Corn Salsa - The Recipe Rebel (2024)

The Recipe Rebel / Spring/Summer

written by Ashley Fehr

5 from 6 votes

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Servings 12 servings

Jump to Recipe

Last updated on January 26, 2024

This super fresh, easy Corn Salsa recipe is packed with delicious sweet corn, juicy tomatoes, red onion, pepper, and jalapenos, with classic Mexican flavors of lime and cilantro! It’s perfect for backyard BBQs and picnics on a hot summer’s day!

Corn Salsa - The Recipe Rebel (2)

Table of Contents

  • Ingredients Needed:
  • How to Make Corn Salsa
  • Corn Salsa FAQs
  • Tips and Notes
  • Corn Salsa Variations
  • Serving Suggestions
  • More Delicious Recipes to Try
  • Corn Salsa Recipe

Corn Salsa is the perfect complement to so many meals!

This recipe is my version of a copycat of Chipotle’s Corn Salsa, and it is the best corn salsa I’ve ever tried!

Our kids love it, and it’s so easy to throw together.

It’s one of those great recipes you want to have on hand for last-minute prep for any occasion (you can also prep it ahead, which is a big bonus!).

It’s filled with amazing sweet and savory veggies and has a bit of a kick to it too, but you can easily customize it to suit your own preferences.

Have it in burritos, burrito bowls, tacos, on the side of enchiladas, with some grilled chicken and rice, or with your BBQ spread!

We also love thisHomemade Salsa Recipeand myMango Salsafor something a bit different.

Ingredients Needed:

Corn Salsa - The Recipe Rebel (3)
  • Corn:I’ve used canned sweet corn for convenience, and it tastes amazing too!
  • Jalapeno:adds a savory flavor with a bit of spice.
  • Tomato:a must in many salsa recipes, it adds sweetness and acidity.
  • Red Onion:using fresh, raw onion will add a sharp flavor that is delicious.
  • Pepper:I’ve used red bell pepper here but you can use green bell peppers if you prefer.
  • Cilantro:freshly chopped cilantro is best for a fresh and full boost of flavor.
  • Garlic:use fresh garlic that you mince yourself for the best flavor!
  • Lime Juice:adds a classic Mexican citrus favor to the dish.
  • Sugar:you can use a bit of sugar to balance out the tart flavors if you wish.
  • Salt:a simple bit of salt will enhance all the flavors — don’t skip it!

How to Make Corn Salsa

This recipe is quick and easy! Full instructions are included in the recipe card below.

  1. Combine ingredients:Add all the ingredients into a large mixing bowl.
  2. Stir:Stir ingredients together and let it sit in the refrigerator for a bit before serving.
Corn Salsa - The Recipe Rebel (4)

Corn Salsa FAQs

How do I store Corn Salsa?

Store Corn Salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.

Can I freeze Corn Salsa?

​Corn Salsa only takes a few minutes to throw together, so it’s best to just make it a day in advance if you’re needing to make it ahead. I don’t recommend freezing it as it will be watery when thawed, but you can use frozen corn to make it, so you can always have the main ingredient to hand!

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Tips and Notes

  • Lime Juice.The best way to get fresh lime juice from a lime is to burst the lime on the inside by rolling the lime on the counter with your palm before slicing it.
  • Smoky flavor.If you want an added smoky flavor in this dish, use grilled corn or add a pinch of chipotle powder!

Corn Salsa Variations

  • Mix up the veggies.You can use any fresh veggies in this salsa really, so check what you have to use in the fridge before you go buying loads of new veg. Shredded carrots, other types of peppers or onions, chopped avocado, etc. would be great additions (just only add the avocado before serving!).
  • Corn: You can use fresh sweet corn for this recipe as well as canned, if you’d prefer it. Fresh corn kernels off the cob are delicious here when it is in season! You can boil thecorn on the cob, cool it, then slice and proceed with the recipe. You can also use frozen corn (thawed) in a pinch.
  • Peppers: really any peppers will do here and you can choose them based on your tastes. Want something extra spicy? Try a serrano or habanero, or add a diced chili.
  • Onion: any type of onion will work here, but I enjoy the slightly sweeter flavor of raw red onion in this recipe compered to other types!
  • Chipotle’s Corn Salsa.To make a Chipotle’s Corn Salsa copycat recipe, use roasted poblano pepper instead of the bell pepper and omit the tomatoes.
  • Spice.If you don’t want it as spicy, put less chopped jalapeño peppers in it, or substitute them for green bell pepper. Alternatively, turn up the spice by using a dash of hot sauce, or a ¼ teaspoon of chili powder or cayenne pepper.
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Serving Suggestions

