Name: Pickle de Gallo Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 24 ounces baby dill pickles, finely diced (about 10 baby dill pickles); ½ sweet yellow onion, finely diced; 1 red bell pepper, seeded and finely diced; 2 tablespoons pickle brine, from the jar; 1 garlic clove, minced; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; 1 serrano pepper or jalapeno pepper, finely diced

Crunchy, tangy, and packed with vibrant flavors, this Pickle de Gallo Recipe is one of those unexpected kitchen gems that brings a fresh twist to your snack or meal. It’s like the lovechild of classic pico de gallo and dill pickles, making it delightfully addictive.

A white bowl filled with a colorful salad made of small diced cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, and pickles, mixed with tiny green herb pieces, sitting on a wooden board. Two ridged yellow potato chips are placed on the right side inside the bowl, and more potato chips are scattered around on the white marbled surface. Two glasses with ice and dark soda are partially visible in the background, one at the top right and another at the bottom left. A sprig of fresh dill is placed inside the bowl on the left side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Pickle de Gallo Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Pickle de Gallo Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Pickle de Gallo Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, I didn’t expect to fall so hard for this Pickle de Gallo Recipe the first time I tried it. The punchy dill pickles mixed with fresh veggies is just pure magic. It’s versatile, easy, and totally elevates whatever you pair it with.

Unexpected flavor combo: The dill pickles add a zesty twist that brightens up the traditional pico de gallo vibe.
Super simple prep: Just a handful of fresh ingredients tossed together—no fancy chopping skills required!
Perfectly tangy and crunchy: Every bite delivers a satisfying crunch with a zing that keeps you coming back for more.
Incredibly versatile: Use it as a dip with chips or as a topping for tacos, grilled meats, or even sandwiches.

A clear glass jar filled with finely chopped layers of various vegetables, mainly green pickles, white onions, and small pieces of red and green peppers. The diced vegetables are tightly packed inside the jar, giving a textured, colorful, and fresh look. The jar sits on a white marbled surface, with another similar jar blurred in the background to the right. On the left side, a woman's hand holds a small utensil next to a white bowl filled with light beige chips. The overall scene is bright and clean with soft natural lighting highlighting the freshness of the chopped vegetables. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each component in this Pickle de Gallo Recipe plays a special role — the pickles bring tang and crunch, while the onion and peppers balance with sweet and heat. Choosing quality pickles and fresh produce really makes all the difference.

Flat lay of finely diced baby dill pickles with visible small seeds and soft green skin, half a sweet yellow onion cut into small cubes showing its bright pale yellow layers, a whole glossy red bell pepper sliced and diced revealing its crisp texture and seeds removed, a small white ceramic bowl containing light green pickle brine, a fresh whole garlic clove with papery skin intact, a single serrano pepper with smooth green skin finely diced to show its crisp interior, a small white ceramic bowl with coarse kosher salt crystals, all arranged symmetrically with balanced spacing, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Baby dill pickles: I recommend finely dicing these so they blend perfectly with the other ingredients and release plenty of flavor without overwhelming each bite.
Sweet yellow onion: Adds a mellow, crisp contrast to the tangy pickles—make sure to dice it finely to avoid biting into large onion chunks.
Red bell pepper: Provides a subtle sweetness and bright pop of color; remove seeds to keep the texture smooth and enjoyable.
Pickle brine: This little secret ingredient amps up the tangy punch, so don’t skimp on it—it’s worth adding to get that perfect zing.
Garlic clove: Fresh minced garlic adds a savory depth that rounds out the fresh flavors beautifully.
Kosher salt: Essential for enhancing the whole dish, but start with the recommended amount and adjust to taste.
Serrano or jalapeño pepper: If you like a bit of heat, finely dice it and add according to your spice tolerance—serranos bring a lovely bright heat without overpowering.

📝

Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love experimenting with this Pickle de Gallo Recipe depending on what I have on hand or the mood I’m in. It’s one of those dishes that really welcomes your own personal spin—so don’t hesitate to customize!

