If you’re a fan of pickles and crave a unique spin on traditional pico de gallo, this pickle salsa is the recipe you didn’t know you needed! It takes the crunchy, briny goodness of tangy dill pickles and turns it into a totally addictive dip.
Perfect with tortilla chips, on hot dogs, or even by the spoonful (hey, no judgment here), this pickle-based salsa is the perfect snack for anyone who loves a little something different.
This recipe is great option for all the pickle lovers out there! If you’re able to start with a fresh homemade pickles, that will take the flavors to a whole new level.
If you're downright obsessed with pickles, you are 100% in the right place. I like to use pickles in lots of unusual ways, like these Smoked Fried Pickles Bites or these Pickles in a Blanket. Honestly, that's just the start. You'll definitely want to follow along for more!
What is Dill Pickle Salsa?
I know the name might sound a little strange, but believe me, if you like that tangy, herby, salty flavor you get from dill pickles, you'll love this recipe.
This is a similar copycat recipe to Grillo’s Pickle de Gallo, or some that you've seen on social media. I wanted one that was perfect to my tastebuds, and it’s a perfect alternative to a traditional fresh salsa. This is an absolute classic dill recipe, that everyone will love!
Now here’s the secret sauce (literally): a splash of pickle juice goes into the mix. It brings that unmistakable pickle tang and gives this dip its edge. Toss everything together in a large bowl with a bit of salt and pepper, and you’re good to go.
It's packed with lots of fresh ingredients, like diced cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, and jalapeño pepper, but you get an extra dose of tanginess from the pickle juice instead of lemon or lime juice.
Don't judge it before you try it! It's seriously good, especially for the pickle lovers out there (you know who you are).
Be sure to print out the full recipe to save for later!
Why you've got to try this Pickle Salsa
- Super simple to make. What makes this pickle de gallo so great is how simple it is to throw together. You’ll need dill pickles, of course, plus some cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, and jalapeno peppers (optional) for that perfect crunch and kick.
- Fun option for pickle lovers. If you can't get enough pickle flavor in your life, this is a great option. It's a great conversation starter at BBQs and potlucks, too!
- Easy alternative to pickle relish. Ditch the jars of store-bought pickle relish and serve this pickle de gallo as a fun alternative. It's great on hot dogs, brats, burgers, nachos, and anything in between.
Equipment
To make this dill pickle de gallo, you’ll need:
- Medium bowl
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
Ingredients
- Dill pickles - You can use any type of dill pickle you want and whichever shape you prefer. It can be a little easier cutting whole pickles instead of pickle chips, but do whatever works for you.
- Cucumbers
- Fresh tomatoes
- Red onion
- Jalapeno - For extra heat, you can absolutely add more or upgrade to serrano peppers.
- Fresh garlic cloves
- Fresh dill
- Pickle juice (the brine from the jar)
- Salt and pepper to taste
To make your own tortilla chips (highly recommended), you'll also need some flour tortillas and a little frying oil.
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How to Make Dill Pickle Salsa
Make the salsa
- Chop everything up nice and fine; you want all those flavors in every bite. Dice some fresh dill and throw in a couple of minced garlic cloves if you like that added punch.
If you wanted some acid in the recipe, you could add in some lime juice or white vinegar. My advice is to add ingredients slowly, meaning in small quantities, but test as you go. Taste and adjust. This is a great way to make sure you’re dialing in the flavor exactly how you want it.
Make homemade tortilla chips
Sure, you could grab a bag of your favorite chips from one of your favorite grocery stores, but making your own takes this snack up a notch.
- Cut flour tortillas into quarters, heat some oil to about 350°F, and drop those tortilla triangles in for a couple of minutes.
- Give them a stir, let them get golden, and then drain them on a paper towel.
- While they’re still warm, sprinkle with a bit of salt.
Storing Suggestions
Like regular homemade salsa, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days.
Tips & Variations
- Homemade Dill Pickles, or from the store? Your call.
- Add more veggies. Add in some red bell pepper, or green fresh bell peppers or white onion or yellow onion.
- Use sweet pickles. While this is a dill pickle-forward recipe, if you wanted to try it with sweet pickles, I wouldn’t blame you at all!
- Make it spicy. Add in jalapeno peppers. If you wanted a SUPER spicy recipe, add habanero peppers. Anyway you make it, this is a pickle dip that you don’t want to miss.
How to Serve
Serve this pickle de gallo with your crispy tortilla chips, corn chips, or even some potato chips if you’re feeling extra.
If you’re looking for new ways to enjoy it, try it as a topping on hot dogs or burgers for a pickle-y punch that brings out the best in any cookout dish. With every bite, you get the crisp of fresh veggies, the punchy tang of pickle brine, and just a touch of heat.
Honestly, this pickle salsa is going to be your new favorite obsession. Whether you whip it up for a party, a picnic, or just a snack at home, it’s fresh, crunchy, and totally unique. You’ll probably be finding excuses to make this pickle salsa recipe again and again – enjoy!
FAQs
Can you use a different type of pickle?
If you prefer a sweeter flavor profile, you could play around with sweet gherkins or bread and butter pickles, but I haven't tried that and am not totally sure how it will turn out. If you do try it, leave a comment to let us all know how it goes!
How do you increase the spice level?
If you prefer a spicy salsa, you can absolutely use a hot jalapeno or substitute a serrano pepper. It's also eat to use spicy dill pickles or add some hot sauce to the salsa. Just remember that the heat will build over time, so add less than you need, let it rest, then taste and adjust.
What does pickle de gallo mean?
"Pickle de gallo" is a play on the traditional recipe for pico de gallo, a Mexican salsa made with lots of finely diced vegetables. Unlike many salsas that are blended until smooth, it's chunky and has lots of fresh flavor in every bite. This recipe is inspired by that twist, but uses pickles, cucumbers, pickle brine, and fresh dill for a totally different flavor profile.
Check out my fancy "Pickles" shirt in my store!
Related Recipes
Check out my most popular pickle recipes!
- Spicy Bacon Wrapped Pickles
- Spicy Maple Bourbon Pickles
- Pickles in a Blanket
- Smoked Fried Pickles Bites
- Dill Pickle Deviled Eggs Recipe
Let's get cooking!
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Pickle de Gallo Pickle Salsa
Ingredients
- 2 C Dill Pickles finely diced
- 1 C Cucumbers finely diced
- 1 C Tomatoes finely diced
- .5 C Red Onion finely diced
- 1 jalapeno finely diced
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Dill finely diced
- ⅓ C Pickle Juice
- Salt & Pepper to taste
- Flour Tortillas cut into quarters
Instructions
Tortilla Chips
- Preheat canola or vegetable oil to 350F
- Slice desired number of tortillas in quarters
- Drop into hot oil for 2 minutes, mixing often
- Place on paper towel plate, and salt immediately to taste
Pickle de Gallo
- Chop all vegetables
- Combine in mixing bowl and add salt/pepper and pickle juice
- Mix well
- Serve immediately or chilled
Victoria says
Pickles in salsa, I’m trying this for sure!
Danny Dobrzenski says
The best kind