Name: Corn Salsa (Fresh or Frozen)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 24 ounces frozen corn (thawed); ½ red onion (finely diced); 2 jalapenos (seeded and finely diced); 1 bunch cilantro (finely chopped); 2 limes (juiced); ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ¼ teaspoon chili powder; ⅛ teaspoon ground cumin

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If you love fresh corn salsa like the one at Chipotle, this easy version is about to be on repeat. It takes 5 minutes, uses simple ingredients, and works for busy weeknights, taco nights, and last-minute get-togethers.

Chipotle Corn Salsa

I make this all the time with frozen corn, and honestly? No one can tell. It’s fresh, bright, and the kind of easy, healthy dip everyone keeps scooping up.

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Ingredients

Corn – Frozen corn works perfectly here and saves time. Just thaw it first and drain well. When corn is in season, fresh is amazing too. For true chipotle corn salsa flavor, keep it simple, but roasting the corn is an optional upgrade if you want more depth.
Jalapeños – These bring the heat. Remove the seeds for mild salsa, or leave a few in if you like it spicy. Chipotle’s version uses raw jalapeño, which keeps the salsa fresh and bright.
Red onion – A little goes a long way. Finely diced onion blends right in and adds crunch without overpowering the corn.
Cilantro – Fresh cilantro is key here. Even if you’re on the fence, a small amount really helps the salsa taste fresh and restaurant-style.

Chipotle-style corn salsa in a bowl with lime wedges and tortilla chips on a neutral background.

📋 You can find the full ingredient list in the Recipe Card below the article.

How To Make Chipotle Corn Salsa

Prep the veggies: Thaw the corn if using frozen. Finely dice the red onion and jalapeños, and chop the cilantro.
Mix the base: Add the corn, red onion, jalapeños, and cilantro to a large bowl.
Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, salt, black pepper, chili powder, and ground cumin.

Ingredients for chipotle corn salsa in a bowl with corn, chopped cilantro, and diced red onion, not mixed yet.

Lime dressing for chipotle corn salsa made with spices, lime juice, and black pepper in a small bowl.

Toss it together: Pour the lime dressing over the corn mixture and gently mix until everything is evenly coated.
Chill: Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. This helps the flavors come together.
Serve: Give it a quick stir and serve with tortilla chips, tacos, or bowls.

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Optional Roasted Poblano Variation

This isn’t part of the classic chipotle corn salsa, but it’s a delicious copycat-style twist if you love smoky flavor.

To roast a poblano pepper in the oven, place it on a baking sheet and broil, turning every few minutes until the skin is blistered and blackened. To roast over a gas stove, place the pepper directly over the flame and rotate until charred on all sides.

Transfer to a bowl, cover, and let it steam for 10 minutes. Peel off the skin, remove the seeds and stem, then finely dice.

Use the roasted poblano instead of one jalapeño or add it alongside for mild heat and a smoky, roasted chile taste that still works beautifully with the fresh lime and cilantro.

Don’t Make These Oatmeal Mistakes

Don’t skip draining the corn. If you’re using frozen corn, it needs to be fully thawed and drained or the salsa will turn watery fast. Extra moisture ruins the texture.
Don’t leave the onion chunky. Big pieces overpower the corn. Finely dice it so you get flavor without that sharp bite.
Don’t overdo the jalapeños. Corn is naturally sweet, and too much heat throws everything off. Start small and taste as you go.
Don’t use bottled lime juice. This is a fresh salsa, and bottled juice can taste flat or bitter. Fresh lime makes a big difference.
Don’t skip the chill time. Corn salsa tastes rushed when it’s served right away. Even 20–30 minutes in the fridge helps the flavors come together.
Don’t over-season at the start. Lime juice gets stronger as it sits, so go light on salt and spices and adjust at the end.
Don’t forget balance. Sweet corn needs acid, salt, and a little heat. If it tastes off, it usually just needs a squeeze of lime or a pinch of salt.

Try this

Roasting the corn or adding a roasted poblano pepper is the fastest way to make this salsa taste like the real Chipotle version.

Corn salsa inspired by Chipotle served as a fresh dip with tortilla chips, overhead view.

Serving Suggestions

Tortilla chips as a fresh dip
As a topping for salads or rice bowls
Tacos, burrito bowls, or quesadillas
Grilled chicken, shrimp, or steak

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. I'd make as much as I'd consume and eat it right away, fresh is best!

More Mexican Appetizers

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Recipe Card

Corn Salsa (Fresh or Frozen)

Julia

Fresh Corn Salsa that tastes like Chipotle. This quick, easy, and healthy dip is made with fresh or frozen corn and simple ingredients, perfect for tacos and parties.

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 10

Total Time 15

Course Appetizer

Servings servings

Calories 123 kcal

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INGREDIENTS

INSTRUCTIONS

Add the corn, red onion, jalapenos, and cilantro to a large bowl.
24 ounces frozen corn, ½ red onion, 2 jalapenos, 1 bunch cilantro
In a smaller bowl, combine the lime juice, salt, black pepper, chili powder, and ground cumin.
2 limes, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, ¼ teaspoon chili powder, ⅛ teaspoon ground cumin
Pour the lime dressing over the corn mixture and toss until evenly coated.
Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. Serve with tortilla chips.
Enjoyed this recipe? Leave a quick 5-star rating and review to let me know!

NOTES

How to Make the Chipotle-Style Version: If you want that famous Chipotle corn salsa flavor, roasting is the secret. Roast or char a poblano pepper until blistered, peel off the skin, remove the seeds, and finely dice it. Swap it for one jalapeño or add it alongside for a deeper roasted chile taste. You can also sauté the corn in olive oil until lightly charred. That smoky, roasted flavor is what really sets it apart.

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NUTRITION

Calories: 123kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 4gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0.2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.3gSodium: 202mgPotassium: 385mgFiber: 4gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 92IUVitamin C: 21mgCalcium: 16mgIron: 1mg

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Note: Nutrition information is estimated and varies based on the products used.

Full Nutrition Disclaimer can be found here.

Chipotle Corn Salsa

Chipotle Corn Salsa

Video

Ingredients

How To Make Chipotle Corn Salsa