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Easy Corn Salsa

This easy corn salsa recipe is a regular feature on my family dinner table as it takes minutes to prepare. I like to include shallot, red pepper, tomato, red chilli and some freshly chopped coriander. However, as with most salsa recipes use the fruits and veggies you enjoy eating.

A bowl of corn salsa with a wooden board of lemon paprika chicken kebabs and a bowl of avocado cream set alongside.

The salsa dressing for this homemade corn salsa uses a few basic ingredients most of you will have in your stores at home. I like to add lime juice to bring a burst of zesty freshness to the sweetcorn salsa.

It’s a great corn salsa for tacos, it works with a grilled chicken taco like I’ve done here. Alternatively try it with pulled pork, some grilled steak, grilled prawns or pan fried fish. The options are endless, keep things simple and enjoy this salsa with some crispy tortilla chips.

Homemade corn salsa is fresh and vibrant, it tastes so much better than any store bought salsas which I find can be gloopy. Also, with this sweetcorn salsa there isn’t excessive amounts of salt or sugar, nor any additives or preservatives, making it a healthier option.

Why you’ll love this recipe

  • The perfect balance of flavours sweet corn, sweet tomatoes, fresh coriander and the zing of zesty lime.
  • Make ahead earlier in the day and store the salsa in the fridge until you are ready to serve.
  • Preparation of minimal and this homemade corn salsa is ready to enjoy in just 10 minutes.
  • Containing no gluten or dairy this easy corn salsa is suitable for gluten free, dairy free and vegan diners.

Corn salsa ingredients

Corn salsa recipe ingredients set out in individual bowls.
  • Corn – for ease I’ve used a tin of sweetcorn.
  • Pepper: I’ve used a red bell pepper, but feel free to use any other colour.
  • Tomatoes: for taste I like to use smaller tomatoes like San Marzano or cherry tomatoes, I find they’re not as watery as larger tomatoes.
  • Shallot: I add a banana shallot as it has a mild onion flavour.
  • Chilli: I’ve used a red chilli which I’ve de-seeded. You could also use a jalapeno pepper which has a slightly milder flavour.
  • Fresh herbs: I’ve added a large handful of coriander leaf (cilantro) for a burst of fresh herb flavour.

Corn salsa dressing ingredients

  • Oil: I’ve used extra virgin olive oil as it has a great nutty flavour. You could also use regular olive oil, sunflower oil or avocado oil, whichever you prefer.
  • Acid: when it comes to acid I like to add sherry vinegar to the dressing as well as the juice of a freshly squeezed lime for a burst of citrus.
  • Sugar: I add a little caster sugar to balance the sweetness, you could also use honey or maple syrup.
  • Seasoning: there’s so much flavour in this salsa I keep the seasoning simple with some sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.

How to make corn salsa

  • Place the sweetcorn, red pepper, tomato, shallot, chilli and coriander in a bowl and stir to combine.
  • In a separate small bowl add all the dressing ingredients, Whisk well to form a dressing and pour over the sweetcorn mix.
A bowl of corn salsa with a wooden board of lemon paprika chicken kebabs and a bowl of avocado cream set alongside.

Recipe variations

  • For ease I’ve used a can of sweetcorn, but you can use fresh cobs of corn and remove the kernels.
  • Replace the shallot with red onion which also has a milder onion flavour.
  • Swap the red bell pepper for any other colour of pepper.
  • I’ve used San Marzano tomatoes as they are deliciously sweet and when cut up don’t water down the salsa quite as much as larger tomatoes. However, feel free to use any variety of tomato in this salsa. If using larger tomatoes add roughly 2.
  • The chilli heat in this salsa is easily adjusted to taste. Don’t like chilli heat then leave it out. If you love your food extra spicy add an extra chilli or a pinch of red chilli flakes in the dressing.
  • I’ve added coriander (cilantro) but you can add in any other fresh herbs like basil, parsley, tarragon or dill.
A bowl of corn salsa with a wooden board of lemon paprika chicken kebabs and a bowl of avocado cream set alongside.

Serving suggestions

This versatile salsa pairs really well with a variety of different sides. As it’s made with canned corn its an easy side dish that I enjoy the year round, but particularly over the summer months when I I’m barbecuing.

The balance of sweet, fresh and slightly sour flavours work really well with grilled meats like my Lemon Paprika Chicken Kebabs. This is also a great corn salsa for tacos, serve it with my Easy Chicken Tacos. Or load it onto your favourite tortilla chips.

I also like to serve this homemade corn salsa alongside my Spicy Baked Chicken Wings or Classic Loaded Hot Dogs.

