If you’re the sort of person who sneaks a pickle spear onto every plate, Pickle De Gallo is about to become your new obsession. This irresistible recipe takes everything you love about classic salsa and gives it a delightfully tangy, briny twist with crisp dill pickles as the star ingredient. Packed with crunchy cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, plenty of fresh cilantro, jalapeño, and finished with both pickle and lime juice, Pickle De Gallo is a bright, zesty fusion that wakes up your taste buds and brings a pop of color to any table. Whether you scoop it with chips, load it onto burgers, or spoon it over grilled meats, this chilled, refreshing mix is the ultimate way to bring a little zing to your appetizers and meals!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Pickle De Gallo comes together with just a handful of everyday ingredients, each chosen for their punchy flavor and vibrant texture. Every item matters here: the pickles are crisp and tangy, tomatoes add juicy sweetness, and jalapeño brings just the right kick. Here’s how each one shines:
- Dill Pickles (1 1/2 cups, finely chopped): The true star, bringing crunch and irresistible tanginess to every bite.
- Roma Tomatoes (1/2 cup, finely diced): Add juiciness, sweetness, and a pop of beautiful color.
- White Onion (1/2 cup, finely diced): Delivers a sharp bite and aromatic depth, balancing the pickles perfectly.
- Jalapeño (1 small, finely diced, seeds removed for less heat): Brings your Pickle De Gallo a gentle kick—leave the seeds for extra spice if you love heat!
- Fresh Cilantro (1/4 cup, chopped): A burst of herbal freshness makes the whole dip sing.
- Pickle Juice (2 tablespoons): Reinforces that signature briny tang and keeps things extra flavorful.
- Lime Juice (1 tablespoon): Adds zesty brightness and balance to the acidity.
- Garlic Powder (1/4 teaspoon): A touch of savory flavor to round out the salsa.
- Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Just enough for a subtle, peppery bite at the finish.
How to Make Pickle De Gallo
Step 1: Prep Your Produce
Start by gathering all your fresh ingredients. Finely dice your dill pickles, Roma tomatoes, white onion, and jalapeño (don’t forget to remove the seeds if you prefer a milder kick). Chop the cilantro until you have fragrant little pieces that will blend beautifully into the mix. The smaller you chop, the better your Pickle De Gallo will combine for that classic, scoopable texture.
Step 2: Mix It All Together
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the chopped pickles, tomatoes, onion, jalapeño, and cilantro. Pour in the pickle juice and lime juice so the flavors start melding instantly. Sprinkle in garlic powder and black pepper for that subtle layer of savoriness. Give everything a thorough stir, making sure the salsa looks evenly mixed and vibrant throughout.
Step 3: Let It Chill
This step is the secret to maximizing flavor! Cover your bowl and pop it into the fridge for at least 20 minutes. This quick chill lets those zesty, tangy, sweet, and spicy notes blend together so every bite is as bright and punchy as the last. It’s a simple wait, but it makes a big difference.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
Once the Pickle De Gallo is chilled and flavors married, give it a quick stir and set it out. Taste and adjust the seasoning if you like—maybe a bit more lime for freshness or jalapeño for heat. Then, let the dipping, topping, and snacking begin!
How to Serve Pickle De Gallo
Garnishes
When it comes to garnishing, a sprinkle of extra fresh cilantro and a few thin slices of jalapeño right on top make your Pickle De Gallo look absolutely irresistible. For even more color and crunch, scatter some finely diced red bell pepper or cucumber over the bowl for an eye-catching party presentation—guests will be instantly drawn in!
Side Dishes
Pickle De Gallo is a social butterfly on any spread, but it really shines when served alongside golden tortilla chips, crunchy pita chips, or rustic crostini. It’s also a knockout addition to burgers and sandwiches, giving every bite an extra snap, or spooned generously over tacos and grilled sausages for a bright, briny lift.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful and use Pickle De Gallo as a topping for hot dogs, nachos, or even a bowl of chili—it cuts through rich flavors like a dream. Try serving it in individual mini-mason jars or as lettuce-cup bites for a fun appetizer platter. If you love charcuterie, tuck little scoops next to cheeses and cured meats for an unexpected, crowd-pleasing twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pop any leftovers into an airtight container and keep them in the fridge—they’ll stay crisp and flavorful for about three days. The pickles and veggies keep their snap surprisingly well, and the flavors even develop a little more depth over time.
Freezing
Unfortunately, Pickle De Gallo doesn’t freeze well—the fresh vegetables tend to lose their crunch and become watery once thawed. If you want the best taste and texture, stick to making this salsa fresh or enjoying within a few days from the fridge.
Reheating
This vibrant dip is meant to be served chilled, so there’s no need to reheat it. If you accidentally left it out for a little while, just pop it back in the refrigerator for a bit before serving. Giving it a quick stir before you scoop will freshen things right up!
FAQs
Can I use other types of pickles?
Absolutely! While classic dill pickles keep the flavor sharp and tangy, feel free to experiment with bread-and-butter or spicy pickles for your Pickle De Gallo. Each will give a unique spin, so have fun with your favorite varieties!
Is Pickle De Gallo spicy?
It has just a hint of heat from the jalapeño (especially with seeds removed), but you can always dial up the spice with more jalapeño, a dash of hot sauce, or even a pinch of crushed red pepper if you’re a heat seeker.
What can I serve Pickle De Gallo with?
This dip is super versatile—try it with chips, over burgers and hot dogs, on tacos, paired with grilled chicken or steak, or even with eggs at brunch. It’s one of those recipes that shines anywhere you need a burst of flavor.
Can I make Pickle De Gallo ahead of time?
Yes! This salsa is perfect for prepping a day ahead of a party or cookout. Just cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. You might even find the flavors mingle and deepen, making it even tastier the next day.
How do I keep my Pickle De Gallo extra crunchy?
To maximize the crunch, chop your veggies right before assembling and let the salsa chill only as long as needed. If you like even more snap, try adding diced cucumber or bell pepper right before serving.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something about the tang, crunch, and bold flavors of Pickle De Gallo that keeps you reaching for one more scoop every time. If you’re looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer with a serious flavor punch, give this recipe a try—your snack game will never be the same!
Print
Pickle De Gallo Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes plus chilling
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer, Dip, Condiment
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired, American
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free
Description
Pickle De Gallo is a zesty and refreshing condiment that combines the tangy flavors of dill pickles with the freshness of tomatoes, onions, and cilantro. This easy-to-make salsa is perfect for serving with tortilla chips, topping burgers or tacos, or as a flavorful accompaniment to grilled meats.
Ingredients
Dill Pickles:
1 1/2 cups finely chopped
Roma Tomatoes:
1/2 cup finely diced
White Onion:
1/2 cup finely diced
Jalapeño:
1 small finely diced (seeds removed for less heat)
Fresh Cilantro:
1/4 cup chopped
Pickle Juice:
2 tablespoons
Lime Juice:
1 tablespoon
Garlic Powder:
1/4 teaspoon
Black Pepper:
1/4 teaspoon
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, mix pickles, tomatoes, onion, jalapeño, and cilantro. Add pickle juice, lime juice, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Stir Well: Mix everything until well combined.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve: Enjoy chilled with tortilla chips or as a topping for various dishes.
Notes
- For extra crunch, add diced cucumber or bell pepper.
- For more heat, retain jalapeño seeds or add hot sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 25
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