Serve this delicious fresh Corn Salsa as a side dish with your Mexican meals, or add it into Mexican dishes like theseSlow Cooker Vegetarian Burritos, burrito bowls, or regular Mexican Burritos andGround Turkey Tacos.

You can also serve it as a dip with tortilla chips, along withMini Mexican Wonton Quiche,Taco Dip, slices ofChicken Quesadilla, or these veggieAir Fryer Quesadilla!

Corn Salsa also makes the perfect side dish to Mexican inspired meals likeMexican Shepherd’s Pie,Mexican Scalloped Potatoes, and thisChicken Enchilada Casserole!

More Delicious Recipes to Try

Appetizers

Homemade Rotel Dip

Appetizers

Cream Cheese Fruit Dip

Desserts

Peppermint Bark Cheesecake Dip

Appetizers

Cranberry and Bacon Cream Cheese Appetizer

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Corn Salsa

written by Ashley Fehr

5 from 6 votes

This super fresh, easy Corn Salsa recipe is packed with delicious sweetcorn, juicy tomatoes, red onion, pepper, and jalapenos, with classic Mexican flavors of lime and cilantro! It's perfect for backyard BBQs and picnics on a hot summer's day!

Corn Salsa - The Recipe Rebel (13)

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Review

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Cuisine Mexican

Course Sauces and Condiments, Side Dish

Servings 12 servings

Calories 25cal

Ingredients

  • 2 cups canned corn (340ml /12oz)
  • 1 jalapeno (finely chopped, seeds removed)
  • 1 Roma tomato (diced, no juice) or ½ cup cherry tomatoes
  • ½ red onion (finely diced)
  • ½ red pepper (finely chopped)
  • ¼ cup cilantro (chopped)
  • 1 garlic clove (minced)
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice (or vinegar)
  • 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon salt

US CustomaryMetric

Instructions

  • Add corn, jalapeno, tomato, onion, red pepper, cilantro, garlic, lime juice, sugar, and salt to a large mixing bowl.

  • Stir all ingredients together and let sit 1 hour before serving (not necessary but it allows the flavors to meld).

  • For more heat, you can add a ¼ teaspoon of chili powder or cayenne pepper.

Notes

Ingredients and Substitutions:

  • Corn: fresh corn off the cob is also delicious here when it is in season! You can boil the corn on the cob, cool it, then slice it and proceed with the recipe. You can also use frozen corn (thawed) in a pinch.
  • Peppers: really any peppers will do here and you can choose them based on your tastes. Want something extra spicy? Try a serrano or habanero, or add a diced chili.
  • Onion: any type of onion will work here, but I enjoy the flavor of red onion in this!

Storage:

  • Refrigerator: This recipe will last in the fridge for up to 1 week as long as your ingredients are fresh.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 25cal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 0.4g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Sodium: 139mg | Potassium: 66mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 234IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 3mg | Iron: 0.1mg

Keywords corn salsa

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Meet Ashley

My name is Ashley Fehr and I love creating easy meals my family loves. I also like to do things my way, which means improvising and breaking the rules when necessary. Here you will find creative twists on old favorites and some of my favorite family recipes, passed down from generations!

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Corn Salsa - The Recipe Rebel (2024)

FAQs

What is corn salsa made of? ›

Corn Salsa Ingredients

Vegetables: You'll need canned corn, an orange bell pepper, a red onion, and a jalapeño. Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds flavor and color. Lime juice: Brighten things up with fresh lime juice. Honey: Honey lends subtle sweetness.

How to make homemade salsa thick? ›

If you prefer a really thick salsa, drain the liquid in the can of whole tomatoes (personally I would drain it into a container, rather than down the drain). Then process the salsa as directed and add back some of the liquid from the can, a little at a time, until you have the consistency you're looking for.

