Fresh Corn Salsa is a flavor explosion that’s ready in just 10 minutes! The jalapeño and red onion add just the right amount of bite, and the fresh-squeezed lime juice gives this homemade salsa a zesty flavor boost. Serve it with chips as an appetizer, add it to any taco, or your on top of grilled fish!
Fresh Corn Salsa Recipe
Everybody needs at least one easy salsa recipe in their life (preferably more, if we’re being honest). So, today we bring you this Fresh Corn Salsa, which puts a sweet but still spicy twist on your average store-bought salsa. You won’t believe how flavorful it is!
It all starts with juicy corn kernels, which are mixed in with spicy red onion, crunchy bell pepper, and a little jalapeño for additional heat! Toss in some cilantro and some freshly-squeezed lime juice, and you’ve got a simple but completely addictive homemade salsa.
You can serve this spicy salsa recipe in so many ways… with tortilla chips as a dip, on top of burgers, on top of grilled fish, and the list goes on and on. Really, you can’t go wrong – you can even skip the extra work of cooking more food and take a spoon to the bowl if you want!
Why Is Homemade Salsa the Best?
There are a bunch of salsa and pico de gallo recipes out there, so what makes this one so great? Here’s our brief pitch to you on this zesty corn salsa:
- Fresh, Fresh, Fresh! Raw ingredients make a world of difference in this fresh salsa recipe. Sweet corn, spicy jalapeño, and red onion blended with zesty, fresh-squeezed lime juice is a flavor explosion.
- Simple But Superb Flavor: We kept this salsa simple because we feel the flavors pop all by themselves – especially when served on a salty chip.
- Timesaver: There’s only 6 main ingredients to collect for this salsa, meaning you can mix it together in 10 minutes or less.
What You’ll Need
As stated above, the ingredients list for this corn salsa recipe is super short – rounding everything up will take you two seconds. If you’re looking for the exact amounts, check the recipe card below!
- Fresh Corn: If fresh corn on the cob is not available, use frozen corn instead.
- Bell Pepper: Any color will work (red, yellow, green, orange, etc.). Keep in mind that green bell peppers are more pungent, while the other colors are more mild and sweet.
- Red Onion: Green onions could be substituted, but zesty red onion adds so much flavor and texture to the salsa.
- Jalapeño: Make sure to remove the seeds so that your salsa isn’t too spicy (see all our tips below for more info).
- Fresh Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a bright, citrusy flavor into the mix.
- Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice provides the best flavor, but you can use store bought instead if you like.
- Extra Seasoning: Add salt and pepper, to taste.
How to Make Corn Salsa
Ready to start on this one-step jalapeño corn salsa? It’s about as simple as a recipe can be. Here’s what you need to know:
- Combine the Ingredients: Add all of the ingredients into a medium bowl and stir until well combined. Let the salsa rest for 5 minutes, then enjoy.
Tips & Variation Ideas
Since the corn salsa itself is so simple, here are some variations you could try to change it up. We’ve also included a couple of tips that might help you:
- Optional Additions: Try tossing in some diced avocado, rinsed and drained black beans, Mexican cheese, or even try a little tomato mixed in.
- Add Cilantro When Serving: This is completely optional, but it helps keep the cilantro from getting mushy in the salsa.
- An Easy Way to Shave Corn Off the Cob: Use a large bowl to help keep the kernels from rolling away. Place the corn in the bowl and hold the top of the cob with one hand. Using a sharp knife, starting at the top, go down each side of the corn cob, and repeat with the remaining corn.
- Blacken The Corn: If you want to add another layer of flavor, you can also blacken the corn on the grill, in your air fryer or under the broiler.
- Remove the Seeds From the Jalapeño: To keep the jalapeño from adding too much heat to the salsa, make sure and remove the seeds! We like to use gloves when removing the seeds. If you don’t have gloves, once you are done removing the seeds make sure and wash your hands thoroughly. If you like your salsa spicy, leave the seeds in. If you like it really spicy, use a Serrano pepper in place of the jalapeño.
Serving Suggestions
Once you’ve put the finishing touches on your corn salsa, there are a bunch of ways that you could serve it. Here are a few of our favorite options:
- Tacos: Corn salsa is the perfect topping for your favorite taco recipe – try them with these easy Air Fryer Shrimp Tacos if you’re looking to try something new!
- Tortilla Chips: Keep it simple and serve your salsa with some salty tortilla chips as a light appetizer or snack!
- Fish: Corn salsa also makes a great topping for any fish you might be making this summer. We love this quick Air Fryer Mahi Mahi – it’s ready in 10 minutes!
How to Store a Corn Salsa
This easy corn salsa is best enjoyed fresh! You can, however, store any leftover salsa in an airtight container in the fridge, for up to 3 days.
More Salsas, Dips, and Corn Recipes to Try
If you’re loving this salsa recipe, take a look at these other corn-based recipes (with a pico de gallo recipe thrown in, too!):
- Mexican Corn Salad
- Homemade Pico De Gallo
- Skillet Fried Corn
- Easy Guacamole
- Mango Salsa
- Easy Chili Con Queso
Corn Salsa
Ingredients
- 3 cups fresh corn, or frozen (about 4 ears of corn)
- 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
- 1 red onion, diced
- 1 jalapeño, seeds removed and diced
- ½ cup fresh cilantro
- 1 lime, juiced (about 1 tablespoon)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Add all of the ingredients into a medium bowl stir until well combined. Let rest 5 minutes. Serve with your favorite tacos, tortilla chips or try serving over grilled fish.
Notes
- To Store: Store leftover salsa in an airtight container in the fridge, for up to 3 days.
