This corn salsa is fresh corn kernels combined with lime juice, cilantro, red onion and two types of peppers to make a light and refreshing dip. Serve your salsa with chips or use as a topping for grilled chicken or fish, then watch the rave reviews come in!
I love good homemade salsa appetizer recipes including black bean and corn salsa, zesty salsa verde, sweet and savory peach salsa, tropical pineapple salsa and this fresh and summery corn salsa.
Tomato salsa is delicious and all, but have you ever tried corn salsa? If you haven’t tasted it yet, you’re in for a treat. The sweetness of the corn pairs perfectly with the veggies and lime juice. Best of all, this dip takes just minutes to put together.
Table of Contents
Corn Salsa Ingredients
The ingredients in this recipe include sweet corn, red onion, jalapeno, red bell peppers, fresh cilantro, lime juice and salt.
How Do You Make Corn Salsa?
Start by shucking fresh ears of corn, then cooking them on the grill until they’re tender and a bit charred. Cut the kernels off the cob, then let the corn cool. Place the corn kernels in a bowl with red onion, jalapeno, red bell pepper, cilantro, lime juice and salt. Toss everything together until well combined. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for later use.
Tips For The Perfect Dish
- My favorite way to prepare this corn salsa recipe is with fresh grilled corn. That being said, I’ve also made it with steamed fresh corn and frozen corn kernels with great results. So if you don’t have access to a grill or fresh corn, just use a bag of frozen corn and you’ll be just fine. Be sure to thaw frozen corn before you use it.
- I remove the seeds and ribs from the jalapeno which makes this a mild salsa. If you prefer a spicier dip, leave some of the seeds and ribs in the jalapeno.
- Serve your corn salsa with tortilla chips, or spoon over grilled chicken thighs, grilled salmon, London broil or grilled tilapia. This also makes a great topping for pork tacos and burrito bowls. You can stuff it into burritos and stir it into a taco salad.
- This salsa can be made up to 24 hours before you plan to serve it. Store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
Quick Tip
Make sure to cut the onion and bell peppers into very small pieces so that they’re easy to pick up with chips.
Recipe FAQs
Leftover salsa will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container for best results.
Corn salsa contains corn kernels, red onion, cilantro, lime juice and jalapeno. It can sometimes contain other ingredients too such as chipotle peppers, green onions, tomatoes or black beans.
I don’t recommend freezing corn salsa, as it will be watery when thawed.
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Flavor Variations
I love this dish as-is, but sometimes I add other ingredients depending on what I have on hand.
- Vegetables: Stir in some diced tomatoes, grilled zucchini, avocado, green onions or cucumber for extra flavor. Instead of red bell peppers, try using poblano peppers, roasted green chilies or anaheim peppers. You can use white corn and swap the red bell peppers for poblanos if you’re looking to replicate Chipotle’s corn salsa.
- Beans: Add 1 cup of drained and rinsed black beans to make more of a salad style dish. You may want to increase the amount of lime juice and cilantro if you go this route.
- Flavorings: Stir in some spices such as coriander, ground cumin, smoked paprika or chili powder. You can also add some finely grated cotija cheese. Swap out the lime juice for lemon juice, or add a splash of apple cider vinegar for a tangier dip.
You simply can’t go wrong with this salsa. Whether you’re serving it as a dip or as part of a main course, this one is a total crowd pleaser.
More Corn Recipes You’ll Love
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Corn Salsa Video
Love This Recipe?
Please leave a 5-star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 rating in the recipe card below & a review in the comments section further down the page.
Corn Salsa
Ingredients
- 5 ears fresh corn OR 3 cups frozen corn kernels, thawed
- 1/3 cup red onion minced
- 2 tablespoons jalapeno seeds and ribs removed, then minced
- 1 red bell pepper cored, seeded and finely diced
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- salt to taste
Instructions
- If using fresh corn, shuck the corn. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium high heat. Place the corn on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until corn is tender and charred. Use a sharp knife to cut the kernels off the cob.
- If you're using frozen corn, skip the grilling step.
- Place the corn, red onion, jalapeno, red bell pepper, cilantro, lime juice and salt in a large bowl.
- Stir gently to combine.
- Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate for up to 1 day before serving.
Notes
- My favorite way to prepare this salsa is with fresh grilled corn. That being said, I’ve also made it with steamed fresh corn and thawed from frozen corn kernels with great results. So if you don’t have access to a grill or fresh corn, just use a bag of frozen corn and you’ll be just fine.
- I remove the seeds and ribs from the jalapeno which makes this a mild salsa. If you prefer a spicier dip, leave some of the seeds and ribs in the jalapeno.
This corn salsa is so easy to make, flavor packed and perfect for dipping or as a side dish.
I made this last night to go with our bbq and had to come back to tell you how tasty it is. We all loved it!
I made this to go with some grilled chicken. It was so tasty and easy to make!
This was a fresh and delicious dish. We served it over grilled chicken and everyone really enjoyed it!
I absolutely love this combination of flavours. It’s so summery, fresh, and light. We really enjoyed it.
I made this salsa for the Super Bowl and everyone loved it! And I loved how easy it was to throw together!
This is so great! Crisp, refreshing, and great with chips or on a taco. Love the versatility.
What great flavors in this corn salsa. It’s a perfect appetizer for game day or snacking.
Totally love this corn salsa recipe. So delicious. Thanks for sharing
This was such a great addition to dinner last night; my whole family loved it! Perfectly sweet and savory with the right amount kick! Easily, a new favorite salsa recipe!
What a good recipe! Served the salsa with a simple pan-fried chicken breast and it tasted amazing! Thanks for the recipe!
Oh yum! I love all the refreshing flavors and how easily this salsa comes together. So much color too!
The flavors in this were extremely well-balanced! Can’t wait to make again. Thank you. 🙂
I love corn salsa and never made it myself. Looks so delicious and perfect for hosting a dinner party!
Delicious! I didn’t have any fresh corn since it’s January, so I used frozen. I wanted to test it out before a Super Bowl party we’re having. Everyone loved it. I just thawed and drained the frozen corn so there wouldn’t be extra moisture in it.
Perfect Bowl for an evening with family and friends and a healthier option too.
Love all the flavors and textures in this fantastic salsa. Will be a great addition to taco Tuesday.
This corn salsa was super easy to make, fresh, and delicious! The perfect topping for taco night!
What a delicious recipe for Corn Salsa. I would love some with Tortilla chips!