Sweet and zesty corn salsa is made with sweet corn kernels, tomatoes, red onion, jalapenos, bell peppers, and a generous squeeze of lime juice and seasonings. This colorful summer salsa is full of fresh flavors and crisp texture!
Why this recipe works
This corn salsa is elevated with plenty of zest from the lime juice and chili lime seasonings, spice from the jalapenos, and sweetness from the corn. It’s a fun twist on regular salsa and brings a little bit of every flavor profile to the table.
This corn salsa and my salsa fresca are my two go-to’s when it comes to warm-weather gatherings and even football parties. Freshly chopped salsas are among some of my favorite party foods to bring to potlucks and backyard cookouts. They’re typically packed with the season’s best produce, and because they’re so easy to throw together I always bring them in two’s with an armful of chips in tow.
Ingredients you will need
Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.
Ingredient Info and Substitution Suggestions
CORN – You can use white or yellow sweet corn for this recipe, the option is open to you. There really are no distinguishing differences between the two. Frozen corn can also be substituted if desired, but if you plan on using frozen be sure you allow it to thaw then drain off any excess liquid. Canned corn can be used but isn’t preferable as it tends to be slightly soggy and not hold as much flavor compared to fresh corn.
ADDITIONS – Jalapenos add the perfect amount of spice and flavor. You may add extra jalapenos if you’d like and can also include some of the seeds and ribs for additional heat. The Trader Joe’s seasoning has a nice balance of chili powder, zesty lime, salt, and a little bit of spice. You can omit this seasoning altogether or add your own combination of chili powder, cayenne pepper, lime zest, and salt.
How to Make Corn Salsa
These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.
- In a large mixing bowl, toss together corn, tomatoes, onion, cilantro, and bell pepper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together, chili lime seasoning, a dash of salt and pepper, lime juice, and avocado oil. Whisk until well mixed.
- Pour lime mixture over the vegetables and toss to mix well.
- Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips
Store corn salsa in an air-tight container kept in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.
Yes, you can cook the corn if you prefer the flavor over raw kernels. However, this is considered a cold to room temperature dish as everything else in it is freshly chopped and not cooked so I would recommend allowing the kernels to cool completely before tossing them together with the other ingredients. Raw corn adds extra crunch and texture to the dish whereas cooked corn will be much softer.
Yes, corn salsa can be made 1-2 days in advance and stored in an air-tight container kept in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve. Making it the night before an event saves time the day of and allows the flavors to mingle together furthermore.
The easiest way to cut corn kernels off the cob is to chop one end of the cob off so it can sit flat against a surface while keeping the other side intact to use as a handle. Place the cob flat side down into a bowl or over a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to cut downward as close to the base of the kernels as you can. Fluff the corn kernels in the bowl or on the cutting board to break them apart if needed. You can also cut the cob in half before slicing the kernels off to work in smaller sections.
Serving Suggestions
Serve corn salsa chilled or at room temperature with tortilla chips for dipping. It pairs well with all sorts of main dishes like grilled meats, foil packet dinners, burritos, or for shoveling on top of tacos and nachos.
More Salsa Recipes
- Mango Salsa
- Salsa Fresca
- Salsa Verde
- Cowboy Caviar
- Strawberry Salsa
- Easy Pineapple Salsa
- Restaurant Style Salsa
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Corn Salsa
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
Print It Rate ItIngredients
- 4 cups sweet white corn freshly cut from the cob, or frozen
- 2 medium tomatoes diced, about 1 cup
- ½ medium red onion finely diced, about 1 cup
- 2 jalapenos finely diced, seeds and stems removed
- ½ cup cilantro chopped, about 1 bunch
- 1 red bell pepper diced, seems and stems removed. about 1 cup
- 2 teaspoons Trader Joe's chili lime seasoning or similar
- salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed lime juice
- 2 Tablespoons avocado oil or olive oil
Things You’ll Need
Before You Begin
- If using frozen corn, be sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid.
- Add in additional peppers for spice or include some of the seeds from the jalapenos. This is a mild corn salsa, as is.
- Avocado is a great addition. Please note that if avocado is added, the corn salsa will not keep as long.
- Corn salsa will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. It can be made 1-2 days in advance.
- The Trader Joe’s seasoning has a nice balance of chili powder, zesty lime, salt, and a little bit of spice. You can omit this seasoning altogether or add your own combination of chili powder, cayenne pepper, lime zest, and salt.
- The avocado oil is optional, but it helps to combine the “dressing” ingredients and helps coat the salsa. Olive oil can be used instead of the avocado oil.
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, toss together corn, tomatoes, onion, cilantro, and bell pepper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together, chili lime seasoning, a dash of salt and pepper, lime juice, and avocado oil. Whisk until well mixed.
- Pour lime mixture over the vegetables and toss to mix well.
- Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Nutrition
Amanda Davis
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