Easy Homemade Pico De Gallo (No Cilantro!)

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This fresh and easy no cilantro 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.

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Close-up of a vibrant salsa in a bowl, featuring chopped red tomatoes, white onions, green onion, and a wooden spoon, on a striped cloth background.

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!

Reasons to Love This Pico De Gallo


  • FRESH AND PACKED WITH FLAVOR: Homemade pico de gallo is bursting with flavors from fresh tomatoes, crisp onions, zesty jalapeno, and fresh herbs and seasonings. It takes just minutes to make and instantly brightens any dish.
  • QUICK AND EASY: Just chop, mix, and season to your liking. Minimal time in the kitchen for a delicious dish? Sign me up.
  • INCREDIBLY VERSATILE: From tacos and burrito bowls to grilled chicken and scrambled eggs, pico de gallo goes with everything. It’s the ultimate side dish, especially during the summer months when you want to take advantage of all of the fresh flavors from the garden.

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • Tomatoes: Garden fresh, ripe tomatoes will provide the best flavor.
  • Onion: I used white onion. Red onion will also work!
  • Jalapeno Pepper: Adds a zesty kick. If spice isn’t your thing, you can swap the jalapeno for a green bell pepper.
  • Garlic + Chives: Chopped fresh chives are my go-to swap for cilantro. Chopped green onion would also be delicious.
  • Lemon + Lime Juice: Add flavor and brightness.
  • Salt: A must! Adds flavor.

Tips for Preparing to Make This Recipe

  1. Substitutions: 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.
  2. Tomatoes: Fresh, ripe tomatoes will provide the best flavor. Use whatever kind of tomato you prefer or have on hand.
  3. Add ins: Add in other ingredients that you enjoy! Sliced avocado would work nicely, or even fresh fruits like diced pineapple or mango.
  4. Serving: 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 dishes from becoming soggy.

Be sure to check out the full recipe and ingredient list below!

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Step by Step Instructions

  1. 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. (Note: I like to use a garlic press to finely mince the garlic).
  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 5 days. 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.

How to Serve

Pico de gallo is an incredibly versatile topping. I make it often during the summer months and serve it with this Mexican shredded beef. It pairs well with tortilla chips for an easy snack, tacos, burrito bowls, nachos, grilled chicken, and even scrambled eggs!

Recipe FAQs

How long does homemade pico de gallo last in the fridge?

Stored in an airtight container, homemade pico de gallo stays fresh for about 4-5 days.

Can I make pico de gallo ahead of time?

Yes! Pico de gallo tastes even better after sitting for 30 minutes to 1 hour to let the flavors meld. Just give it a quick stir before serving.

What tomatoes are best for pico de gallo?

Roma tomatoes or vine-ripened tomatoes work best because they’re firm and less watery. If you use juicy tomatoes, try removing the seeds and pulp to avoid a soggy mixture.

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Close-up of a vibrant salsa in a bowl, featuring chopped red tomatoes, white onions, green onion, and a wooden spoon, on a striped cloth background.

Homemade Pico De Gallo (No Cilantro!)

Rachael
This fresh and easy no cilantro 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.
No ratings yet

Ingredients
  

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

Instructions
 

  • Begin by 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. (Note: I like to use a garlic press to finely mince the garlic).
  • 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.
  • 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.

Notes

    • Substitutions: 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.
    • Tomatoes: Fresh, ripe tomatoes will provide the best flavor. Use whatever kind of tomato you prefer or have on hand.
    • Add ins: Add in other ingredients that you enjoy! Sliced avocado would work nicely, or even fresh fruits like diced pineapple or mango.
    • Serving: 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 dishes from becoming soggy.
    • Storage: Homemade pico de gallo will store well in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days.
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If you enjoyed this easy recipe for homemade pico de gallo, make sure to come back and leave a comment and a 5 star rating! Tag me on Instagram with your creations @ourhandcraftedhomeblog.

Enjoy,

Rachael

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