18 Fresh Pico de Gallo Recipes Spicy & Tangy

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Written By Lorraine Koller

DIY expert, architect, 20+ years in crafting, home improvement, and interior design.

Are you ready to add a burst of flavor to your dishes? Look no further than pico de gallo, the spicy and tangy condiment that’s perfect for topping tacos, grilled meats, and veggies. While traditional pico de gallo is made with just a few simple ingredients like tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, and cilantro, we’ve taken it to the next level by experimenting with new flavors and ingredients.

From classic tomato pico de gallo to unique variations like mango habanero and grilled peach, these 18 fresh pico de gallo recipes are sure to spice up your meal routine. Whether you’re a fan of sweet and spicy or tangy and smoky, there’s something for everyone in this collection of mouth-watering condiments.

Classic Tomato Pico de Gallo

A classic Mexican condiment, pico de gallo is a simple yet flavorful salsa made with fresh tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, cilantro, and lime juice. This recipe brings the bold flavors of Mexico to your table in just minutes.

Ingredients:

– 2 cups diced fresh tomatoes (such as Roma or Heirloom)
– 1/2 cup diced red onion
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– Juice of 1 lime
– Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, red onion, and chopped jalapeño.
2. Stir in the chopped cilantro and squeeze the lime juice over the mixture.
3. Season with salt to taste.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
5. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Cooking Time: None

Mango Habanero Pico de Gallo

This refreshing dip combines the natural sweetness of mango with the bold heat of habanero peppers, perfect for topping tacos, grilled meats, or veggies.

Ingredients:

– 2 ripe mangos, diced
– 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 1 habanero pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 1 lime, juiced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt, to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, combine mango, red onion, jalapeño, habanero, lime juice, and garlic.
2. Stir until well combined.
3. Season with salt to taste.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Garnish with cilantro leaves, if desired.
6. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Cooking Time: None (ready in just a few minutes!)

Pineapple Jalapeño Pico de Gallo

This refreshing twist on traditional pico de gallo adds a burst of sweetness from fresh pineapple, perfectly balanced by the heat of jalapeños. This recipe is perfect for topping tacos, grilled meats, or using as a dip.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup diced fresh pineapple
– 1 cup diced fresh tomatoes (such as Roma or cherry)
– 1/2 cup diced red onion
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 1/4 cup cilantro leaves, chopped
– Juice of 1 lime
– Salt, to taste

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, combine pineapple, tomatoes, onion, and jalapeño.
2. Stir in cilantro and lime juice until well combined.
3. Season with salt to taste.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready in under 10 minutes.

Avocado Lime Pico de Gallo

A refreshing twist on traditional pico de gallo, this recipe adds creamy avocado and zesty lime juice to create a perfect condiment for tacos, grilled meats, or veggies.

Ingredients:

– 3 ripe avocados, diced
– 1 cup fresh tomatoes, diced
– 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– Juice of 1 lime
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, combine avocado, tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño, and garlic.
2. Squeeze lime juice over the mixture and toss gently to combine.
3. Season with salt to taste.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves, if desired.

Cooking Time: None needed! This pico de gallo is ready in just a few minutes.

Cucumber Mint Pico de Gallo

Perfect for hot summer days or as a light and flavorful condiment for your favorite dishes, this Cucumber Mint Pico de Gallo is a refreshing take on the traditional Mexican dip.

Ingredients:

– 2 large cucumbers, peeled and seeded
– 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 1 lime, juiced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, combine cucumbers, mint, jalapeño, lime juice, and garlic.
2. Stir until well combined and all ingredients are fully incorporated.
3. Season with salt to taste.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
5. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (includes chilling time)

Roasted Corn Pico de Gallo

Roasted Corn Pico de Gallo: Elevate your tacos and snacks with this fresh, flavorful twist on the classic Mexican condiment.

