Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa Recipe

Published: Mar 26, 2024 Modified: Mar 25, 2024 by GG · This post may contain affiliate links

With a smoky, sweet, and tangy taste this Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa Recipe is the perfect appetizer or topping any day of the week.

A delicious take on your favorite appetizer, this copycat Chipotle corn salsa recipe is both sweet and tangy with a tiny kick of heat.

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Chipotle Corn Salsa

I don't go to fast food places often, but when I do I'm sure to stop at a Chipotle Mexican grill for the best corn salsa ever.

But now we can skip a trip to the local Chipotle and make this copycat Corn Salsa recipe at home with simple ingredients you can pick up at the grocery store.

Made with just a few ingredients, this tasty and fresh corn salsa is delicious with tortilla chips and as a topping for tacos.

Bursting with flavor this salsa recipe pairs poblano peppers, jalapeno, and bundles of corn kernels together with a zesty citrus marinade. 

I roast the poblano pepper in the oven but you can easily char it over the open flame of a gas stove.

Serve this delicious salsa with your favorite tortilla chips or on tacos. It is also a perfect topping for burrito bowls.

Taco night, game days, movie nights, and even potlucks, just got more delicious when you serve this easy copycat recipe. 

Bursting with fresh flavor, easy to whip up, and the perfect addition to any table, you will be making this easy corn salsa over and over again.

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How To Make Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa Recipe

Scroll down for the full recipe instructions and ingredient amounts in the recipe card below but know that this copycat recipe is made in just three easy steps.

• On a baking sheet, roast the poblano pepper until tender. Then, remove the stem and seeds before dicing it.
• Combine all the ingredients for the salsa in a medium bowl.
• Mix well until everything is combined.

Swirls Of Flavor Recipe Tips

• Make sure to chop the poblano peppers and red onion into pieces similar in size or smaller to the corn kernels. It makes the salsa easier to enjoy. 
• Wear gloves when prepping the jalapenos. You want to dice them very finely or mince them so that they blend in well.
• Taste test the corn salad and adjust the seasonings as per your preference.
• I recommend using fresh lime juice and fresh lemon juice when making this recipe, rather than bottled citrus juice.

Substitutions

• Corn: You can use canned corn, frozen corn, or fresh corn to make this salsa recipe. Make sure to drain canned corn if that's your choice or thaw frozen corn before mixing it in. You don’t want extra liquid in the salsa.
• Fresh Cilantro: If cilantro isn’t your favorite flavor, use fresh parsley instead. It’s milder but still gives the corn salsa a pop of color.
• Poblano pepper: If you don’t have these on hand you can easily use a green bell pepper though you will miss out on a bit of flavor.

Variations

This corn salsa recipe tastes just like the Chipotle version you love. However, it is fun to switch up the flavor every so often and try something new. Below are a few ideas.

• Roast the corn: Though Chipotle doesn’t do this, it does bring out a tasty, smoky flavor and makes a delightful roasted corn salsa.
• Add seasonings: Adding a dash of cumin, garlic powder, or even roasted garlic to the corn salsa can change the taste easily enough.
• Spice: If you enjoy spicy salsa, you’ll want to add in all of the jalapeno seeds. However, you can also add other hot peppers to the mix or a dash of cayenne pepper for a big kick.

Storage

• You can store leftover corn salsa in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• You will notice the liquid falls to the bottom of the container so make sure to mix it up before serving it again.

Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring spoons
• Measuring cups
• Chef Knife
• Cutting Board

FAQ’s

What is Chipotle's corn salsa made of?

Chipotle’s corn salsa typically uses white sweet corn combined with roasted poblano peppers, jalapenos, and red onion. It is then drizzled with a salted, lemon and lime juice and topped with cilantro.

What can I add to salsa to give it more flavor?

Adding in more vegetables like onions, different peppers, roasted tomatoes, and garlic can all bring out new flavors to corn salsa.

Does corn salsa need to chill before serving?

Though allowing corn salsa to chill in the fridge before serving will infuse the flavors, it’s not necessary. Salsa can be made and enjoyed right away at room temperature or made ahead and served later in the day.

How To Serve Chipotle Corn Salsa

This corn salsa recipe tastes delicious freshly made with a side of tortilla chips. 

Pita chips, corn chips or any crisps you love can be served as dippers with the salsa as well.

This copycat salsa can also be served:

• in burrito bowls
• over chicken or beef
• on burgers
• on hot dogs
• tossed in a salad

Even better is that leftover corn salsa can be used as a dip, as a topping for tacos or tossed in a salad the following night.

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients to make this corn salsa recipe from Chipotle:

• Poblano pepper
• Corn kernels
• Red onion
• Jalapeno pepper
• Cilantro
• Lemon juice
• Lime juice
• Salt