Pickle De Gallo Recipe (Fresh Pickle Salsa)

Pickle de gallo is a tangy, crunchy, briny twist on traditional pico de gallo. This is a homemade version of the Grillo’s Pickles brand of pickle de gallo that you can find at most grocery stores, and it's so simple to make! 

While the original Grillo's Pickle de Gallo is a simple blend of bell peppers, crunchy dill pickles, and sweet onions, I’ve taken it up a notch and added in diced cucumber, lemon juice, and fresh dill for some extra freshness and crunch.

Enjoy this recipe as a fresh pickle salsa, on hot dogs, on top of your favorite protein, or as a simple side salad all on its own! 

crunchy and delicious dill pickle salsa

If you're a dill pickle fanatic, then this recipe is for you! It has that tangy and crunchy pickle flavor but as a fresh salsa that you can enjoy in a variety of tasty ways. 

I've always been a fan of Grillo's brand pickles, so when I came across their pickle de gallo, I knew I had to recreate my own version at home.

This homemade pickle salsa definitely gives the store-bought version a run for its money! 

It's the perfect snack or condiment for the summer season, but can also be enjoyed all year round. And guess what? You can make it just two simple steps!

why this recipe works

Sometimes you just need that extra something to take your dish to the next level.

This is one of those delicious concoctions that you'll want to have stocked in your fridge at all times because it can transform a meal into something extra. (Sort of like my Creamy Paprika Sauce, Easy Garlic Butter Sauce, and Easy Keto BBQ Sauce.)

This pickle salsa recipe works because it combines the tangy, briny flavors of dill pickles with the fresh and crisp textures of fresh bell peppers, onions, and cucumber, making it an excellent addition to almost any dish.

It's a great way to add a unique twist to your classic salsa recipes and switch things up at your next summer gathering or party.

The benefit of this being homemade is that there's no added sugar or preservatives, and you can change it up however it like. Feel free to adjust the ingredients and flavors. I've provided some ideas for other yummy variations below.

My pickle de gallo is:

• A healthy side dish made with fresh, simple ingredients.
• Versatile and can be enjoyed as a topping, dip, or side salad.
• Easy to make in just two simple steps.

the ingredients

• Dill pickles. The star ingredient! Use a good-quality dill pickle for the best results. My favorite chips are Grillo’s Pickles and Cleveland Kitchen’s classic dill chips.
• Veggies. I used a combination of yellow onion, red bell pepper, English cucumber, and tomato to make this a chunky and colorful salsa. You can also use white onions or red onion, whichever you prefer. As for the bell pepper, I would stick to red, orange or yellow instead of green bell peppers since they'll add a much sweeter flavor and not overpower the salsa. 
• Garlic. Garlic adds an extra layer of flavor to this salsa and goes well with the tangy pickles.
• Dill pickle brine. I like to use the iconic Grillo's brine, but you can use any pickle juice of your choice as long as it's a classic dill recipe. 
• Fresh lemon juice. Adds brightness and freshness to balance out the flavors. If you don't have lemon, feel free to add a little bit of fresh lime juice or omit it completely. 
• Fresh dill (optional). This herb complements the dill pickles and adds more depth to the salsa. You can also use dried dill if fresh is not available.

recipe variations

Get spicy: For a spicy salsa, add ½ to 1 whole fresh jalapeño, deseeded and finely diced. You can also add other hot peppers like habanero peppers or serrano peppers for an extra kick.

Go Mediterranean: Skip the tomato and add in diced kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped fresh parsley for a Mediterranean twist on this salsa.

Use sweet pickles: Swap out the dill pickles for sweet pickles and add in diced mango for a sweet and tangy version.

the recipe

This crunchy pickle de gallo is made in just two steps and takes a tiny amount of prep and assembly time. Follow these simple steps to make the tastiest pickle salsa recipe (be sure to scroll to the bottom of the page to check out the printable recipe card).

To start, add the chopped dill pickles, diced onion, bell pepper, cucumber, and tomato to a medium mixing bowl. Stir to combine. 

Next, add the garlic, dill pickle brine, fresh lemon juice, and fresh dill. Mix well, then taste and add salt as needed. That's it — serve and enjoy!

serving suggestions

The world is your pickle de gallo — you can eat it with just about anything! Here are a few serving suggestions to get you started:

• As a dip: Serve with your favorite tortilla chips or crackers for a delicious and refreshing appetizer.
• On top of tacos, hot dogs or sausages: Add a spoonful of pickle de gallo on these Taco Stuffed Peppers or Keto Taco Casserole for a burst of flavor. It's also delicious as a salsa topping on your favorite brats or hot dogs and adds a dilly, crunchy twist.
• In burgers: Use it as a condiment in these Low-Carb Burgers or Healthy Burger Bowls with Mushrooms and Truffle Sauce. It adds a unique twist to the classic burger toppings.
• On protein: Use pickle de gallo as a topping for this Air Fryer Rotisserie Chicken or Traeger Brisket Recipe.

how to store pickle de gallo

If you have any leftover pickle de gallo, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. The flavors will intensify over time, making it even more delicious. 

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