Copycat Chipotle Pico de Gallo Recipe (Simple and Fresh)

Do you ever eat at Chipotle restaurants? If not, you should definitely them a try if you get the chance. They basically offer a fresh and delicious version of fast food. They use healthy ingredients and you can customize your meal however your heart desires. This copycat Chipotle Pico de Gallo recipe is easy to make at home and makes an excellent topper for burrito bowls, nachos, tacos, and more!

What is Pico de Gallo?

Classic Pico de Gallo is a Mexican salsa that is perfect for adding a fresh and flavorful kick to a variety of dishes. Made with fresh tomatoes, onions, jalapeño peppers, cilantro, and fresh lime juice, this salsa is both healthy and delicious.

While store-bought pico is easily available, learning how to make it at home can be a great way to enjoy a more authentic and customized version of this classic salsa.

How to make Fresh Pico de Gallo

This easy Pico de Gallo recipe only requires a few fresh ingredients that can easily be found at any grocery store. Because this is an uncooked salsa, you want to be sure to use only the freshest ingredients. 

Start by selecting ripe red tomatoes. Roma tomatoes are the most commonly used variety, but any fresh and sweet tomato will work well.

Once you have your tomatoes, dice them into small pieces. Chop up a small red onion and fine dice a jalapeño pepper, being careful to remove the core and seeds to adjust the level of heat to your liking. If you prefer a milder salsa, you can substitute the jalapeño for a more mild pepper like  Anaheim or poblano. If you like a spicier salsa you could use serrano peppers or even habanero.

Now is the time to add some garlic and chopped fresh cilantro, which will give the salsa an added layer of herbaceousness. Add the juice of a lime to the mix and stir everything together to combine. You can also add salt to taste and adjust the lime juice and pepper as needed. 

The best part about making homemade Pico de Gallo is that it uses basic ingredients and you can customize it to your own taste preference. Some people like their salsa more spicy and add more peppers, while others prefer a sweeter or tangier version and add more lime juice or even a bit of sugar. 

What to eat with Pico de Gallo 

Pico de Gallo can be served simply as a snack with salty tortilla chips. It’s also a good choice to pair with a variety of Mexican food dishes, such as tacos, burritos, and nachos, OR as a topping for grilled meats or fish. This fresh tomato salsa adds a burst of flavor and color to any meal and is a great way to incorporate fresh produce into your diet. 

Pair the Pico de Gallo with some guacamole or salsa verde to have a delicious trio of dips for your next game-day party or gathering. This versatile and healthy salsa is also perfect for meal prep because it can easily be stored in an airtight container for several days in the fridge. It tastes even better the next day!

Let’s Gather Up the Ingredients

• Tomatoes– Fresh plum tomatoes (otherwise known as Roma) are most commonly used, but you could also use grape tomatoes or cherry tomatoes instead. Be sure to use ripe tomatoes because they will have the best flavor.

• Onions– I like to use red onions because they are slightly milder and add a beautiful color, but you can definitely just use a yellow or white onion

• Garlic– This is my secret ingredient! I don’t think it’s traditional, but I LOVE garlic so I add it to mine. Feel free to omit it if you like

• Chili peppers– I use jalapeño peppers most of the time, but by changing the type of pepper you use, you can easily adjust the heat level to your liking. Here is a guide to help you choose.

• Cilantro– This is a classic ingredient that adds a ton of fresh flavor. Fresh herbs are a great addition to brighten up any dish.

• Lime– Adjust the amount to taste. If you like a tangier version add more. 

• Sea salt and black pepper to taste

Now Let’s get Cooking

Tips for success: A really sharp knife will be your best friend for making this fresh salsa recipe. Tomatoes are delicate, but the skin is not. If you have a sharp knife, you will be able to easily cut through the skin of the tomato without mashing down on the fruit in the process. Because diced tomatoes are the main ingredient, a sharp knife will make the job go much faster. 

Slice the top off of the tomatoes and then place them on your cutting board cut side down. Cut into four or five equal slices.

Take half of those slices and again lay them cut side down on your cutting board.

You will now be able to slice those pieces lengthwise into small pieces.

Repeat this step with all of the tomatoes adding them to a large bowl as you go. 

Cut both ends off of the onion. Peel it and then cut it in half. Repeat the above process with the onion.

Cut the top off of the jalapeño and then slice it in half. Remove the seeds and membrane. Slice it into matchsticks. Stack them up and then cut them across the stack into fine pieces. 

Smash the garlic clove and then mince it finely. 

Roughly chop the cilantro.

After everything has been added to your mixing bowl, add the lime juice, salt, and pepper and give it a good mix. Taste for seasoning and adjust as necessary.  

Homemade Pico de Gallo is an easy way to add a fresh and healthy touch to all of your favorite Mexican dishes. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a customizable salsa that is sure to impress your family and friends.

Frequently Asked Questions

More recipes I think you will love

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Quick and Easy Guacamole

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Torchy’s Copycat Queso

So, the next time you want to recreate the pico you get at your favorite Chipotle Mexican restaurant, try making your own at home. I bet you won’t be able to taste the difference. 

If you decide to make this Chipotle Pico de Gallo recipe or any of my other appetizer recipes please be sure to give it a rating and let me know how yours turned out.

I love hearing your feedback and I will do my best to answer any questions you have as quickly as I can. 

As always, I will be back next week with more delicious recipes from my RV kitchen to yours!