Copycat chipotle corn salsa is such an easy recipe that can be made in just minutes. This healthy recipe is reminiscent of Chipotle’s corn salsa that is a fan favorite. Serve it at your next BBQ as the perfect appetizer, or make a big bowl all for yourself!
Chipotle Corn Salsa Recipe
There are so many reasons to love Chipotle. The fresh ingredients, delicious flavor, and the wonderful ability to customize your meal and make it whatever you want it to be. Back in the day it was one of the only Whole30 compliant restaurants too, and it’s one of the few “fast food” restaurants with healthier options.
I am genuinely inspired by the amazing menu at Chipotle Mexican grill. So much so, that I’ve made multiple Chipotle copycat recipes like this amazing corn salsa and their to-die-for barbacoa.
This quick and easy copycat recipe tastes like it came straight from the restaurant. I use it on burrito bowls, as a snack with chips, on top of salads, and so much more. It’s such a versatile side dish packed with so much flavor.
Made with either fresh or frozen corn ,and a few other simple ingredients, this is a staple recipe that I come back to time and time again. I love to serve it with my salsa baked chicken to make a complete meal. But pair it with your favorite tortilla chips as a snack and it’s show-stopping good!
Why You’ll Love this Recipe
- You can find all of the ingredients you need for this salsa at your local grocery store. There’s no need for anything fancy or extravagant. Just simple, whole food, healthy ingredients.
- Making a copycat version of Chipotle menu items is a great way to save money. If you are craving their delicious burrito bowls, just make everything at home and you’ll have plenty of leftovers for tons of extra bowls!
- It only takes a few minutes to throw together this simple recipe. You can probably make it in less time than it takes to drive to Chipotle!
Ingredients
The ingredients in my chipotle corn salsa recipe are healthy, fresh, and simple! Here’s what’s in it:
- frozen or canned corn
- fresh lime juice
- tomato
- red onion
- cilantro
- salt and pepper
Substitutions and Variations
I like to keep this sweet corn salsa kid-friendly, so I leave out anything spicy. However, if you want to stay 100% true to Chipotle’s recipe, omit the tomato and feel free to dice up fresh jalapeños to include in your delicious salsa.
Add some protein to this easy corn salsa by adding some black beans into the mix.
If jalapeño peppers aren’t spicy enough for you, kick up the spice level with some serrano peppers. And if you want a little kick but don’t like jalapeno pepper, dice up some roasted poblano pepper instead.
Kick up the fresh flavor by adding minced garlic into the mix. Extra citrus juice will add some more zesty flavor to this salsa too!
Love avocados and want to use them in everything? Then dice up a few small avocados and mix into this easy copycat chipotle corn salsa for a bit of creaminess.
How to Make Chipotle Corn Salsa
The really wonderful thing about this recipe is that you literally just add everything to a large bowl and mix it up. I mean, it doesn’t get easier than that!
Here’s a step by step guide on what you’ll need to do:
If you use frozen corn, make sure you allow a few extra minutes of prep time to defrost it. Alternatively, you can use canned corn. Either way, strain the excess liquid from the corn before adding it to a bowl.
Use a sharp knife and dice the red onion, tomatoes, jalapeño peppers and cilantro. Then slice the lime in half and juice it.
Add all of the diced veggies to the bowl of corn and mix it up. Season to taste and voila, it’s ready to go!
This is why this recipe is one of my favorite salsas. It takes minimal effort to create and is addictively delicious.
Serve over your favorite tacos, on burrito bowls, or with crunchy corn chips. Enjoy!
How to Store Chipotle Corn Salsa
Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. In fact, you may find that you prefer this delicious salsa after it has chilled a bit! It stores really well, but is best eaten within the same week. I do not recommend freezing this easy corn salsa.
What to Eat with Chipotle Corn Salsa
Serve this yummy salsa with some fresh air fryer tortilla chips, or use a grain free chip to follow any dietary restrictions you may have. Plantain chips are also quite tasty with this salsa!
However, this salsa is not just perfect for dipping it is the perfect topping on so many different dishes. Use it on carnitas, fajitas, or fish and even top a crunchy green salad with this incredibly tasty side. I love to serve it with a breakfast quesadilla too!
If you are staying away from carbs, then you can make burrito bowls with cauliflower rice instead. This Mexican chicken marinade is fabulous to use on so many meats that can then be cooked and served with fresh corn salsa!
Chipotle corn salsa would also be a tasty side dish with these easy rotisserie chicken enchiladas.
Tips for Success
- When cutting jalapeños, or any other spicy peppers, wear gloves! Then you won’t have to worry about the “oops I touched my eyes” moment after dicing up the peppers.
- If you happen to have good fresh corn, you can quickly grill or boil it. Then, allow it to cool it before removing the kernels from the corn cob with a sharp knife.
- Before cutting a lime to juice, roll it on the countertop. It makes it much more easy to squeeze fresh lime juice from the fruit!
FAQ
Absolutely! I’ve made this an entire day in advance, and I think it may even be better the next day. Cover and store in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve it.
Considering that this easy recipe is made entirely of vegetables, yes corn salsa is very healthy. Of course, you could easily make it unhealthy depending on what you serve it with. But on its own, this corn salsa is quite healthy! So serve it with a hearty and healthy dish and you’ve got a great thing going.
More Healthy Side Dishes
- Mango Guacamole
- Pineapple Avocado Salsa
- Cauliflower Tabbouleh
- Cherry Tomato Bruschetta
- Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts and Potato Hash
- Quick Tomato & Avocado Salad
If you like this recipe, please drop a star rating or let me know in the comments below!
Chipotle Corn Salsa
Ingredients
- 32 ounces corn frozen or canned
- 3 limes juice only
- 1 large bunch fresh cilantro
- 1/2 medium red onion about 1/2 cup
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes optional
- 1 jalapeno optional
- 1 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 – 1 teaspoons pepper
Instructions
- Thaw the corn by adding it to a fine strainer and running cold water over it. It takes about 5-7 minutes.
- Meanwhile, wash the vegetables. Dice the onion, tomatoes, and jalapeno, if using. Finely mince the cilantro. Juice the limes.
- Add all the ingredients to a large bowl and mix well. Season to taste with salt and pepper, and add more lime juice or cilantro if desired.
Video
Notes
- Add one diced Jalapeño or Serrano pepper for heat.
- Add 2-3 diced avocados.
- Add 2 crushed cloves of garlic.
- Add 1 can rinsed black beans.
