This simple corn salsa is my copycat version of Chipotle’s Sweet Corn Salsa. Sweet corn is tossed with charred poblano, diced red onion and jalapeño. It’s a cinch to put together and perfect served with tortilla chips or on top of your favorite tacos, nachos or rice bowls.
Favorite topping at Chipotle? Roasted chile corn salsa.
Like most Chipotle fans, I have a standard go-to order: fajita chicken bowl with cilantro lime rice, fajita veggies, black beans, pico de gallo, sweet corn salsa and chopped romaine. Sometimes cheese and a little sour cream.
And by sometimes, I mean always.
I’ve been ordering the same thing since I can remember. There’s something magical about Chipotle’s sweet corn salsa. It’s a delicious combo of sweet corn and smoky charred poblanos, zesty lime juice and fresh cilantro. And if you happened to get a jalapeño seed, you’ll know it.
There was a time when the only chance I could get my hands on sweet corn salsa was when I was on my lunch break and I was dining at Chipotle. Until one day I decided to make it at home for myself and I haven’t looked back since.
There’s just something about this salsa that is completely addicting. I blame salty lime tortilla chips.
Here is what you’ll need to make Chipotle’s Sweet Corn Salsa:
- poblano peppers – Adds smoky and earthy flavor.
- olive oil spray – Or substitute with avocado oil spray.
- frozen sweet corn (thawed) – It’s not sweet corn salsa without it!
- red onion – Soaking onions in ice water removes a lot of the bite. You still get onion flavor but it’s mellowed out considerably.
- jalapeño peppers – Remove the seeds and ribs for less heat.
- cilantro – Lends a pop of bright herbaceous freshness.
- lime juice – Adds acidity and will enhance the flavors in the guacamole.
- sugar – Lends a touch of sweetness.
- kosher salt – Enhances the flavors of the salsa.
- corn tortilla chips – For serving.
First, preheat your broiler on high. Next, place 2 poblanos on a foiled lined sheet pan. Spray both sides lightly with olive oil and broil for 6 to 8 minutes, or until the skin is charred. Turning halfway through. Watch carefully! Then use tongs to transfer the peppers to a small bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Allow these to sit for a few minutes while you prep the remaining ingredients.
Next, once the peppers are safe to handle, remove the charred skin, seeds and stems. Slice them into strips and then dice.
In a large bowl, add 2 (16 ounce) bags thawed (frozen) sweet corn, the chopped poblanos, 1 medium diced red onion, 2 medium jalapeño (seeded and diced small – keep seeds and ribs for more heat) and 1 bunch cilantro (about 1/2 to 2/3 cup chopped).
Side Note: You can use whatever corn you want, steamed, thawed or grilled! Really, whatever works – maybe just not canned corn.
Give it a quick toss before adding 1 teaspoon sugar and 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt.
Lastly, squeeze the juice from 2 limes. The sugar ups the sweetness, but it’s nothing crazy. And use juicy limes.
Then give it one last stir before serving. Or refrigerate until you’re ready.
Scoop it out with tortilla chips or have it with nachos, in tacos or in these chipotle chicken fajita rice bowls! Either way it’s going to be a hit. Promise.
Enjoy! And if you give this Chipotle’s Sweet Corn Salsa recipe a try, let me know! Snap a photo and tag me on twitter or instagram!
Chipotle's Sweet Corn Salsa
Ingredients
- 2 poblano peppers
- olive oil spray
- 32 ounces frozen sweet corn , thawed
- 1 medium red onion, finely diced (about a cup)
- 2 jalapeños, seeded and diced small - keep seeds and ribs in for more heat
- 1 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped (about 1/2 to 2/3 cup chopped)
- 2 large limes, juiced
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, more or less to taste
Instructions
- Move your oven rack to the highest position and preheat broiler on high.
- Place the poblano on a foiled lined sheet pan. Spray with olive oil and broil for 6 to 8 minutes, or until the skin is charred. Watch carefully. Turn halfway through.
- Once charred, use tongs to transfer the poblanos to a small bowl and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Allow the peppers to steam for a few minutes while you prep the remaining ingredients. Then peel the charred skin away from the flesh and discard along with the stems and seeds. Next slice the pepper into strips and then dice.
- In a large bowl; place the thawed sweet corn, red onion, poblano, jalapeño and cilantro. Sprinkle with sugar, kosher salt and sqeeze the juice from 2 limes.
- Toss to combine, taste and season with more salt as needed.
- Serve with tortilla chips.
Notes
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Beautiful photos…. I love this recipe!
I love that we all have our own versions of salsa as well… That would make for an interesting potluck – everyone bring their favourite salsa and whatever vehicle they prefer to get said salsa from plate to mouth!
That looks beautiful! I need to try this as soon as we have fresh corn available. I like it so much more than frozen 🙂 One thing though.. I don't have a grill or a gas range or anything. I think I've heard of it before, but can you roast the peppers in the oven, maybe on broil? I love the flavor of poblano peppers 😀 Thank you for sharing the recipe!
This is my idea of the perfect summer relish. It has all of my favorites! I may have to make carnitas this weekend and try it out!
I'm one of those anti-cilantro people, but this sounds great even if I leave it out. This will be really tasty on top of a big salad. Yum!
Amy @ A Little Nosh
This looks so perfectly refreshing on a hot day like today! Just looking at it cools me off. I think I have everything I'll need in the kitchen already so it's on tonight's menu for sure.
loving this recipe! looks so fresh and delicious.:)
This look nice,this recipes looks so fresh and delicious,cariños y abrazos.
Fantastic post. Great vibrant photos.
Oh I can see how this would be very addicting indeed. Looks amazing, I love the colors! (I have also done the jalapeno on the finger and touch your face thing… yowzahs! Putting milk on it does help a bit though :))
this is beautiful! I love all the colors and it looks delicious! I happened to stumble across your blog and I LOVE it! I am your newest follower and would love it if you would check out my blog and follow me too! Thanks!
-Nikki
http://chef-n-training.blogspot.com/
This looks awesome, with the corn and all the other yummy ingredients in right proportions. Loved the recipe, just right for summers!
What beautiful colorful salsa. I have this fear of hot peppers but maybe I'll brave some and try this rece!
This is a nice change from the standard salsa and the fresh veggies in your picture are calling to me. Time to break out the chips! Thanks for sharing.
All you need in life is salsa, I think!
Love the recipe! Great pictures! Awsome job!
Great recipe! So pretty and perfect for summer. And salsa goes perfectly with beer, and should always be guilt free!
This is gorgeous! I love corn salad, so even called salsa, I would probably end up eating this with a spoon. Yum!
I took my leftovers of this and added a can of refried black beans, more corn, some bell peppers and cheese, baked it for about 10 minutes, stirred, added more cheese and backed for another 20. Ah-mazing dip! Love your recipes, you're making cooking accessible for newbies like me 🙂
This is looking delicious. I would love to bake this for the coming occasion Thanks for sharing the recipe
Enjoy, Claire!
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