Ingredients:

– 2 cups roasted corn kernels (see roasting instructions below)
– 1 cup diced fresh tomatoes
– 1/4 cup diced red onion
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Roasting Instructions:

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Remove kernels from ears of corn and spread on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Toss to coat and roast for 10-12 minutes, or until slightly caramelized.

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, combine roasted corn, diced tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño pepper, lime juice, salt, and black pepper.
2. Stir well to combine.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Cooking Time: None (this is a no-cook recipe!)

Watermelon Basil Pico de Gallo

This sweet and savory condiment is perfect for hot summer days, combining the freshness of watermelon with the brightness of basil. It’s great as a dip, topping for tacos or grilled meats, or as a fresh addition to salads.

Ingredients:

– 3 cups diced seedless watermelon
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 1 lime, juiced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, combine watermelon, basil, jalapeño, lime juice, and garlic.
2. Stir well to combine.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Serve chilled.

Cooking Time: None

Yield: About 3 cups

Grilled Peach Pico de Gallo

Elevate your summer gatherings with this unique twist on traditional pico de gallo. By grilling peaches, you’ll add a smoky depth to the classic combination of fresh tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, and cilantro.

Ingredients:

– 2 ripe peaches, sliced into wedges
– 1 large tomato, diced
– 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Grill peach wedges for 2-3 minutes per side, or until caramelized and slightly charred.
3. In a bowl, combine grilled peaches, diced tomato, chopped onion, jalapeño, and cilantro.
4. Squeeze lime juice over the mixture and season with salt to taste.
5. Serve immediately, garnished with additional cilantro if desired.

Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes (including grilling time)

Black Bean and Corn Pico de Gallo

This vibrant pico de gallo is a twist on the classic Mexican condiment, adding protein-rich black beans and sweet corn for added depth of flavor.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup cooked black beans
– 1 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed
– 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves and stems, chopped
– Juice of 1 lime (about 2 tablespoons)
– Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, combine black beans, corn kernels, red bell pepper, and jalapeño.
2. Stir in chopped cilantro and lime juice.
3. Season with salt to taste.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Cooking Time: 5 minutes (prep) + 30 minutes (chilling)

Spicy Serrano Pico de Gallo

Add a burst of flavor to your tacos, grilled meats, and veggies with this refreshing Spicy Serrano Pico de Gallo. This spicy twist on the classic Mexican condiment combines the crunch of fresh vegetables with the heat of serrano peppers.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup diced fresh tomatoes
– 1/2 cup diced red onion
– 1/4 cup diced fresh cilantro
– 2-3 diced serrano peppers (depending on desired level of spiciness)
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, combine diced tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro.
2. Add the diced serrano peppers and stir to combine.
3. Squeeze the lime juice over the mixture and toss to coat.
4. Season with salt to taste.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready in just a few minutes.

Cilantro Lime Shrimp Pico de Gallo

This refreshing pico de gallo combines succulent shrimp with the brightness of lime and the earthiness of cilantro, perfect for topping tacos or grilled meats.

Ingredients:

– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
– Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, combine shrimp, cilantro, lime juice, jalapeño, and red onion.
2. Stir gently to combine, being careful not to crush the shrimp.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
4. Just before serving, season with salt to taste.

Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready in just a few minutes of prep time.

Serve: Use as a topping for tacos, grilled meats, or vegetables, or serve as a dip for chips and veggies.

Smoky Chipotle Pico de Gallo

A spicy twist on traditional pico de gallo, this smoky chipotle version adds a depth of flavor and a touch of heat. Perfect for topping tacos, grilled meats, or vegetables.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup diced fresh tomatoes (such as Roma or cherry)
– 1/2 cup diced red onion
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
– 1 lime, juiced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, combine tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño pepper, and chipotle peppers.
2. Squeeze lime juice over the mixture and toss to coat.
3. Add garlic and salt; stir until well combined.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
6. Serve chilled or at room temperature, garnished with cilantro leaves if desired.

Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (includes chilling time)

Pomegranate Pico de Gallo

Elevate your snack game with this sweet and tangy twist on the classic Mexican condiment, featuring the bold flavor of pomegranate. This refreshing recipe is perfect for topping tacos, grilled meats, or veggies.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup diced fresh pomegranate arils
– 1/2 cup diced red onion
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 1 lime, juiced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon cilantro, chopped
– Salt, to taste

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, combine pomegranate arils, red onion, jalapeño pepper, lime juice, and garlic.
2. Stir in chopped cilantro and season with salt to taste.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
4. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Cooking Time: None needed! This recipe is quick and easy to prepare.

Jicama Citrus Pico de Gallo

This refreshing pico de gallo recipe combines the natural sweetness of jicama with the tanginess of citrus, perfect for topping tacos, grilled meats, or veggies.

Ingredients:

– 1 large jicama, peeled and diced
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
– Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, combine jicama, orange juice, lime juice, jalapeño, and cilantro.
2. Stir until well combined.
3. Season with salt to taste.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Cooking Time: None

Tropical Papaya Pico de Gallo

Add a burst of tropical flavor to your favorite dishes with this refreshing Papaya Pico de Gallo! A perfect blend of sweet and tangy, it’s great as a topping for tacos, grilled meats, or veggies.

Ingredients:

– 1 ripe papaya, diced
– 1 cup diced fresh pineapple
– 1/2 cup diced red onion
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 1 lime, juiced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, combine papaya, pineapple, red onion, jalapeño, lime juice, and garlic.
2. Stir well to combine.
3. Season with salt to taste.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves, if desired.

Cooking Time: 10 minutes (prep time), 30 minutes (chilling time)

Enjoy your delicious Tropical Papaya Pico de Gallo!

Roasted Tomato and Garlic Pico de Gallo

Roasted Tomato and Garlic Pico de Gallo: A Fresh Twist on a Classic Recipe!

Ingredients:

– 2 lbs tomatoes, cored and halved
– 3 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
– 1/4 cup red onion, diced
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
– Juice of 1 lime
– Salt, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place the tomato halves on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with minced garlic. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the tomatoes are tender and lightly caramelized.
4. Remove the roasted tomatoes from the oven and let them cool slightly.
5. In a blender or food processor, combine the roasted tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño pepper, cilantro, lime juice, and salt. Blend until coarsely chopped.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Spicy Cucumber Pico de Gallo

Fresh and spicy, this cucumber pico de gallo is perfect as a topping for tacos, grilled meats, or veggies. Its tangy flavor will add a burst of excitement to any dish.

Ingredients:

– 2 large cucumbers, peeled and seeded
– 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 1 lime, juiced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon cilantro, chopped
– Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, combine cucumbers, red onion, jalapeño, and garlic.
2. Squeeze lime juice over the mixture and toss to coat.
3. Stir in cilantro and season with salt to taste.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Cooking Time: 10 minutes (including prep time)

Charred Pineapple Pico de Gallo

Elevate your Mexican-inspired dishes with this unique twist on traditional pico de gallo. Charred pineapple adds a depth of flavor and texture to this refreshing condiment.

Ingredients:

– 1 ripe pineapple, cut into 1-inch chunks
– 1/2 cup red onion, diced
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 1 lime, juiced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon cilantro, chopped
– Salt, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat grill or broiler.
2. Place pineapple chunks on a baking sheet or directly on the grill grates.
3. Char pineapple for 5-7 minutes per side, or until caramelized and slightly blackened.
4. In a medium bowl, combine charred pineapple, red onion, jalapeño, lime juice, garlic, and cilantro.
5. Season with salt to taste.
6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes (includes grilling time)

Summary

Get ready to spice up your meal times with these 18 fresh and delicious pico de gallo recipes! From classic tomato to mango habanero, pineapple jalapeño to avocado lime, there’s a flavor combination for every taste bud. Discover unique twists like roasted corn, watermelon basil, and grilled peach, or go bold with spicy serrano, smoky chipotle, and more. Whether you’re looking for a simple snack or a flavorful topping, these recipes are sure to tantalize your taste buds!

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