Easy Homemade + Cilantro Free Pico De Gallo

This fresh and easy pico de gallo recipe is the perfect addition to your favorite Mexican dishes. It requires simple, basic ingredients and is packed full of fresh flavors, making it a good choice all summer long.

Fun fact: did you know that pico de gallo literally translates to “rooster’s beak?”

Yeah, I don’t get it either.

Anywho, if you are like me and love love love the flavors of fresh salsa (but maybe don’t enjoy cilantro) this recipe is for you! Even if you aren’t a cilantro hater like me (sorry not sorry), I would encourage you to give this recipe a try. Packed full of flavorful and fresh ingredients, it is a winner winner chicken dinner. Or should I say rooster dinner?

Never mind. Let’s make it!

Ingredients

I feel like I need to put another disclaimer here that I know this recipe isn’t necessarily authentic pico de gallo, because of the omission of fresh cilantro. I have tried many times over the years to like it and I just can’t get on board with it. So, here I am, making cilantro-free salsas. I’m assuming that if you’re here, you probably are okay with this.

Okay, carry on!

For this homemade and cilantro free pico de gallo recipe, you will need a handful of ingredients:

• 1 lb fresh tomatoes
• 1 white onion
• 1 medium jalapeno pepper
• 2 cloves fresh minced garlic
• 3 tbsp fresh chives, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
• 1/2 tsp salt

Pretty easy, right?

Method

1. Begin by gathering all of your fresh ingredients. Begin by finely chopping the tomatoes, pepper, garlic and onion, making sure to dice them into small pieces. The smaller the better for me, but you can use your preference on this.
2. Add the diced onion, tomato, garlic and jalapeno pepper to a large bowl. Stir, and then add minced chives, lemon and lime juice, and salt. Stir.
3. Adjust seasonings as needed. You may want to add another generous squeeze of lime juice or add more salt. Adjust to your preference!
4. Enjoy immediately or keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. I find the longer that pico de gallo sits, the better it gets, so I often like to make it ahead of time and let it sit for a little while in order to get the best flavor.

Tips for Success

• If spice isn’t your thing, you can always substitute the jalapeno pepper with green bell pepper, or just omit it entirely.
• A red onion can easily be substituted for the white onion.
• Use whatever kind of tomato you prefer or have on hand (Roma tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, heirloom, etc.) Just make sure they are ripe tomatoes!
• Add in other ingredients that you enjoy! Sliced avocado would work nicely, or even fresh fruits like diced pineapple or mango.
• I recommend serving this pico de gallo with a slotted spoon, especially once it has been sitting awhile. The tomatoes release a lot of moisture, and using a slotted spoon helps to keep your dishes from becoming soggy.
• You could try substituting parsley for the cilantro in this recipe. Just know that you may want to use less than the recipe calls for because of the strong grassy flavor of parsley. Finely diced green onion would be a good addition or substitution.
• Some of my favorite ways to eat fresh pico de gallo (other than just eating it with tortilla chips…YUM) is using it just like I would traditional salsa. Its great on breakfast tacos (or any taco really), enchiladas, burrito bowls, nachos… you name it.

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If you enjoyed this easy recipe for homemade pico de gallo, I would appreciate it if you came back and gave it 5 stars! Leave me a comment and let me know how it turned out for you.

Best,

Rachael