This fresh corn salsa recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines the sweetness of fresh corn kernels with tangy lime juice, vibrant peppers, and aromatic herbs. With simple ingredients and minimal preparation, you can whip up this refreshing salsa in no time!
If you’re anything like me, nothing beats a bright and citrusy Mexican dish in the warmth of summer. If you’re looking for complimentary dishes you could also try Mexican quinoa, nacho cheese wedges or Mexican cauliflower rice.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Bursting with fresh flavors. This easy corn salsa recipe is a vibrant medley of fresh ingredients, including sweet corn, juicy tomatoes, zesty lime juice, and aromatic herbs. It offers a burst of refreshing and delicious flavors in every bite.
- Versatile and customizable. This dish is naturally vegan, gluten-free and can be enjoyed as a topping for tacos, salads, or grilled meats, or enjoy it as a dip with tortilla chips. You can also customize the ingredients to suit your taste preferences by adding additional spices or veggies.
- Easy to prepare. Making corn salsa is quick and easy, requiring simple chopping, mixing, and tossing of ingredients. It’s a hassle-free recipe that can be whipped up in minutes, making it a go-to option for effortless and tasty homemade salsa.
Ingredients needed
- Sweet corn. Sweet corn serves as the star ingredient, providing a naturally sweet and crunchy texture to the salsa.
- Tomatoes. Tomatoes add a juicy and tangy element to the salsa, balancing the sweetness of the corn and enhancing the overall flavor.
- Red onion. Red onion provides a mild and crisp bite, adding a touch of pungency and a hint of sweetness to the salsa.
- Jalapeño or bell pepper. Jalapeño or bell pepper adds a hint of heat and a fresh, vibrant flavor to the salsa. Choose according to your preferred level of spiciness.
- Fresh cilantro. Fresh cilantro adds a bright and herbaceous note to the salsa, infusing it with a refreshing aroma.
- Lime juice. Lime juice brings a tangy and citrusy zing to the salsa, enhancing the flavors and providing a fresh, acidic balance.
- Salt and pepper. Salt and pepper season the salsa, bringing out the natural flavors of the ingredients and ensuring a well-balanced taste.
How to make corn salsa
Step 1 – Prepare the corn. If using fresh corn, cook the corn kernels in boiling water for 3-5 minutes until tender. If using frozen corn, thaw it according to the package instructions.
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Step 2 – Combine the salsa ingredients. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked corn, diced tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño or bell pepper, and fresh cilantro. Squeeze the juice of one lime over the mixture and season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything together to ensure even distribution of flavors.
Step 3 – Rest and serve! Let the corn salsa sit for at least 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. You can also refrigerate it for a couple of hours to enhance the taste. Give the salsa a final taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve the corn salsa as a topping for tacos, grilled meats, salads, or as a dip with tortilla chips.
Tips to make the best recipe
- Use fresh and high-quality ingredients. Opt for fresh sweet corn, ripe tomatoes, and vibrant herbs for the best flavor. The quality of the ingredients greatly influences the taste of the salsa. Ensure they are all patted dry before mixing to ensure your salsa isn’t watery.
- Allow the flavors to meld. After preparing the salsa, let it sit for at least 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This resting time allows the ingredients to combine and develop a more cohesive and delicious taste.
- Try a touch of sweetness. Consider adding a small amount of natural sweetness to balance the flavors of the salsa. You can incorporate a teaspoon of honey, agave syrup, or a sprinkle of sugar to enhance the overall taste and bring out the natural sweetness of the corn and tomatoes.
- Grill the corn. Before removing from the cob, char the corn on a grill for some extra smokiness and more robust flavor.
Storage instructions
To store: To store corn salsa, transfer it to an airtight container or a sealable jar and place it in the refrigerator. This will help keep the salsa fresh and maintain its flavors. Corn salsa can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy the leftover salsa, give it a quick stir to redistribute the flavors before serving.
Recommended tools
- Old jars. Recycle some old sauce or condiment jars to store the salsa. The air tight seal will come in handy!
- Saucepan. To boil the sweet corn.
More corn recipes to try
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can use canned corn as a convenient alternative to fresh corn. Drain and rinse the canned corn before adding it to the salsa. However, keep in mind that fresh corn kernels provide a crisper texture and slightly sweeter flavor.
Yes, corn salsa can be made in advance. It’s best to prepare it within a day or two of serving for optimal freshness. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Yes, corn salsa is versatile, and you can add extra ingredients to personalize it. Popular additions include diced avocados, black beans, red bell peppers, or chopped fresh cilantro. Feel free to experiment and tailor the salsa to your liking.
To prevent the salsa from becoming watery, it’s best to remove excess moisture from the ingredients before combining them. After cooking the corn kernels, make sure to drain them well and pat them dry. Additionally, remove the seeds and excess juice from the tomatoes before dicing them.
Corn Salsa
Ingredients
- 2 cups sweet corn kernals fresh or frozen
- 1 cup tomatoes diced
- 1/4 cup red onion finely chopped
- 1 jalapeno seeded and finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped
- 1 lime juiced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- If using fresh corn, cook the corn kernels in boiling water for 3-5 minutes until tender. If using frozen corn, thaw it according to the package instructions.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked corn, diced tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño or bell pepper, and fresh cilantro. Squeeze the juice of one lime over the mixture and season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything together to ensure even distribution of flavors.
- Let the corn salsa sit for at least 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. You can also refrigerate it for a couple of hours to enhance the taste. Give the salsa a final taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve the corn salsa as a topping for tacos, grilled meats, salads, or as a dip with tortilla chips.
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