Simple Pico de Gallo Recipe (Chipotle Copycat)
Today we are making a simple Pico de Gallo Recipe (Chipotle Copycat)! Chipotle’s pico de gallo (also known as salsa fresca) is a classic tomato-based dip that balances freshness and zest, making it a perfect addition to any meal. Now, you may think well, isn’t this just salsa? Not quite, but sometimes you may hear it also being called salsa. Mexican salsa is very similar, but main difference is that in salsa, the ingredients are usually blended together, whereas in pico de gallo, all the fresh ingredients are left separated.
Recreating Chipotle’s pico de gallo at home is incredibly easy and rewarding. The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity! No cooking required, easy to find ingredients at the grocery store, and just a bit of chopping and mixing. By following this recipe, you can enjoy the fresh flavor of Chipotle right in your own kitchen, adding a homemade touch to your favorite Mexican dishes.
What’s In This Recipe?
Today’s fresh pico de gallo brings together basic ingredients that define the original— diced tomatoes (the main ingredient), crisp red onions, and spicy jalapeño peppers. Combined with aromatic cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lime juice, it captures the essence of Chipotle’s pico de gallo, delivering that popular burst of flavor with every bite.
Whether you’re using it as a topping for tacos, a fresh complement to a burrito bowls or a basket of tortilla chips, this pico de gallo is a versatile addition to any dish.
Why You’ll Love This Chipotle Copycat Pico de Gallo Recipe
Simple Ingredients: This classic pico de gallo is all about freshness. It uses only a handful of ingredients, each one chosen for its ability to contribute to a bright and zesty flavor profile. The use of ripe tomatoes, crisp red onions, and fresh cilantro ensures that every bite is bursting with garden-fresh goodness. It’s a reminder that sometimes, less is more when it comes to achieving bold flavors.
Fresh tomatoes provide a juicy base, small pieces of red onion add a sharp crunch and the jalapeños introduce a subtle heat. This balances perfectly with the cooling effect of the cilantro and the bright acidity of the lime juice. When seasoned with just the right amount of salt, the ingredients meld together to create a salsa that’s both refreshing and bold.
This fresh salsa is a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their meals with a burst of the freshest ingredients and zesty flavor that stays true to style of Chipotle restaurants!
Healthy and Wholesome: Not only is this easy pico de gallo recipe delicious, but it’s also full of nutrients. The ingredients are all natural, low in calories, and full of vitamins and antioxidants. Tomatoes bring a dose of vitamin C and lycopene, while cilantro offers a hit of vitamin K. This makes it a great addition to your meals, adding flavor without unnecessary fats or sugars.
Substitutions
Lime: Substitute with lemon juice instead. Choose a fresh lime or lemon, as opposed to bottled juice.
Cilantro: If you don’t have cilantro (also known as coriander), then you can try using fresh parsley instead. The taste won’t be authentic with parsley though. You can also omit the cilantro.
Red Onion: If you prefer a sweeter recipe, substitue with white onion, which has a milder taste. You can also try using yellow onions.
Roma Tomatoes: These are also known as plum tomatoes, and are the best to use in pico de gallo. They are small to medium sized, with thin skin, fewer seeds and less water content than other types of tomatoes. If you don’t have these, you can substitute with another type of tomato as well.
Jalapeno: You can omit the jalapeno peppers if you don’t have them on hand.
Pico de Gallo Recipe Notes
- For a spicier salsa, add in some of the seeds that are removed from the jalapeno.
- Keep the removed cilantro stems in another salad recipe. Or, you can opt to keep them in the pico de gallo as well.
- Don’t skip the 15 minutes of chilling time, to allow the salsa to have the best flavor!
More Dip Recipes You’ll Love
Whipped Feta Dip with Lemon & Herbs
If you make this Pico de Gallo Recipe, then leave a comment and star rating! Don’t forget to tag your photos @peanut_palate on Instagram. Enjoy!
Simple Pico de Gallo Recipe (Chipotle Copycat)
Ingredients
- ½ medium red onion minced
- 3 tbsp cilantro stems removed, minced
- ½ medium lime juiced
- 1½ cups firm roma tomatoes diced
- ¼ medium jalapeno de-seeded, minced
- ¼ tsp pink salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Combine tomatoes with all the other ingredients in a medium bowl, ensuring even mixing.
- Place the mixture in the refrigerator for 15 minutes, to allow the flavors to mesh well.
- Serve with corn chips, on tacos, or in a burrito (for some ideas). Enjoy!
Notes
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Storage
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
