Corn Salsa

This sweet & spicy corn salsa recipe tastes great on just about anything. You'll find yourself piling it onto salads, tacos, veggie burgers, and more!

corn salsa recipe

This corn salsa recipe combines two of my favorite things in life: salsa and sweet corn! It’s crisp and zesty, sweet and spicy, and I just can’t get enough of it. Luckily, it’s really versatile, so I’ve been piling it on nearly everything – salads, bowls, tacos, burgers, and more. Of course, it’s fantastic as a dip with tortilla chips too.

Most often, I make this corn salsa recipe as written, but it’s also a great one to play with. Add something creamy, like diced avocado or crumbled Cotija cheese. Bulk it up with black beans, or toss in some halved cherry tomatoes. Spice it up with cumin, coriander, or a dash of smoked paprika. As long as you taste and adjust the seasonings before you eat, you’re bound to create a salsa you love.

Corn on the cob

Corn Salsa Recipe Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this fresh corn salsa recipe:

  • Fresh corn on the cob – You’ll need about 3 ears of corn to make this recipe. Most often, I slice the kernels off the cob and leave them raw for a sweet, crisp bite. However, I’ve also grilled the corn here, and it gives the salsa a delicious smoky, charred flavor! If you can’t find in-season sweet corn, thawed frozen corn would work here too.
  • Red onion and garlic – For sharp depth of flavor.
  • Red bell pepper – I love its brilliant red color against the pale yellow corn. It also adds a nice crunch!
  • Finely chopped cilantro – It adds flecks of green and lots of fresh flavor.
  • Lime juice – For bright, zesty flavor. Always use freshly squeezed lime juice here. Don’t bother with the bottled kind!
  • Jalapeño – It gives the salsa a spicy kick. For a fun twist, use pickled jalapeños instead of raw ones!

Add a pinch of salt and pepper to tie it all together!

Find the complete recipe with measurements below.

Corn salsa on guacamole burgers

Corn Salsa Recipe Serving Suggestions

There are SO many delicious ways to serve this corn salsa recipe! Here are a few of my favorites:

What’s your favorite way to eat corn salsa? Let me know in the comments!

corn salsa

More Favorite Salsa Recipes

If you love this corn salsa recipe, try making one of these zesty salsas next:

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Corn Salsa

rate this recipe:
5 from 2 votes
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Serves 6
Raw corn gives this corn salsa recipe plenty of crunch. If you prefer to cook your corn, I recommend grilling it to add smoky, charred flavor. Both versions are delicious!

Ingredients

  • 2 cups fresh corn kernels, (about 3 ears of corn)
  • 3/4 cup diced red onion
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 jalapeño pepper, stemmed and diced
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, more to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  • In a medium bowl, combine the corn, onion, cilantro, bell pepper, lime juice, garlic, jalapeño, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
  • Chill until ready to use. Serve with chips for dipping or scoop onto tacos, burgers, or salads!

 

3 comments

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Rate this recipe (after making it)




  1. C Perry
    05.21.2023

    5 stars
    First time making corn salsa at home. Used oven roasted corn and omitted jalapeño (didn’t have on hand). Topped a copycat Chipotle Burrito bowl and enjoyed with blue corn chips. Delightful both ways. Can’t wait until summer corn from the local farm is available. Will be making this on repeat!

    • Jeanine Donofrio
      05.22.2023

      I’m so glad you enjoyed it!

  2. Niki
    10.12.2021

    5 stars
    Its early spring here in Aotearoa New Zealand and l had a hankering for corn. First time I’ve made a corn salsa and with nachos, refried beans and homemade guacamole it was perfect. Definitely a keeper. Only things l did differently was, switch out the red onion for green onion as housemate struggles with raw onion and swap jalapenos for green chillies as they’re difficult to find here. Thanks for sharing.

A food blog with fresh, zesty recipes.
Photograph of Jeanine Donofrio and Jack Mathews in their kitchen

Hello, we're Jeanine and Jack.

We love to eat, travel, cook, and eat some more! We create & photograph vegetarian recipes from our home in Chicago, while our shiba pups eat the kale stems that fall on the kitchen floor.