Chipotle corn salsa is a fresh, vibrant, and flavorful dish that combines the sweetness of corn with the smokiness of chipotle peppers, all tied together by zesty lime and aromatic herbs. Whether you’re familiar with the famous version served at Chipotle Mexican Grill or you’re discovering this salsa for the first time, this homemade version will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know about chipotle corn salsa—from ingredients and preparation to variations, serving ideas, and storage tips.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
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Packed with Flavor – Sweet, smoky, tangy, and spicy in every bite.
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Perfect for Any Occasion – Great as a dip, topping, or side dish.
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Easy to Make – Uses simple ingredients and comes together quickly.
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Customizable – Easily adjust spice, herbs, and add-ins to fit your tastes.
What Is Chipotle Corn Salsa?
Chipotle corn salsa is a cold, chunky salsa made from corn kernels, diced peppers, onions, and lime juice. The version popularized by Chipotle includes sweet white corn, roasted poblano peppers, red onions, cilantro, and a splash of citrus. While it’s technically a salsa, it’s more like a corn salad or topping that complements burritos, tacos, chips, and grilled meats.
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to make this bold and bright salsa:
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2 cups corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
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1 medium poblano pepper
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1 small red onion, finely chopped
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1–2 jalapeños or chipotle peppers in adobo, finely chopped
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¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
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Juice of 1–2 limes (about 2 tablespoons)
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Juice of ½ lemon (optional, for extra zing)
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Salt, to taste
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Optional: 1–2 tsp olive oil for richer texture
Ingredient Notes
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Corn: Fresh is best during summer, but thawed frozen corn or drained canned corn works well too.
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Poblano pepper: Roasted and peeled for a smoky flavor.
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Jalapeño or chipotle: Adjust quantity depending on your spice preference.
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Cilantro and lime: Essential for brightness and balance.
Timing & Servings
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 5–10 minutes (if roasting pepper or corn)
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Total Time: 20–25 minutes
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Servings: 6 servings
Step-by-Step Instructions for Chipotle Corn Salsa
Step 1: Prepare the Corn
Fresh Corn: Boil for 4–5 minutes or grill until lightly charred. Then slice off the kernels.
Frozen Corn: Thaw and drain thoroughly. You can lightly sauté or char it in a dry skillet for flavor.
Canned Corn: Drain and rinse. Sauté in a skillet for added depth.
Step 2: Roast the Poblano Pepper
Place the poblano pepper directly on a gas flame or under the broiler. Roast until blackened and blistered. Transfer to a bowl and cover for 10 minutes. Then peel off the skin, remove seeds, and dice.
Step 3: Chop the Other Ingredients
Finely dice the red onion, jalapeño or chipotle, and chop the cilantro.
Step 4: Combine Everything
In a large bowl, combine corn, poblano, red onion, jalapeño or chipotle, cilantro, and citrus juice. Add a pinch of salt and stir everything together. Taste and adjust lime, salt, or spice as needed.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Let the salsa sit for 10–15 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Tips for the Best Chipotle Corn Salsa
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Use white sweet corn if available for a closer match to the Chipotle restaurant version.
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Balance the acidity with both lime and lemon juice.
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Roast the poblano for depth—it adds a wonderful smoky note.
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Let it rest before serving to allow flavors to meld and deepen.
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Don’t skip the salt—it elevates all the other flavors.
How to Serve Chipotle Corn Salsa
With Tortilla Chips
It’s a natural dip for crunchy tortilla chips. Perfect for parties, game nights, or snacking.
On Tacos or Burritos
Add it to your tacos, burritos, or burrito bowls for freshness and crunch.
As a Side Dish
Serve it as a vibrant summer side for grilled chicken, steak, or fish.
In Salads or Wraps
Use as a topping in Southwest salads or inside lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
Variations to Try
1. Mango Corn Salsa
Add diced mango for a sweet-tropical twist. This pairs beautifully with seafood.
2. Black Bean Corn Salsa
Add 1 cup of cooked or canned black beans for protein and texture.
3. Avocado Corn Salsa
Fold in diced avocado just before serving for creaminess.
4. Spicy Chipotle Version
Double the amount of chipotle peppers or add a splash of adobo sauce.
5. Cheesy Corn Salsa
Stir in queso fresco or shredded pepper jack cheese for extra richness.
Make-Ahead Tips
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Prep in Advance: You can make this salsa 1–2 days ahead. Store in the fridge and stir before serving.
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Hold the cilantro until serving if you want the freshest flavor.
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Freeze the corn: Roast and freeze corn in advance, then mix when ready.
Storage Instructions
Refrigeration
Store leftover corn salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It actually tastes better the next day as the flavors blend.
Freezing
While you can freeze it, the texture of the onions and herbs may suffer. If freezing, do so before adding cilantro and fresh lime juice.
Nutrition Overview (Per ½ cup)
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Calories: 90
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Carbs: 15g
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Protein: 2g
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Fat: 3g
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Fiber: 2g
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Sodium: 170mg
Note: Values vary based on exact ingredients and quantities used.
Chipotle Corn Salsa vs. Other Salsas
Salsa Type Key Ingredients Texture/Use Chipotle Corn Salsa Corn, poblano, onion, cilantro Chunky, fresh, slightly smoky Pico de Gallo Tomato, onion, cilantro Fresh, juicy, great on tacos Salsa Roja Tomatoes, garlic, chilies Smooth, cooked salsa for dipping Salsa Verde Tomatillos, jalapeños, lime Tangy, green salsa, often blended
FAQs
Can I use frozen corn?
Yes! Thaw it first and dry it well. Sauté or grill it to enhance flavor.
Is this the same as Chipotle’s corn salsa?
This recipe is a very close copycat of the Chipotle Mexican Grill version. It includes the sweet corn, poblano, onion, cilantro, and citrus—but you can always tweak it to your liking.
How spicy is chipotle corn salsa?
Mild to medium, depending on how much chipotle or jalapeño you add. Use less for a kid-friendly version.
Can I make it without cilantro?
Yes, just leave it out or replace it with chopped green onions or parsley for a different flavor.
Conclusion
Chipotle corn salsa is one of those recipes that’s as versatile as it is delicious. With a perfect blend of sweet corn, smoky peppers, fresh herbs, and citrusy zing, this salsa is ideal as a snack, side, or topping for your favorite Mexican-inspired meals.
Whether you’re trying to recreate your favorite Chipotle order at home or just want to elevate taco night, this salsa adds a vibrant pop of flavor and color to the table. The best part? It’s easy, quick, and endlessly adaptable.