If you're a fan of Chipotle Mexican Grill, you're in for a treat! Recreating Chipotle's Corn Salsa Copycat Recipe at home is quick & easy. With just a handful of fresh ingredients and a few simple steps, you can enjoy the zesty flavors of this corn salsa anytime you want.
Chipotle's corn salsa is a flavorful dish that perfectly complements any Mexican meal. It features sweet white corn kernels, diced red onions, roasted poblano peppers, and fresh cilantro, all tossed in a tangy dressing of lime juice, lemon juice, and olive oil. This salsa offers a perfect balance of sweetness, heat, and acidity, making it a must-have addition to burrito bowls, tacos, salads, or simply enjoyed with your favorite tortilla chips.
Why we love this recipe:
- It’s Quick: Whip up a batch of this easy corn salsa in no time for a last-minute taco night or impromptu gathering.
- It’s Addictive: Once you taste this salsa, you will want to come back for more!
- It’s Easy: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, anyone can master this recipe.
- It’s Seasonal: Replace frozen corn with the flavors of fresh corn when in season.
If you like this Chipotle-inspired corn salsa, you may also enjoy our other dip recipes. Try this guacamole dip or if you're a fan of Chipotle, try these Chipotle Copycat Pinto Beans or this Chipotle Seasoning for Chicken.
Jump to:
- What Ingredients Will You Need?
- Instructions
- What Are Some Good Substitutions?
- How Can You Change This Recipe Up?
- What Kitchen Equipment Is Best?
- How Should You Store This?
- What Are Some Expert Tips?
- How To Roast a Poblano Pepper
- More Recipes You'll Love ♥️
- Related
- FAQ
- 📖 Recipe
- Important Food Safety Tips
- 💬 Share Your Thoughts
What Ingredients Will You Need?
- Corn: White sweet corn is the key ingredient and the best part of this recipe. It adds sweetness and crunch to the salsa.
- Red Onion: Provides a sharp, savory flavor.
- Roasted Poblano Pepper: Adds a nice smoky flavor and mild heat.
- Jalapeno Pepper: Adds a kick of heat and depth to the salsa.
- Fresh Cilantro: Infuses the salsa with aromatic freshness.
- Lemon Juice: Adds tanginess and helps balance the flavors.
- Lime Juice: Adds freshness and helps balance the flavors.
- Olive Oil: Enhances richness.
- Sea Salt: Kosher salt or sea salt will help bring out the other flavors.
Note: Refer to the recipe card below for exact quantities.
Instructions
How to Make Chipotle's Corn Salsa Copycat Recipe {Quick & Easy}
STEP ONE: Prepare the Corn
Thaw 16 oz of frozen white corn and drain any excess water.
If using fresh corn, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the husked corn and cook for about 3-5 minutes until it's tender but still crisp. Remove the corn from the pot and let it cool slightly. Once cooled, carefully cut the kernels off the cob using a sharp knife. Transfer the corn kernels to a large mixing bowl.
STEP TWO: Prepare the Vegetables
Finely dice ½ red onion, chop 1 roasted poblano pepper (peeled, seeded), and chop ¼ cup fresh cilantro leaves. Combine in a large bowl.
STEP THREE: Combine Ingredients
Squeeze the juice of ½ lime and ½ lemon over the corn mixture with a drizzle of olive oil. Sprinkle with sea salt to taste. Gently toss until ingredients are evenly coated.
STEP FOUR: Adjust Seasoning
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Add more lime juice, lemon juice, or salt according to preference. Enjoy this perfect topping on tacos or burritos!
What Are Some Good Substitutions?
- Corn: Substitute frozen corn with fresh corn kernels if fresh is in season. Alternatively, use yellow corn for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Peppers - Use serrano peppers or green bell pepper instead of jalapeno for a slightly different flavor.
How Can You Change This Recipe Up?
- Add-ins: Add black beans for extra protein and texture.
- By Spice: Adjust the amount of jalapeño pepper for a milder or spicier salsa.
What Kitchen Equipment Is Best?
This post shows some of our kitchen essentials. Please visit our shop if you would like to see more of our favorites. These are Amazon affiliate links and we earn commission from qualifying purchases.
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Sharp Knife
- Cutting Board
- Citrus Squeezer
- Measuring Spoons
How Should You Store This?
Store leftover corn salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving.