Mild or spicy: I usually go with serrano peppers for a nice heat, but swapping those for milder jalapeños (or leaving them out altogether) works just as well.
Herbs: Sometimes I toss in fresh cilantro or parsley for an herbal note. It’s not traditional, but I think it adds a beautiful freshness.
Pickle varieties: Have you tried this with spicy pickles? I did once, and it was a game changer for a bolder flavor punch!
Serving style: While it’s fantastic as a snack with chips, I’ve also spooned it over grilled chicken or used it to brighten up a simple burger.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Pickle de Gallo Recipe

Step 1: Chop everything finely

Start by dicing your baby dill pickles into small pieces—about the size of diced onion. Make sure your sweet yellow onion, red bell pepper, and serrano pepper are all chopped finely, so the flavors meld beautifully, and no single ingredient overpowers the others. This is key for that balanced, addictive texture and flavor.

Step 2: Combine all the ingredients

In a mixing bowl, toss together the pickles, onion, bell pepper, garlic, serrano pepper, kosher salt, and make sure to add a couple tablespoons of the pickle brine from the jar. The brine really deepens the tang and ties everything together. Use a spoon to mix gently but thoroughly, ensuring everything is evenly coated.

Step 3: Let it marinate

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, ideally longer if you can wait. This marinating step lets those flavors mingle and intensify, giving you that perfect zing. Give it a good stir before serving, and you’ll notice how the whole mix comes alive.

Top Tip

From my experience, the biggest game-changer with this Pickle de Gallo Recipe is letting it sit and marinate. Rushing this step really dulls the flavor, so be patient—it’s worth it!

Finely Dice Everything: When things are chopped too big, it can feel uneven. I always aim for bite-sized pieces for that perfect texture balance.
Use Quality Pickles: The flavor hinges on your pickles. I’ve learned that store brands can vary tremendously, so try to find a good-quality baby dill pickle with bright, fresh flavor.
Don’t Skip the Brine: It might seem minor, but adding two tablespoons of the brine lifts the entire recipe to the next level.
Marinate Properly: Midway through marinating, I like to stir it once to redistribute juices and ensure every bite is equally tasty.

How to Serve Pickle de Gallo Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep garnishes simple with a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro or a few extra slices of jalapeño for heat lovers. A wedge of lime on the side for squeezing over just brings all the flavors into a perfect bright harmony.

Side Dishes

This Pickle de Gallo pairs beautifully with tortilla chips as a refreshing snack, but I also love it topped on carne asada tacos or alongside crispy carnitas. It’s fantastic with grilled chicken or even as a unique topping on a juicy burger.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun party presentation, I like to serve the Pickle de Gallo in small individual cups with mini spoons, turning it into a trendy appetizer. Another favorite is layering it over avocado slices on toast for a quick vibrant snack that always impresses.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Pickle de Gallo in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for about 3 to 4 days, and the flavors actually deepen overnight. Just give it a quick stir before serving again to redistribute the flavors.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t something I recommend for this recipe since the fresh veggies and pickles tend to get soggy once thawed. It’s much better enjoyed fresh or within a few days refrigerated.

Reheating

This Pickle de Gallo is best served cold or at room temperature, so no reheating needed. Just take it out of the fridge a little ahead of time and stir it well—it’s ready to shine as a fresh, zesty topping or dip.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What makes this Pickle de Gallo different from traditional pico de gallo?

This recipe swaps the usual fresh tomatoes for finely diced baby dill pickles, adding a tangy crunch and a unique flavor profile enhanced by the pickle brine, giving it a bold, zesty twist.

Can I adjust the heat level in this recipe?

Absolutely! The recipe suggests serrano or jalapeño peppers, but you can reduce the quantity, substitute with milder peppers, or omit them entirely if you prefer no heat at all.

How long should I marinate Pickle de Gallo for best flavor?

For best flavor, marinate Pickle de Gallo for at least 2 hours in the fridge, stirring once or twice to redistribute the brine and allow all the flavors to meld beautifully.

Can I use this Pickle de Gallo as a topping for tacos?

Definitely! This Pickle de Gallo pairs wonderfully with Mexican dishes like carne asada, carnitas, or birria tacos, adding an exciting tangy crunch that elevates each bite.

Final Thoughts

Making this Pickle de Gallo Recipe felt like a little culinary adventure the first time I tossed it together, and now it’s a staple in my kitchen. It’s simple, bright, and surprisingly versatile—a little jar of sunshine that’s perfect for everything from snacktime chips to taco nights. Give it a try, and I think you’ll find it becoming a fast favorite in your own home too.