Corn Salsa (Chipotle Copycat)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Corn Salsa (Chipotle Copycat) is a zesty, sweet, and mildly spicy topping or side that captures the signature flavor of the popular fast-casual restaurant. It’s made with fresh ingredients like sweet corn, peppers, and citrus juice, making it perfect for burrito bowls, tacos, or chips. This refreshing salsa adds color, crunch, and a burst of flavor to any dish.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

sweet corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)red onionjalapeño pepperpoblano pepperfresh cilantrofresh lime juicefresh lemon juicekosher salt

directions

Roast the poblano pepper over an open flame or under the broiler until the skin is charred. Place in a bowl, cover, and let steam for 10 minutes.

Peel off the charred skin, remove the seeds, and finely dice the roasted poblano.

If using fresh corn, cook the cobs and cut the kernels off. If using frozen corn, thaw completely. If using canned, drain well.

Finely dice the red onion and jalapeño. Remove jalapeño seeds for less heat if preferred.

In a large bowl, combine corn, diced poblano, red onion, jalapeño, and chopped fresh cilantro.

Add lime juice, lemon juice, and kosher salt to taste.

Mix well and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 2½ cups of salsa.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Chilling time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

Add black beans for a heartier salsa.
Use grilled corn for a smoky flavor.
Include diced avocado just before serving for creaminess.
Add a dash of chili powder for extra spice.

storage/reheating

Store Corn Salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Do not freeze, as the texture of the vegetables will degrade.
Serve chilled or at room temperature—no reheating necessary.

FAQs

Can I use frozen corn?

Yes, just make sure it’s fully thawed and drained before using.

Is this salsa spicy?

It’s mildly spicy; remove jalapeño seeds for less heat or use a milder pepper.

Can I make this salsa ahead of time?

Absolutely, it tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge.

Do I need to roast the poblano?

Roasting adds authentic flavor, but you can use raw poblano in a pinch.

Can I use lemon juice only?

You can, but the mix of lime and lemon juice provides the signature Chipotle tang.

How do I store leftovers?

In an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, this recipe is easy to scale up for parties or meal prep.

Is this salsa gluten-free?

Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Can I add tomatoes?

Sure, but it will become more of a pico de gallo-style salsa.

What kind of corn is best?

Fresh is best for flavor and texture, but canned or frozen work well too.

Conclusion

Corn Salsa (Chipotle Copycat) is a fresh, vibrant, and easy-to-make salsa that brings restaurant-quality flavor to your table. Whether you’re topping a burrito bowl, serving with chips, or adding it to tacos, this versatile salsa is a must-have for any Mexican-inspired meal.

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