To freeze corn salsa (not recommended), transfer it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag, leaving some room for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving, and give it a good stir before enjoying. The salsa may be slightly watery after thawing due to the release of moisture from the vegetables.
Note: Refer to Top Tips below for more storage and reheating tips.
What Are Some Expert Tips?
For extra flavor, char the corn kernels on a hot grill or gas stove before adding them to the salsa.
Control the spiciness by removing the seeds and membranes from the jalapeño pepper.
Allow the salsa to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors blend together. It's even better the next day!
How To Roast a Poblano Pepper
- Preheat your oven broiler: Set your oven rack about 6 inches below the broiler element. Preheat the broiler to high.
- Prepare the poblano pepper: Rinse the poblano pepper under cold water and pat it dry with a paper towel. Place it on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Broil the pepper: Place the poblano pepper under the broiler and let it cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the skin begins to blister and char. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning, and use tongs to rotate the pepper occasionally for even charring.
- Flip and char the other side: Once one side is charred, carefully flip the pepper using tongs and broil for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the entire pepper is evenly charred and blistered.
- Transfer to a bowl and steam: Once the pepper is charred on all sides, carefully transfer it to a heatproof bowl and cover it tightly with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to steam, which will help loosen the skin.
- Peel and seed the pepper: After steaming, remove the plastic wrap or towel and carefully peel off the charred skin from the pepper. It should come off easily. Cut off the stem and slice the pepper open to remove the seeds and membrane.
- Dice or use as desired: Your roasted poblano pepper is now ready to use in your favorite recipes.
More Recipes You'll Love ♥️
Have Leftover Ingredients?
- Use up leftover corn in this by adding a little to sheet pan nachos.
- Leftover cilantro can be added to this incredibly addictive cowboy caviar.
Need Something To Pair This With?
- These Easy Cheese Quesadillas are a quick and easy treat!
- Looking for a good air fryer recipe? Try these Heatlhy Air Fryer Tostadas.
- Serve it on top of a Southwest Chicken Bowl.
Related
More Mexican recipes you will love:
FAQ
Yes, you can substitute canned corn for fresh or frozen corn in this recipe. Drain and rinse the canned corn before using it to remove any excess salt or brine. Keep in mind that canned corn may have a slightly different texture compared to fresh or frozen corn and will not be as crisp.
Homemade corn salsa can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. After that, its flavor and texture may begin to decline.
While you can freeze corn salsa, the texture of the vegetables may change slightly upon thawing, especially the onions and peppers.
📖 Recipe
Chipotle's Corn Salsa Copycat Recipe {Quick and Easy}
Equipment
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Sharp Knife
- Measuring Spoons
Ingredients
- 16 oz frozen white corn thawed
- ½ red onion finely diced
- 1 roasted poblano pepper peeled, seeded, and diced
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
- Juice of ½ lime
- Juice of ½ lemon
- 3 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Thaw 16 oz of frozen white corn and drain any excess water. Finely dice ½ red onion, chop 1 roasted poblano pepper (peeled, seeded), and chop ¼ cup fresh cilantro leaves. Combine in a large bowl.
- Squeeze the juice of ½ lime and ½ lemon over the corn mixture with a drizzle of olive oil. Sprinkle with sea salt to taste. Gently toss until ingredients are evenly coated.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Add more lime juice, lemon juice, or salt according to preference.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Serve chilled as a dip with tortilla chips or as a perfect topping for tacos, burritos, salads, or grilled meats.
Notes
- Corn: Substitute frozen corn with fresh corn kernels if fresh is in season. Alternatively, use yellow corn for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Peppers - Use serrano peppers or green bell pepper instead of jalapeno for a slightly different flavor.
Nutrition
Important Food Safety Tips
Ensure all vegetables are washed thoroughly before use. Store leftovers promptly in the refrigerator to prevent spoilage.
- Wash hands and create a clean work area.
- Rinse fresh produce thoroughly.
- Do not use the same cutting board or utensils on cooked food or produce, that previously touched raw meat or seafood.
- Do not leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods.
See more guidelines at USDA.gov
Recreating Chipotle's signature corn salsa at home is both achievable and rewarding. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can whip it up in no time. Serve it the next time you make tacos or burrito bowls. You won't be disappointed bringing this restaurant-quality dish to your kitchen!
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