Easy Chipotle Copycat Corn Salsa

This Chipotle copycat corn salsa recipe is my homemade twist on one of Chipotle’s all-time favorite salsa! It has just the right amount of kick from the poblano peppers and jalapenos and a tangy flavor from the citrus juices.

The popularity of Chipotle Mexican Grill is undeniable. It’s the go-to spot for many looking for Mexican fast food meals. And it’s not surprising that many try to recreate some of their great recipes at home. Chipotle’s corn salsa is no exception. 

With this easy copycat recipe, you can skip the lines and enjoy your favorite Chipotle corn salsa right at home. It’s perfect to add to your favorite salads or burrito bowls, or as a healthy snack with chips!

Making it yourself gives you more control over the ingredients and level of spiciness. Plus, it’s more cost-effective than ordering it every time you crave that Chipotle flavor!

Serve it at your outdoor parties, and game day gatherings with friends along with these buffalo chicken pockets to keep everyone fueled up for the fun!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ingredients Needed For Chipotle Copycat Corn Salsa

• 3 poblano peppers
• 2 lb frozen sweet corn
• ½ cup red onion, finely chopped
• 2 jalapeño peppers, deseeded and finely chopped
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tsp salt, to taste

Step-by-Step Preparation With Pictures

1. Preheat the oven to 400° F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Place the poblano peppers on the baking sheet and roast in the oven for 40 minutes. Check the peppers and rotate occasionally until all sides have a charred look and wrinkly skin.

3. Remove the roasted poblano peppers from the oven and let them cool for about 10 minutes.

4. Once cool enough to handle, remove the skin, stem, and seeds. Dice the pepper and set aside.

5. Cook the frozen sweet corn over medium-high heat according to the package directions. Drain the corn and transfer to a large bowl.

6. To the same mixing bowl add the diced poblano peppers, diced onions, diced jalapeno peppers, chopped cilantro, lemon juice, lime juice, and salt.

7. Mix all the ingredients well until they are evenly combined. Taste test and adjust the salt if needed.

8. Transfer into a medium bowl or serve on a plate alongside your favorite chips. Enjoy!

Variation Ideas

Don’t be afraid to spice things up or add a unique twist to your delicious salsa! Here are some creative variation ideas to help you customize this recipe to suit your taste.

• Adjust Spice Level: If you prefer milder salsa, remove the seeds and veins from the jalapeno pepper before dicing them. The seeds and veins contain most of the heat. By removing them, you’ll still get the flavor of the jalapeno without as much of the spiciness.

• Black Bean and Corn Salsa: For a protein-rich and hearty variation, add a can of black beans to your burrito bowl. The combination of black beans and corn creates a delicious and satisfying side dish or as a filling for burritos.

• Avocado Corn Salsa: For a creamy twist, incorporate diced ripe avocado into your salsa. The creaminess of the avocado adds a velvety texture to the salsa, making it even more satisfying! It’s a perfect topping for tacos or as a dip with crispy tortilla chips.

• Roasted Chili Corn Salsa: If you’re looking for an extra kick of flavor, try adding roasted chili peppers to your salsa. The smoky and spicy flavors of the roasted chilies complement the sweetness of the corn. It’s a perfect way to add an extra layer of heat to your salsa.

• Roasted Corn Salsa: Instead of using frozen corn, try roasting fresh sweet white corn on the cob for added flavor. Simply grill or roast the corn until lightly charred, then cut the kernels off the cob and add them to the salsa.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy your freshly made sweet corn salsa to the fullest! Here are some serving suggestions to inspire you and make the most out of your homemade recipe.

• Mexican Staples: This corn salsa is the perfect accompaniment to your favorite Mexican dishes. Whether you’re enjoying it alongside tacos, quesadillas, burritos, or dipping tortilla chips into it, it’s the perfect add on with a spicy kick.

• Perfect Appetizer: With vibrant yellow corn, red onion, and green cilantro, this corn salsa is visually appealing, making it perfect to serve as an appetizer during family gatherings or celebrations. It’s also a great way to add a pop of color to your table.

• As a Side Dish: Serve this copycat corn salsa as a refreshing side dish alongside grilled meats or roasted vegetables. Throw everything in a large bowl and add your favorite toppings. Apart from the tangy flavors of the salsa, it’s also a delicious way to brighten up greens and make your salads more exciting.

• Topping To Your Meats: Use this homemade salsa as a topping for grilled chicken, fish, or steak. The fresh flavors complement grilled meats beautifully and add a tangy and spicy kick to your meats.

Tips for Success

• Fresh is Best: Use fresh ingredients whenever possible for the best flavor. Fresh sweet corn, cilantro, and citrus juice will give your salsa a vibrant and fresh taste. However, if fresh corn is not available, you can use canned corn kernels as a substitute.

• Don’t Overcook the Corn: Be careful not to overcook the frozen sweet corn, as it can become mushy. Follow the package instructions for the best results.

• Let It Sit: Let your salsa sit for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. It tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to develop.

Storage

You can store this delicious corn salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s perfect for making a big batch and enjoying it as a side dish or topping when it’s time for parties, taco night, or as a quick and tasty snack throughout the week.

Just make sure to give it a good stir before serving if it has been sitting for a while.

One Last Thing

There’s something incredibly satisfying about recreating your favorite restaurant dishes at home, don’t you think?

The flavors, the textures, the effort – they all come together in this simple yet flavorful chipotle corn salsa copycat recipe, making every bite a delightful reminder of why homemade is always best.

By making your own copycat Chipotle corn salsa, you can customize it to your liking. You have the freedom to adjust the spice level, experiment with different variations, and incorporate your favorite ingredients. It’s a chance to put your own unique twist on a classic recipe!

And if you tried this copycat recipe, I would love to hear about your experiences! Did you try any of the variation ideas? How did it turn out? If there are any other variations you may have tried or any tips and tricks you discovered along the way, please let me know in the comments!

Your Turn

If you make this copycat Chipotle corn salsa recipe, please take a moment to let me know how you liked it by leaving a rating and a comment below on the recipe card.

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