🌽 Chipotle Corn Salsa (Copycat Recipe)
This copycat Chipotle corn salsa recipe requires just a handful of ingredients – canned corn, red onion, cilantro, jalapeno, lemon juice, and lime juice – that you probably already have on hand and tastes just like the salsa you’ll find at Chipotle Mexican Grill! It’s the perfect make-ahead accompaniment for sheet pan nachos, chicken tacos, or southwest salads!
🏆 The Best Corn Salsa
If you’re a fan of Chipotle Mexican Grill, you are going to LOVE this corn salsa recipe! It tastes just like Chipotle’s but you can make it right at home and it literally takes just a few minutes! It’s perfect for summer when fresh sweet corn is in season but it’s also delicious when made with canned sweet corn so you can eat it all year round.
🥣 Ingredients and Substitutions
Canned Corn
Using canned corn makes this recipe easier and cuts down on prep time, but you can also use fresh corn. Simply boil the corn and cut it off the cob using a sharp knife and then mix the salsa together as directed. You can also thaw frozen corn kernels and use them for this recipe. In fact, it’s been reported that Chipotle uses frozen corn for its salsa! Canned or frozen will give you delicious salsa.
Petite Diced Red Onion
Red onion has a great strong flavor that complements the spice of the jalapeno and citrus flavors. I recommend dicing the red onion a bit on the smaller side so that it doesn’t overwhelm the other ingredients.
Cilantro
Cilantro has a great fresh, almost citrusy flavor that brings all the other ingredients together. Don’t throw away the stems from the cilantro – use them! They have more flavor than the leaves!
Jalapeno
Jalapeños have the perfect amount of spice, so they’re my go-to for this recipe, but you can also substitute them with poblano peppers.
Fresh Lime Juice
The lime juice will give you a great tang and acidity to add to this recipe. Fresh-squeezed or from the bottle will work perfectly.
Fresh Lemon Juice
As with the lime juice, I definitely recommend fresh-squeezed lemon juice. If you don’t have one or the other, add more of whichever one you do have!
👩🍳 How to Make Chipotle Corn Salsa
- Add ingredients to a large bowl.
- Mix until well combined.
- Add more salt to taste. Serve with tortilla chips and enjoy!
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use fresh corn instead of canned or frozen?
Yes. Fresh corn adds a sweet, crisp flavor—especially in summer. Just boil or grill it, then cut the kernels off the cob with a sharp knife before mixing.
2. Is this salsa considered healthy?
Absolutely. It’s low in calories, high in fiber and vitamins like C and A, naturally gluten-free, fat-free, and 100% plant-based.
3. How long does corn salsa last in the fridge?
3 to 4 days when stored in an airtight container. For best taste and texture, enjoy it within the first two days.
4. Can I freeze corn salsa?
You can, but it’s not ideal. While the corn holds up well, the onions and cilantro may lose their fresh texture after thawing.
5. Should I remove the jalapeño seeds?
It depends. For a milder flavor, remove them. For a spicier kick, leave them in. The seeds and white membrane hold most of the heat.
6. What’s the difference between lemon juice and lime juice in this recipe?
Lemon juice adds subtle sweetness, while lime juice brings sharper acidity. Using both creates a perfect flavor balance.
7. Can I blend the ingredients instead of mixing them?
No. This salsa is meant to be chunky. Blending would turn it into a smoother sauce, which changes the texture and presentation.
8. Can I substitute cilantro with another herb?
Yes, if needed. Fresh parsley works as a substitute, but it won’t have the same bright, citrusy flavor. Cilantro is key to the original taste.
9. Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, especially with less or no jalapeño. Kids usually enjoy the sweetness of corn and citrus flavors. Adjust the spice to suit their taste.
10. Does this salsa contain added sugar?
No. All sweetness comes naturally from the corn. There are no added sugars in the original or copycat recipe.
11. What are the best ways to serve corn salsa?
- With tortilla chips as a dip
- On tacos, burritos, or nachos
- As a topping for grilled chicken or fish
- Mixed into a southwest salad
12. How can I turn it into a more filling dish?
Add black beans, avocado, or quinoa to transform it into a hearty corn salsa salad.
13. Should I serve this salsa warm or cold?
Cold. This is a chilled salsa meant to be refreshing and crisp. Letting it sit in the fridge also helps meld the flavors.
14. How can I boost the nutritional value of this salsa?
Enhance it with avocado slices, chia or flax seeds, and extra veggies like bell peppers or cucumbers.
15. What makes Chipotle’s corn salsa flavor so unique?
The secret is in the simple balance of sweet corn, bright citrus, mild heat from jalapeños, and the freshness of cilantro—all left uncooked to preserve their natural flavors.
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