Make Chipotle’s famous corn salsa at home with this easy copycat recipe! It’s fresh and zesty — perfect for burrito bowls, tacos, and more.
This salsa is the ultimate topping for taco night. It’s also a great scoopable side for chips, or even a colourful addition to salads and grilled proteins. It’s super simple to make and meal-prep friendly.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Just like Chipotle at home: This salsa has all the zesty flavour you love with easy-to-find ingredients.
- Perfect topping or dip: It pairs beautifully with tacos, burrito bowls, chips, or even grilled meats for an instant upgrade.
Ingredients and substitutions
- Corn – Use canned corn (drained) or fresh grilled corn cut from the cob for extra smoky flavour.
- Red onion – Swap with white onion, yellow onion, or even green onions for a milder taste.
- Jalapeño pepper – Use serrano for more heat or bell pepper for a no-spice version.
- Cilantro – Leave it out if you’re not a fan, or use flat-leaf parsley for a different fresh note.
- Limes – Lemon juice works in a pinch for a different citrusy brightness.
- Cumin – Optional but adds warm depth; you can also use smoked paprika for a twist.
How to make chipotle corn salsa
Step 1: Combine ingredients.
Add corn, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, cumin, and salt to a large bowl.
Step 2: Mix well.
Stir everything together until evenly combined. Let it sit for a few minutes so the flavours can meld, then serve and enjoy!
Recipe Tips and Variations
This salsa is so simple but has endless ways to make it your own. Here are a few fun ideas:
- Char your corn: Grill fresh corn or sauté frozen corn in a pan for a smoky caramelized flavour.
- Adjust the heat: Add more jalapeño or swap for serrano if you want extra kick, or leave it out completely for a milder version.
- Add extras: Diced tomatoes, black beans, or avocado chunks would all be great additions.
- Make it creamy: Stir in a little crumbled cotija or feta cheese for a richer twist.
- Serve it everywhere: It’s perfect with chips, over tacos, in burrito bowls, or spooned on top of grilled chicken or fish.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use canned corn instead of frozen or fresh?
Absolutely! Just drain and rinse it well. It’s a great pantry-friendly shortcut.
How do I keep the salsa from being too watery?
Pat your defrosted or canned corn dry with a paper towel before mixing. No one wants soggy salsa.
How do I adjust the spice level?
You can skip the spice altogether, or add some jalapeños to your desired level of kick!
What to serve with this dish
This Chipotle-inspired corn salsa is super versatile and deserves to be on everything. Here are some of my favourite ways to serve it:
- Tortilla chips
- Add this dish to Shredded Beef Tacos, Easy Jackfruit Tacos or The Best Carne Asada Tacos
- Serve it alongside Steak Quinoa Burrito Bowls or Instant Pot Chicken Burrito Bowls
- Other great dish to include this side are Perfect Hibachi Steak, Best Baked Chicken Thighs or Baked Salmon
How to prep and store
Make ahead: Prep the salsa a few hours in advance to let the flavours meld for even better taste.
Store: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Best served chilled.
More Copycat Chipotle Recipes
Easy Chipotle Corn Salsa Copycat
Ingredients
- 2 cups corn frozen, defrosted
- 1/2 cup red onion finely diced
- 1 jalapeno pepper deseeded and finely diced
- 2 tbsp cilantro finely chopped
- 2 limes juiced
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl. Serve in burrito bowls, tacos or with chips.
Comments & Reviews
Taylor Stinson says
This salsa is so addictive!