fridge.
- Onions: Red onion provides texture, crunch, texture, and aroma to this recipe. Yellow onion or white onion may also be used.
- Seasonings: Garlic powder and salt help to season the mild pico de gallo perfectly. I prefer garlic powder to minced garlic to balance the garlic flavor intensity.
See recipe card for quantities.
How to Make Homemade Pico de Gallo
Step 1: Wash and Chop Ingredients
Wash all ingredients and use a cutting board and sharp knife to dice into small pieces.
Step 2: Season and Combine
Add ingredients to a large mixing bowl and stir gently to incorporate. Season with a pinch of salt and serve immediately or once chilled.
Hint: Use a slotted spoon to serve the salsa and to avoid it from being overly watery.
Make Ahead for Easy Prep
Pico de gallo salsa can made ahead up to 3 days in advance. Spoon it into a separate bowl before serving to remove extra liquid.
Substitutions
- Spicy - instead of making mild pico de gallo, turn up the heat to medium or hot by adding habaneros, serrano chiles, or jalapeño peppers to make it with spicy flavors.
- Onion-free - omit onions to make it even more picky eater friendly.
Variations
- Tropical - add chopped pineapple, strawberries, or mango to make fruit salsa.
- Avocado - add chopped avocado for a boost of healthy fats.
- Corn - Grilled corn makes an excellent addition (just like in my corn and black bean dip!)
Equipment
The only equipment needed is a good, sharp knife (I use the WÜSTHOF Classic 8" Chef's Knife) and a wooden cutting board.
Storage & Serving
Store salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing is not recommended.
Serve as a party dip appetizer with tortilla chips or as a topping for mahi mahi fish tacos, burrito bowls, cheese quesadillas, pan-seared shrimp, grilled chicken, or other grilled meats.
What to Serve with Pico de Gallo
These are my favorite meals to serve with mild pico de gallo:
Recipe FAQs
Pico de gallo, aka salsa fresca, is a chunky salsa made with whole and raw pieces. Salsa is generally more liquid-based as it is made with mainly cooked ingredients.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
The phrase translates to rooster's beak. It has an interesting origin, according to Tasting Table.
Pico de gallo can be watery when the tomatoes used have too much liquid. I prefer Roma tomatoes or cherry tomatoes that have less moisture.
If using a higher moisture content tomato, use a paper towel to blot out excess moisture and consider removing the inside flesh with a paring knife.
Other Healthy Dip Appetizers to Try!
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
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Fresh & Easy 5-Ingredient Mild Pico de Gallo Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 cups tomatoes diced
- ½ medium red onion chopped
- ¼ cup cilantro chopped
- 1 regular lime
- salt to taste
Instructions
- Wash all produce and dice into small pieces on a cutting board.2 cups tomatoes, ½ medium red onion, ¼ cup cilantro
- Top the produce with seasonings and lime juice. Use the knife to continue to cut the seasonings into the produce until well mixed. Season to taste. Serve immediately or once chilled.1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 regular lime, salt
Notes
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