A bowl of corn salsa, with a hand holding a tortilla chip topped with corn salsa, also a wooden board of lemon paprika chicken kebabs and a bowl of avocado cream set alongside.

Useful hints and tips

  1. If time permits, make the salsa ahead of time and set aside to sit. This allows the flavours in the dressing to meld together with the salsa ingredients. Just give everything a stir to recombine when ready to serve.
  2. Containing no dairy this side dish is suitable for dairy free and vegan diners.
  3. Allergy advice: gluten free, dairy free, egg free, soya free and nut free. For comprehensive and detailed allergy advice go to Allergy UK.

FAQs

Can corn salsa be made ahead?

Get ahead as you can make this salsa up to a day in advance and store overnight in the fridge. Just give everything a good stir again before serving.

How to store leftover corn salsa?

Store leftover salsa in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Do you put vinegar in salsa?

Most salsas will contain some form of acid to balance the flavours in the dressing you add. Vinegar is often used, as well as citrus juice like lemon, or the lime juice I’ve used here.

Pin the recipe

Pinnable image with recipe title and a bowl of corn salsa with a wooden board of lemon paprika chicken kebabs and a bowl of avocado cream set alongside.

Additional recipe suggestions

If you like this recipe then try some of my other easy salad and salsa recipes:

For other fresh salad ideas, head to my Best Salad Recipes post where you will find links to all my favourite salads and salsas in one place.

A bowl of corn salsa with a wooden board of lemon paprika chicken kebabs and a bowl of avocado cream set alongside.

Easy Corn Salsa

This easy corn salsa recipe is a a great addition to family dinner. Along with sweetcorn, there's added shallot, red pepper, tomatoes, red chilli and some freshly chopped coriander, all bound together with a fresh lime dressing.
5 from 4 votes
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 136kcal

Equipment

  • chopping board
  • Sharp kitchen knife
  • measuring spoons
  • Medium serving bowl
  • Small bowl

Ingredients

  • 340 g tin sweetcorn (drained)
  • 1 red bell pepper (diced)
  • 140 g San Marzano or cherry tomatoes (diced)
  • 1 banana shallot (finely diced)
  • 1 red chilli (de-seeded and finely chopped)
  • 1 large handful coriander leaf (finely chopped)

Salsa Dressing

  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp sherry vinegar
  • juice of a lime
  • ½ tsp caster sugar
  • ½ tsp sea salt
  • ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  • Place the sweetcorn, red pepper, tomato, shallot, chilli and coriander in a bowl and stir to combine.
  • In a separate small bowl add all the dressing ingredients, Whisk well to form a dressing and pour over the sweetcorn mix.

Notes

Get ahead as you can make this salsa up to a day in advance and store overnight in the fridge. Just give everything a good stir again before serving.
Store leftover salsa in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Nutrition Facts
Easy Corn Salsa
Amount Per Serving
Calories 136 Calories from Fat 72
% Daily Value*
Fat 8g12%
Saturated Fat 1g6%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g
Monounsaturated Fat 5g
Sodium 202mg9%
Potassium 265mg8%
Carbohydrates 16g5%
Fiber 2g8%
Sugar 5g6%
Protein 3g6%
Vitamin A 982IU20%
Vitamin C 47mg57%
Calcium 10mg1%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

• Please note that the nutrition information provided above is approximate and meant as a guideline only •

Course : Canape, Starter, Side, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine : Mexican
Keyword : corn salsa for tacos, corn salsa ingredients, homemade corn salsa
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Recipe Rating




5 from 4 votes

Janice

Friday 9th of August 2024

I made this salsa and it was so easy and tasted really fresh. So much better than anything I've ever bought. I'll definitely be making it again.

Lesley

Monday 19th of August 2024

Thank you Janice, I sometimes find store bought corn salsas can be a bit slippery, this fresh version has far more texture.

Chloe

Thursday 8th of August 2024

I often make little chunky salsas but rarely think to include corn so I loved this variation as something different!

Lesley

Monday 19th of August 2024

This is a family favourite as they all love corn, it makes a great salsa with a bit of crunch.

Cat

Saturday 20th of July 2024

I am a huge sweetcorn fan so couldn't wait to try it. It is so fresh and delicious, I've made it a couple of times now and love it.

Lesley

Thursday 8th of August 2024

Thank you Cat, I'm glad you enjoyed the salsa.

Sisley White - Sew White

Wednesday 10th of July 2024

So fresh and utterly delicious. A staple of out summer dishes.

Lesley

Thursday 8th of August 2024

Thank you Sisley, it's a great fresh tasting salsa.

5 from 4 votes