Copycat Chipotle — Easy Corn Salsa Recipe (2024)

Indulge in the simplicity of our sweet corn salsa recipe. With only 6 fresh ingredients, you can create a flavorful condiment that’s perfect for any occasion.

You can serve corn salsa with tortilla chips and a hibiscus margarita for a festive appetizer.

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There are a few things I really feel certain about in this world, and one of them is I love fresh corn salsa recipes. And “love” is not a word I toss around loosely. OK. Maybe it is, but it’s still something special when it comes to today’s recipe.

I adore adding tangy corn salsa on tacos, burritos, salads and more. Why? It elevates both the flavor, texture, and delightful burst of freshness in every bite.

Ingredients & Substitutions

You can find the full printable recipe, including ingredient quantities, below. But first, here are some explanations of ingredients and steps to help you make this recipe perfect every time.

Here are the ingredients you’ll need for this recipe, including substitution ideas:

• Fresh Corn: Opt for fresh corn on the cob when available for the best flavor and texture. Alternatively, frozen or canned corn can be used as a convenient substitute.
• Jalapeños: For a milder salsa, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños. You can also substitute canned jalapeños for added convenience.
• Red Onion: Look for firm and shiny red onions, typically located in the produce section of the grocery store. If unavailable, white or yellow onions can be used as substitutes.
• Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a burst of flavor to the salsa. However, if cilantro isn’t your preference, fresh parsley or chives can be used as an alternative. Also, dried cilantro is less potent and may be more tolerable for cilantro haters.

Buying Guide: When selecting fresh corn, choose ears with bright green husks and plump kernels. Avoid ears with dried or brown husks, as they may indicate older corn.

How to Make Corn Salsa

Interestingly enough, this recipe begins in the microwave. Of course, you can cook your corn the traditional way (boiling it in a pot), but the microwave makes it so easy.

1. Cook the corn until tender.
2. Using a serrated knife, carefully shave off the corn kernels.
3. Combine the corn kernels with jalapeños, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, and salt. Mix well.
4. Serve immediately or refrigerate for later use.

Serve it Up

This salsa is great on vegan black bean burritos. But it’s also pretty tasty on a vegan taco salad along with some Sofritas, of course!

I even add this salsa to a vegan baked potato. Of course, I also make corn salsa for tacos and vegan enchiladas. Any dish that could use a burst of freshness can be enhanced by a spoonful or two of this tasty condiment.

Here are some more ways to serve it:

• Pair with tortilla chips for a classic appetizer.
• Serve as a topping for tacos, salads, or grilled plant-based proteins.
• Drizzle with avocado green goddess dressing for extra flavor.

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This post was originally published in 2020 and was updated to include new photos, new text, and an updated recipe in 2021.