Pico de Gallo with Fresh Lime and Cilantro
A fresh and zesty salsa made with diced tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, and cilantro, brightened with lime juice—perfect as a topping or dip. This mexican-inspired snacks (vegan, gluten free) ready in about 10 minutes turns medium, diced ripe tomatoes, small, finely diced white onion, chopped fresh cilantro into a satisfying snack for between meals, packed lunches, or game-day spreads — minimal active time and easy to scale up for a crowd. Each serving lands at about 25 calories and feeds 4, so it fits into lunchboxes, road trips, or an afternoon-energy gap without derailing the day. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 medium, diced ripe tomatoes
- 1 small, finely diced white onion
- 1, seeded and finely chopped jalapeño pepper
- 1/2 cup, chopped fresh cilantro
- 3 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1/2 tsp salt
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 4 medium diced ripe tomatoes, 1 small finely diced white onion, and 1 seeded finely chopped jalapeño pepper.
- Step 2: Add 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 3 tbsp fresh lime juice, and 1/2 tsp salt to the bowl. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
- Step 3: Let the pico de gallo rest at room temperature for 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving as a topping or dip.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pico de Gallo with Fresh Lime and Cilantro take to make?
Total time is about 10 minutes (10 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Pico de Gallo with Fresh Lime and Cilantro?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for crisp items, or in the fridge for anything dairy- or produce-based, for up to 3–5 days. Re-crisp baked snacks in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes if they soften.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pico de Gallo with Fresh Lime and Cilantro?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Pico de Gallo with Fresh Lime and Cilantro for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Pico de Gallo with Fresh Lime and Cilantro vegan?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
