This vibrant Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa is a burst of fresh, zesty flavors that will instantly elevate your meals. With juicy sweet corn, tangy lime, and a hint of jalapeño heat, every bite is a perfect balance of crunch and zest. Ready in just 10 minutes, it’s the ultimate quick fix for adding a pop of color and flavor to tacos, bowls, or chips.
Packed with bright, wholesome ingredients, this salsa is as nutritious as it is delicious. The crisp texture of corn pairs beautifully with the soft bite of tomatoes and the aromatic kick of cilantro. Light, refreshing, and full of vitamin-rich goodness, it’s a guilt-free way to brighten up your plate and satisfy your cravings.
Fresh & Flavorful Ingredients
- 16 ounces frozen white corn (completely thawed; yellow corn works as a substitute)
- 2 Tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed for the best flavor)
- 1 Tablespoon lemon juice (adds a bright, tangy note)
- ⅓ cup red onion (finely diced for even distribution)
- 1 small jalapeno pepper (seeded and finely diced; adjust for spice preference)
- 1 small poblano pepper (seeded and finely diced; adds mild heat and depth)
- ½ cup fresh cilantro (roughly chopped; omit if you dislike cilantro)
Simple Step-by-Step Instructions
- Combine all ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the thawed corn, lime juice, lemon juice, red onion, jalapeno, poblano, and cilantro.
- Mix thoroughly: Stir everything together until the ingredients are evenly distributed and well-coated with the citrus juices.
- Serve or chill: You can serve the salsa immediately for a fresh, vibrant flavor, or cover and refrigerate for a few hours to let the flavors meld together.
- Enjoy: Serve with tortilla chips, or use it as a topping for tacos, nachos, grilled chicken, or your favorite dishes!
Perfect Pairings: Serving Suggestions
This Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa is incredibly versatile! Serve it as a dip with tortilla chips for a crowd-pleasing appetizer, or spoon it over grilled chicken, fish, or tacos for a fresh, zesty kick. It also makes a fantastic topping for nachos, burrito bowls, or even salads. The bright flavors pair beautifully with creamy dishes like queso or guacamole for a balanced bite.
Make It Your Own: Recipe Variations
Want to switch things up? Try adding diced avocado for extra creaminess or black beans for a heartier texture. If you prefer a smoky flavor, swap the poblano pepper for roasted green chiles. For a sweeter twist, mix in diced mango or pineapple. And if you’re feeling adventurous, add a pinch of chili powder or smoked paprika for a deeper flavor profile.
Fresh & Ready: Storage Tips
This salsa stays fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. For the best flavor, let it sit for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the corn and peppers may change. If the salsa seems dry after refrigeration, simply stir in a splash of lime juice to revive it.
Quick Prep: Time-Saving Tips
To save time, use pre-chopped frozen onions or a mini food processor to quickly dice the red onion, jalapeño, and poblano. If you’re in a pinch, substitute canned corn (drained and rinsed) for frozen corn—just make sure it’s thoroughly drained to avoid excess moisture. Prepping the cilantro ahead of time and storing it in a damp paper towel can also speed things up!
Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa
Ingredients
- 16 ounces frozen white corn, (if you can’t find white corn, you can use yellow), completely thawed
- 2 Tablespoons lime juice
- 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
- ⅓ cup red onion, finely diced
- 1 small jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely diced
- 1 small poblano pepper, seeded and finely diced
- ½ cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl.
- You can serve immediately or cover and refrigerate for a few hours until serving.
- This is delicious with tortilla chips or on top of tacos, nachos, chicken, etc.