Corn Salsa

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Corn Salsa is a vibrant, fresh, and slightly sweet dip that pairs perfectly with chips, tacos, grilled meats, or as a side dish for any summer meal. The combination of sweet corn, zesty lime, fresh cilantro, and a hint of spice from jalapeños creates a balance of flavors that is both refreshing and satisfying. Whether you’re serving it at a BBQ, picnic, or just craving a light snack, this easy-to-make salsa will become a new favorite in your recipe collection.

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh or frozen corn (about 2-3 ears of corn, or 1 1/2 cups if using frozen)

• 1/2 red onion, finely chopped

• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

• 1-2 jalapeños, seeds removed and finely chopped (adjust to your spice preference)

• 1/2 red bell pepper, diced

• 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

• Salt and pepper, to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the corn: If using fresh corn, cook the corn on the cob by boiling it for 5-7 minutes, then let it cool before cutting the kernels off the cob. If using frozen corn, simply thaw it and drain off any excess liquid.

2. Combine the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked corn, chopped red onion, cilantro, jalapeños, and red bell pepper.

3. Season the salsa: Add the lime juice, olive oil, garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together until well combined.

4. Chill and serve: Let the salsa sit for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. If you have time, refrigerating it for 30 minutes will enhance the flavors even more.

5. Serve: Serve the corn salsa with tortilla chips, on top of tacos, as a side to grilled meats, or with a fresh salad. Enjoy!

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4-6

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Total time: 15 minutes (plus optional chilling time)

Variations

• Add avocado: For a creamy twist, dice an avocado and gently fold it into the salsa just before serving.

• Sweet corn salsa: Add a tablespoon of honey or a pinch of sugar for a touch of sweetness to balance the flavors.

• Spicy version: Increase the heat by adding more jalapeños or some diced serrano peppers, or stir in a teaspoon of hot sauce or chili flakes.

• Grilled corn salsa: For a smoky flavor, grill the corn before adding it to the salsa. Char the kernels slightly to bring out a deeper, smoky taste.

• Beans and corn salsa: Add black beans or pinto beans for extra protein and texture, making it a heartier dish.

Storage

• Storage: Leftover corn salsa can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen as it sits, but the texture of the corn will soften over time.

• Freezing: While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze corn salsa without the avocado. Store it in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

FAQs

Can I use canned corn for this recipe?

Yes, you can use canned corn if fresh or frozen corn isn’t available. Just be sure to drain and rinse the corn to remove excess sodium.

How do I make the salsa spicier?

To make the salsa spicier, leave some seeds in the jalapeños or add more peppers. You can also experiment with adding hot sauce, chili powder, or cayenne pepper.

Can I use a different type of onion?

Yes, you can use white or yellow onion if you prefer, but red onion adds a nice color and sweetness that works well in this salsa.

Can I make this corn salsa ahead of time?

Yes! Corn salsa can be made a few hours ahead of time or even the day before. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors will meld together beautifully as it sits.

Is this recipe vegan?

Yes, this corn salsa is naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it a great option for a variety of dietary preferences.

Can I serve this salsa warm?

While this salsa is traditionally served chilled, you can serve it at room temperature or gently warm it in the microwave if you prefer.

Can I add other vegetables to the salsa?

Absolutely! You can add diced cucumber, tomatoes, or even roasted red peppers to the salsa for more texture and flavor. Feel free to get creative!

Conclusion

Corn salsa is a simple, refreshing, and versatile recipe that’s perfect for a variety of occasions. With its bright and zesty flavor, it’s a great addition to your summer meals, BBQs, and parties. It’s easy to make, full of fresh ingredients, and offers a unique twist on traditional salsa. Whether you enjoy it with chips, tacos, grilled meats, or as a topping for salads, this corn salsa is sure to be a crowd favorite!

Corn Salsa

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Corn Salsa is a sweet, tangy, and refreshing dip made with sweet corn, tomatoes, cilantro, and lime. Perfect for pairing with chips, tacos, or grilled meats, this vibrant salsa is quick to prepare and full of flavor.

• Author: Catherine
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: undefined
• Total Time: 10-15 minutes
• Yield: 4-6 servings
• Category: Dip
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh or frozen corn kernels (about 1–2 ears of corn)
• 2 medium tomatoes, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cumin (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the corn: If using fresh corn, peel and remove the kernels from the cob. If using frozen corn, thaw and drain it well.
2. Combine the ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the corn, diced tomatoes, chopped red onion, and cilantro.
3. Add seasoning: Squeeze fresh lime juice over the salsa, then stir in garlic powder, cumin (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. Chill and serve: Let the salsa sit for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. If you have time, refrigerate it for 30 minutes for an even more intense flavor.
5. Serve: Serve with tortilla chips, as a topping for tacos, grilled meats, or alongside your favorite Mexican-inspired dishes.

Notes

Sweet corn: For a sweeter version, you can add a tablespoon of honey or sugar to balance the flavors.Spicy corn salsa: For a spicy kick, add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the salsa.Grilled corn: For a smoky flavor, grill the corn before adding it to the salsa. This will add depth and richness to the dish.Storage: Store leftover corn salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.Freezing: While not recommended for the freshest texture, you can freeze the salsa for up to 1 month. Thaw and stir before serving.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/4 cup
• Calories: 50
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 90mg
• Fat: 1g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Unsaturated Fat: 1g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 11g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 0mg