Spicy Southwest Magic: Chipotle Corn Salsa Copycat Recipe

Summers buzz with fresh flavors, and this zesty chipotle corn salsa recipe brings restaurant-quality magic right to your kitchen.

Crisp corn kernels dance with bold spices in an authentic chipotle corn salsa that beats store-bought versions every single time.

The blend of sweet corn and smoky chipotle creates a vibrant side dish bursting with southwestern charm.

Each colorful ingredient contributes a layer of excitement to your plate.

Chopped cilantro and lime juice add bright, tangy notes that make this salsa sing.

Minimal prep work means maximum flavor in minutes.

Serve this irresistible salsa alongside grilled meats or scoop it up with warm tortilla chips for an instant crowd-pleaser.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time:

Total Time: 10 minutes

Calories: 50 kcal

Servings: 5

All You Need For Chipotle Corn Salsa Copycat Recipe

• Poblano Pepper: Brings smoky depth and mild heat, choose firm and glossy peppers without blemishes.
• Red Onion: Adds sharp, crisp texture and vibrant color, select onions with tight, dry outer skin.
• Jalapeno Pepper: Delivers spicy kick, pick peppers with smooth, bright green skin and no soft spots.
• Cilantro: Provides bright, herbal freshness, look for vivid green leaves without wilting.

• Corn: Sweet and crunchy foundation of salsa, fresh corn yields best flavor, frozen or canned work well.

• Lime Juice: Adds tangy brightness and helps balance flavors, fresh squeezed is most vibrant.
• Salt: Heightens overall taste and brings ingredients together, use kosher or sea salt for best results.
• Black Pepper: Provides subtle warmth and depth, freshly ground offers more intense flavor.

What You’ll Need To Cook Chipotle Corn Salsa Copycat Recipe

• Large skillet or griddle: Essential for roasting poblano pepper evenly.
• Open flame (gas stove) or broiler: Perfect for charring pepper's skin.
• Sharp chef's knife: Crucial for finely dicing poblano and other ingredients.
• Cutting board: Provides stable surface for chopping vegetables.
• Mixing bowl: Used for combining and mixing salsa ingredients.
• Tongs or metal tongs: Helpful for turning and handling pepper during roasting.
• Colander: Useful for draining corn if using canned or frozen.
• Citrus juicer (optional): Makes squeezing lime juice easier.

Easy Way To Prepare Chipotle Corn Salsa Copycat Recipe

• Char Poblano Pepper

Fire-roast the poblano directly over an open flame or under a broiler, rotating until fully blackened. Transfer to a covered bowl and let steam. Once cool, gently peel away charred skin, remove seeds, and finely chop the pepper.

• Prepare Corn Base

Select fresh, frozen, or canned corn. If fresh, boil kernels briefly and cool. If frozen, thaw completely. If canned, rinse thoroughly. Ensure corn is dry and ready for mixing.

• Create Flavor Fusion

Combine roasted poblano with corn in a mixing bowl. Add diced red onion, minced jalapeño, fresh cilantro, zesty lime juice, a pinch of salt, and a sprinkle of black pepper. Gently stir ingredients to marry their flavors. Let the salsa rest for 15 minutes, allowing tastes to meld and intensify.

• Serve and Enjoy

Dish up your vibrant salsa alongside tortilla chips, as a topping for tacos, inside burrito bowls, or as a zesty companion to grilled proteins. This versatile condiment brings a burst of fresh, spicy excitement to any meal.

Helpful Hints For Chipotle Corn Salsa Copycat Recipe

• Flame-Roasting Technique: Use an open gas stove flame or grill for the poblano pepper to enhance smoky flavor and achieve perfect charred skin, which adds depth to the salsa.
• Corn Selection Flexibility: Fresh corn delivers the best taste, but frozen or canned corn work perfectly as convenient alternatives for quick preparation.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare salsa up to 24 hours in advance and store in refrigerator to allow flavors to intensify and meld together, creating even more delicious results.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust jalapeño quantity based on heat preference – remove seeds for milder version or add extra for more kick, making the salsa adaptable to different spice tolerances.
• Dietary-Friendly Option: Naturally gluten-free and vegan, this salsa suits multiple dietary needs and can be a versatile side dish or topping for various meals like tacos, grilled proteins, or salads.

Great Ways To Enjoy Chipotle Corn Salsa Copycat Recipe

• Zesty Taco Night Enhancer: Sprinkle this vibrant salsa over tacos for an instant flavor explosion that transforms your basic taco into a restaurant-worthy masterpiece.
• Protein Power Companion: Top grilled chicken, steak, or fish with this salsa to add a fresh, tangy kick that elevates simple proteins into a gourmet meal.
• Nacho Party Superstar
• Breakfast Remix Booster: Dollop this salsa on scrambled eggs, breakfast burritos, or morning quesadillas to wake up your taste buds with a spicy morning surprise.

Make Chipotle Corn Salsa Copycat Recipe Last Longer

• Fresh Flavor Retention: Store salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, keeping ingredients crisp and vibrant.
• Quick Meal Prep Hack: Chop all ingredients in advance and store separately, mixing just before serving to maintain maximum texture and prevent soggy salsa.
• Freezing Strategy: Freeze corn and roasted peppers individually in sealed bags for up to 3 months, allowing quick assembly when craving this zesty salsa.
• Temperature Tip: Always serve salsa chilled or at room temperature to enhance its fresh, bright flavors and maintain optimal taste profile.

Authentic Chipotle Corn Salsa Copycat Recipe

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4.9 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Legendary Chipotle Corn Salsa brings Mexican street corn magic to home kitchens with its zesty blend of roasted corn, jalapeños, and lime. Fresh ingredients create an authentic side dish that elevates your meal with bold southwestern flavors you’ll crave.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups (473 ml) corn (fresh, canned, or frozen)
• 1 poblano pepper, roasted and diced
• 1 small jalapeno, minced (seeds removed for milder spice)
• ½ cup (120 ml) red onion, finely diced
• ½ cup (120 ml) cilantro, chopped
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) lime juice (juice of ½ lime)

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Instructions

1. Pepper Preparation: Char poblano pepper over an open flame or broiler, rotating until skin blackens and blisters. Immediately transfer to a covered bowl to steam and loosen skin.
2. Corn and Vegetable Blend: Dice roasted poblano after removing skin and seeds. Incorporate corn (boiled, thawed, or canned), red onion, jalapeno, and cilantro into a mixing bowl.
3. Flavor Infusion: Drizzle fresh lime juice over the vegetable mixture, then season with salt and black pepper. Gently fold ingredients to ensure uniform distribution of herbs and seasonings.
4. Resting and Melding: Let salsa rest for 15 minutes, allowing flavors to harmonize and intensify, creating a vibrant and zesty condiment.
5. Serving Suggestions: Present salsa as a dynamic accompaniment to tortilla chips, taco topping, burrito bowl enhancer, or alongside grilled proteins for a burst of fresh, bright flavors.

Notes

• Optimize Pepper Roasting: Char poblano pepper completely until skin is uniformly black and blistered to develop deep, smoky flavor without burning.
• Corn Texture Matters: Choose high-quality corn (fresh, frozen, or canned) and ensure it’s crisp and not mushy for authentic restaurant-style texture.
• Balance Ingredient Proportions: Finely chop vegetables uniformly to create consistent flavor distribution and attractive visual presentation.
• Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Let salsa rest for at least 15 minutes to allow ingredients to blend and develop more intense, harmonious taste profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 50
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 120 mg
• Fat: 1 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 11 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg