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
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.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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.
