Fresh Corn Salsa – made with just 7 simple ingredients! This hearty salsa is delicious with tortilla chips and makes the perfect topping for any of your favorite grilled meats!
Have you ever notice how the simplest recipes are so often the best? Recipes that use fresh ingredients and simple flavor combinations… like this Fresh Corn Salsa. It’s made with veggies, herbs, lime juice, and salt… which is about as straightforward as it gets.
What I love about this recipe, aside from its simplicity, is just how versatile it is. This salsa is delicious as a snack – with tortilla chips – and also makes a flavorful topping for tacos, tostadas, or any of your favorite meats. It has all the flavors of a traditional pico de gallo… with the addition of corn!
Proof that simple is anything but boring!
what you’ll need for this recipe
Corn – Corn is the main ingredient in this recipe. I used 2 cups of fresh corn kernels, cut from the cob, but you can feel free to substitute frozen or canned corn instead.
Onion – I added 1/2 cup red onion for delicious flavor and a pop of color. Feel free to substitute white or green onion in place of red.
Bell pepper – I also added 1/2 cup of diced red pepper. Feel free to substitute any color of bell pepper.
Jalapeños – Fresh jalapeños add an (optional) kick of heat to this recipe. I used 2 minced jalapeños and included the seeds and membranes for maximum heat.
Cilantro – 1/2 cup of fresh chopped cilantro adds another layer of flavor to this salsa. Don’t like the flavor of cilantro? Feel free to leave it out!
Lime juice – I added 4 teaspoons of fresh lime juice for brightness and flavor. You can substitute bottled lime juice or use lemon juice instead.
Salt – Finally, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt brings out all the flavors and makes this salsa completely irresistible!
how to make corn salsa
Sauté the corn. Sauté the corn in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the kernels begin to char. Remove it from the heat and set aside to cool.
Chop the onions, bell peppers, jalapeños and cilantro. Finely chop the onions, bell peppers, jalapeños and cilantro.
Combine ingredients. Combine the sautéed corn, chopped veggies, lime juice, and salt in a medium mixing bowl. Stir to combine, then serve with tortilla chips, tacos, or as a topping for grilled chicken or steak.
Recipe Variations
Looking to mix things up even more? Here are some of our best suggestions:
- Use fresh, frozen, or canned corn
- Use any variety of bell peppers
- Add diced tomatoes
- Omit the jalapeños
- Add avocado
- Add additional spices, such as cayenne or chili lime seasoning
- Add fresh minced garlic
- Add crumbled queso fresco
more corn recipes you’ll love
We love how hearty, flavorful and absolutely versatile corn can be! These are some of our favorite corn-based recipes… we hope you enjoy!
- Caprese Corn Salad
- Corn Pudding
- Corn Fritters
- Corn Chowder
- Creamed Corn
- Jalapeño Corn Dip
- Bacon Cheddar Ranch Corn Dip
- Mexican Street Corn Quinoa
Fresh Corn Salsa
Ingredients
- 2 cups corn kernels fresh or frozen
- 1/2 cup red onion diced
- 1/2 cup red pepper diced
- 1-2 jalapeños minced
- 1/2 cup cilantro chopped
- 4 teaspoons lime juice
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Sauté corn over medium-high heat until kernels begin to char. Set aside to cool.
- In a medium bowl, combine onion, red pepper, jalapeno, cilantro, lime juice, and salt.
- Add sautéed corn and stir to combine.
Notes
Recipe Variations
- Use fresh, frozen, or canned corn
- Use any variety of bell peppers
- Add diced tomatoes
- Omit the jalapeños
- Add avocado
- Add additional spices, such as cayenne or chili lime seasoning
- Add fresh minced garlic
- Add crumbled queso fresco
Jamie @ Love Bakes Good Cakes says
This looks so fresh and colorful!! I’m all about drama-free!! 😀
Jess says
We’ve had a steady supply of drama for years – not fun, it’s actually exhausting! Just when you think they’ll play and be occupied? Yes, the drama rolls in! I can completely relate! I love the idea of this deliciously fresh salsa! I’m going to be making it and soon 🙂
Nancy | The Bitter Side of Sweet says
I have 3 in the house and I know exactly what you mean about the drama!!! My kids hate it when I say stop being dramatic! 🙂 Love this fresh salsa!
marcie says
I have boys and there is plenty of drama — it drives me crazy! I want to go run and hide in the closet when they get going, and if I had this dip in there with me that would be the best! 🙂
Deb @ Cooking on the Front Burner says
I love this salsa Cathy! Good luck with the drama – I have girls 2 years apart – thought older and wiser now – it sure was interesting back in the day!
Rachael says
Girls and drama! Awesome. Hahaha But this fresh corn salsa is amazing. Can I come over? I will be drama free. Promise.
Jessica a says
If I’m using fresh corn cut off the cob , do I just husk it and cut if off or do I boil (cook) the corn first .
glenda says
Ummmm this was ridiculously good. I could eat the whole thing in one sitting. Even my 17 year old said, Mom, this is really good. I’m only going to have a small bowl 😉 Next I will add some beans or tomato or avocado to mix it up and try different things. My new fav snack.
Kathy beam says
What can you use in place of cilantro?
Cathy Trochelman says
You could substitute any fresh herbs (basil or parsley, maybe?) or consider replacing it with garlic for a different but equally delicious flavor!