This Easy Corn Salsa with Chipotle Lime filled with ripe tomatoes, jalapeños and a hint of smokey chipotle is my go to recipe for tacos, chips and enchiladas.
Great Salsa Recipes are not just for tomatoes any more. They can be made with everything from avocado to zucchini and add flavor to your favorite Mexican food recipes at home.

Chips and salsa are like dessert in my house, my husband and sons prefer them to cookies. The spicy, sweet tomato-chile dip on a salty chip is delicious.
Mix up your recipes with different types of salsas. This one is so easy with smoky chipotle flavor and a splash of lime is one of my favorites. It is perfect for tacos or rolled into enchiladas but, don't stop there. Spoon it on top of a grilled steak or serve it warm with melted cheese for a Southwest side dish, yum.
What to Serve with Corn Salsa with Chipotle Lime
Serve this recipe with any Mexican or Southwest dishes or try it on something new like this delicious Street Corn Pizza.
- Chips and snacks - This salsa is a natural on salted, crispy corn chips.
- Enchiladas - Spoon it over these Sour Cream Enchiladas or rollin up inside before baking them. It's great with chicken enchiladas, too!
- Taco Recipes are perfect for the sweet and spicy flavor of this corn salsa.
- Stir it into Fresh Ceviche for watermelon cups or Shrimp Tostados with Guacamole.
- Hot Dogs! Don't forget how delicious it is on Sonoran Hot Dogs.
What Kind of Corn to Use for Corn Salsa
There are so many choices of corn to use in this recipe! Choose your favorites.
Corn on The Cob- This is my favorite. Roast It on the grill or in the oven, both ways are delicious.
Fresh grilled corn on the cob is perfect for Corn Salsa! If you don't have chipotles, try smoked corn on the cob for extra smoky flavor.
Frozen Corn- Yes! You can use frozen corn! Be sure to thaw it and remove the excess moisture. Saute it in a dry pan for a two to three minutes.
Canned Corn- Draining the corn is a must. Just drain the corn in a strainer and rinse it in cool water. Then, sauté it quickly in a hot skillet to get rid of extra moisture and develop the flavors.
How long do you cook fresh corn on the cob?
Tip: I think corn is best when it is al dente, not mushy. Try not to over cook it.
To roast corn in the oven at 400 degrees or on the outdoor grill. If cooking in their husks, cook it for about 20 to 30 minutes (or until warmed through). Or 20 minutes without the husk. Turn the corn every 4-5 minutes.
Tip for using frozen or canned corn:
Frozen corn: Be sure to thaw the corn first. Frozen corn can have extra moisture from the ice crystals. When thawed and drained, toss the corn in a hot, non-stick skillet or sauté pan for 2 to 3 minutes. Then, remove from pan and set aside until cooled.
Canned Corn: Draining the corn is a must. Rinse the corn well.
Ingredients for Easy Corn Salsa with Chipotle Lime-
This recipe has all of the yummy things you expect in your favorite salsa: tomatoes, jalapeño, onion, etc... PLUS corn and a hint of smoky chipotle.
Tip: The flavors of this corn salsa are perfect in a creamy corn dip.
- Corn- This recipe is all about the corn. Corn Salsa is best when the corn is al denté. If you are in the late summer or early fall, try using fresh, raw corn. I love raw corn! You can also roast the corn over the coals of your BBQ grill, a grill pan or in your oven.
- Tomatoes- Ripe, beautiful tomatoes. I prefer to use Roma tomatoes or the vine ripened tomatoes that are still on the vine in the produce section. The have a better texture than beef steak tomatoes and a sweeter flavor.
- Onion- I use red onion, they are not as over powering as white or yellow. You can also use a sweet onion, if you prefer.
- Jalapeño- Jalapeños are on the mild side of the chile family. You can reduce the heat a little if you remove the seeds and the veins inside the the chile. Use Serrano chiles if you would like a hotter chile.
- Cilantro- People either love it or hate it. Mince the cilantro very fine and stir it in just before serving. If you really don't care for cilantro, leave it out or substitute flat leaf parsley.
- Chipotle in Adobo- Chipotle is the smoky, spicy flavor in the corn salsa. (this is an affiliate link to the brand I use).If you want heat, use the actual chipotle. Mince the chile finely and smash it into a paste then, mix it into the lime juice so that it mixes evenly. If you want flavor with little heat, use only the adobo sauce that the chile is in.
- Lime- Ooh. Lime. I love adding lime for that bright, acidic flavor that makes you want more. Zest the lime before you cut it in half and juice it.
- Southwest Seasonings- Chili powder (optional), cumin, paprika, salt and pepper add that Mexican/Southwest flavor.
Tip- If you want chile flavor without the smokiness of chipotle, use the chili powder instead of the chipotle in adobo.
More Recipes to Serve with Corn Salsa with Chipotle Lime
Carne Asada Tacos (grilled steak tacos)
These are just a few of the many recipe that go with this easy Corn Salsa with Chipotle Lime recipe. Serve it with anything that goes with corn!
Corn Salsa with Chipotle Lime
Ingredients
- 2 Cups corn kernels grilled and cut from cob or thawed and tossed in a hot, non-stick pan for 2 to 3 minutes only
- ¾ Cup red onion finely diced
- 4 tablespoon cilantro minced
- 1 Cup tomatoes finely diced
- 1 Jalapeño minced
- Juice from 2 limes
- 1 teaspoon Chipotle in Adobo sauce minced and mashed smooth or teaspoon of adobo sauce only
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder optional
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place the corn, red onion and tomatoes in a bowl and toss to combine.
- Add the jalapeño, if desired, and toss again.
- Mix the lime juice, adobo or chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt and pepper together pour over the corn salsa to taste.
- Let the salsa sit for 20 minutes.
- Add minced cilantro and toss.
- Sprinkle with more salt and pepper, if needed.
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