This Chipotle Corn Salsa Copycat recipe recreates the fresh, sweet, and slightly spicy salsa from Chipotle Mexican Grill. Made with simple ingredients like sweet corn, jalapeños, red onion, and tangy lime juice, it’s the perfect topping for tacos, burrito bowls, or as a dip with tortilla chips.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tastes just like the restaurant version
- Fresh, vibrant, and slightly spicy
- Quick and easy to make in under 10 minutes
- Perfect for tacos, burritos, salads, or chips
- Naturally gluten-free, vegan, and dairy-free
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Sweet corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- Jalapeño, finely diced
- Red onion, finely chopped
- Cilantro, chopped
- Lime juice
- Lemon juice
- Salt
Directions
- Prepare the corn: If using fresh corn, boil or grill it, then cut kernels off the cob. If using frozen, thaw and drain excess moisture. If using canned, drain and rinse.
- Mix the ingredients: In a bowl, combine corn, jalapeño, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, lemon juice, and salt. Stir well.
- Chill & serve: Let the salsa sit for at least 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve with chips or as a topping.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add diced serrano pepper or extra jalapeño.
- Roasted Corn Salsa: Grill or roast the corn for a smoky flavor.
- Mild Version: Remove jalapeño seeds or omit entirely.
- Extra Crunch: Add diced bell peppers.
- Black Bean Mix: Stir in black beans for added protein.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the texture will change.
- Serving Tip: Serve chilled or at room temperature.
FAQs
Can I use frozen corn?
Yes, just thaw and drain before mixing.
How do I make it milder?
Use less jalapeño or replace it with green bell pepper.
Can I use bottled lime and lemon juice?
Fresh juice is best for flavor, but bottled works in a pinch.
What can I serve this with?
Burritos, tacos, salads, or grilled meats.
How do I get the best corn flavor?
Use grilled or roasted corn for a richer taste.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! The flavors improve after a few hours in the fridge.
Is this salsa keto-friendly?
Yes, just watch portion sizes for carb content.
How do I keep cilantro fresh?
Chop just before using and store extra leaves in a damp paper towel in the fridge.
What’s the best way to dice a jalapeño?
Slice in half, remove seeds, then finely chop.
Can I use white onion instead of red?
Yes, but red onion adds a sweeter, milder flavor.
Conclusion
This Chipotle Corn Salsa Copycat recipe is a fresh, easy, and flavorful addition to any meal. Whether served with chips, tacos, or burrito bowls, this sweet and tangy salsa is sure to be a hit. Try it today for a homemade taste of your favorite restaurant salsa!
PrintChipotle Corn Salsa Copycat Recipe
This Chipotle-style corn salsa is fresh, zesty, and slightly smoky—just like the one from your favorite burrito spot! It’s perfect for tacos, burritos, bowls, or as a dip with tortilla chips.
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Side
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Ingredients
- 2 cups corn (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- ½ cup red onion, finely diced
- 1 small jalapeño, minced (seeds removed for milder spice)
- ½ cup cilantro, chopped
- 1 poblano pepper, roasted and diced
- Juice of 1–2 limes (about 2 tablespoons)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
-
Roast the Poblano Pepper:
- Place poblano over an open flame or under a broiler, turning until blackened.
- Transfer to a bowl, cover, and let steam for 5 minutes.
- Peel off the skin, remove seeds, and dice finely.
-
Prepare the Corn:
- If using fresh corn, boil for 3-4 minutes, then cool and cut off the kernels.
- If using frozen corn, thaw and drain.
- If using canned corn, drain and rinse.
-
Mix the Salsa:
- In a bowl, combine corn, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, roasted poblano, lime juice, salt, and black pepper.
- Stir well and let sit for 15 minutes to blend flavors.
-
Serve & Enjoy:
- Serve with chips, tacos, burrito bowls, or grilled meats.
Notes
- For extra heat, add a second jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne.
- Make it smoky by using grilled corn.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.