When making salsa, do you have to peel the tomatoes? ›

Peel Tomatoes (Optional).

Using peeled tomatoes will produce the most authentic texture that you find in restaurant-style salsa, but it is a personal preference.

What is chunky salsa made of? ›

Ingredients. Tomato Puree (Water and Tomato Paste), Diced Tomatoes in Tomato Juice, Jalapeno Peppers, Onions, Vinegar, Salt, Garlic Powder, and Natural Flavor.

What is authentic Mexican salsa made of? ›

Take the stems off the peppers and throw away the stems. Place the peppers and seeds in the bender. Blend well. Next toss in the stewed tomatoes with juice, 1 jalepeno (sliced), 1/2 yellow onion (quarterd), 1 garlic clove, handful of cilantro, lemon juice, salt and pepper and blend til you have the consistancy desired.

How long does corn salsa last in the fridge? ›

Corn salsa will stay fresh for about three days in the fridge. This is a great recipe to make the day before a summer get-together. As it sits, the flavors and spices meld together for even more deliciousness. Just be sure to wait until you're ready to serve to add the cilantro so it's fresh and bright green.

Why does Mexican restaurant salsa taste so good? ›

While some restaurant-style salsas may be prepared in large batches to meet demand, the emphasis on using fresh, high-quality ingredients remains a constant, no matter the quantity. A unique blend of fresh tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice contributes to the vibrant, lively taste of restaurant-style salsa.

Why do you add vinegar to homemade salsa? ›

In fact, the right vinegar will help you taste all of the other flavors of your salsa, and highlight those that it counters. As cookbook author James Peterson told the Chicago Tribune, "Vinegar brings out the intrinsic nature of whatever you're cooking. ... You'll taste more of the other flavors."

Why is Mexican salsa so watery? ›

After the salsa sits—more on that in a moment—the tomatoes will break down. If you didn't remove the seeds, they will make the salsa extra watery, with a pool of vaguely tomato-flavored liquid at the bottom of your bowl. Nobody wants to scoop vaguely tomato-flavored liquid onto a chip.

Should you remove seeds from tomatoes when making salsa? ›

To make sure your salsa isn't too watery, I recommend coring and removing the seeds from your tomatoes before adding them to your food processor. Don't over-blend.

Should I use fresh or canned tomatoes for salsa? ›

I'm about to share with you one of the greatest restaurant hacks of all time: making homemade, restaurant-style salsa is not only easy, but inexpensive, and is best – BEST! – made with canned tomatoes.

What kind of tomatoes are good for salsa? ›

Roma Tomatoes are a popular choice for salsa-making due to their dense and meaty texture, small number of seeds, and full-of-flavor tanginess. Variations of this tomato are sometimes called “plum” or “paste” tomatoes. Red Beefsteak Tomatoes are another favorite for those who favor a juicier tomato in their salsa.

What are the black flecks in salsa? ›

Flecks of black, burnt tomatillo skin are delicious in the finished salsa. As the tomatillos cook down under the broiler, they'll also start to release liquid that will caramelize and turn sticky, like honey.

What is Mexican salsa called? ›

Pico de gallo (a.k.a. salsa fresca) is a type of salsa made with chopped fresh tomatoes and onions, cilantro, fresh chiles, lime juice, and salt. With its chunky nature and relatively low amount of liquid, pico de gallo is a lot like a relish in texture.

What is Chipotle's corn salsa made of? ›

A sweet salsa with medium heat, copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa recipe is made with roasted poblano peppers, jalapeños, red onion, citrus juice, and plenty of corn. Use frozen corn like Chipotle does, or follow my easy tutorial for use fresh corn on the cob.

What is salsa usually made of? ›

Salsa roja or “red salsa” usually includes cooked red tomatoes, onions, and chili peppers. Pico de gallo is a popular form of uncooked salsa made from lime juice and coarsely chopped raw ingredients including tomatoes, onions, and cilantro leaves.

What is Mexican corn made of? ›

Mexican Street Corn – Made Two Ways: On The Cobb & Off The Cob. This Mexican Street Corn recipe is a common Mexican street food that is made by grilling corn on the cob and then coating it with a sauce made up of mayonnaise, sour cream, cotija cheese, chile powder, and lime.

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