
Fresh Corn Salsa – A Delicious Easy Side
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Hold onto your spurs, Cowboys and Cowgirls, this fresh corn salsa is going to rock your world! It’s an easy-to-make recipe that takes just 20 minutes to prepare, and pairs well with tortilla chips, grilled chicken, tacos, and a variety of Mexican dishes.

If you love fresh corn, this salsa is your new favorite way to enjoy it. I can never have enough corn recipes at this time of year. From this delicious honey-garlic corn on the cob to this sweet corn gazpacho, there are many fun and tasty ways to use it.
Make this corn salsa recipe for an easy summertime appetizer or add it to your cookout menu or Mexican food party for a fun twist on salsa and chips.
It takes only 20 minutes to make, making it a good condiment for a weeknight dinner. Furthermore, if you omit the optional tomatoes, this is a great tomato-free alternative to traditional salsa or pico de gallo.


Variations To Try
- I think roasting or grilling the corn as we did in this recipe would be delicious!
- You can substitute canned chipotle in adobo to taste for the jalapeño chile and ground chipotle.
- Instead of tomatoes, try using charred tomatillos.
- I love adding some avocado to corn salsa. Just know that it will turn brown if you store it, so plan to eat it all!
What to serve with this recipe
- The best way to serve this corn salsa is with tortilla chips, but I also love it spooned over chicken for a family friendly dinner.
- Corn salsa is a delicious accompaniment to beef barbacoa tacos as well. I love the sweetness with the rich and tender meat!
- I also think you could make pork carnitas burrito bowls with this salsa for a yummy dinner idea!
- These pulled pork tacos are another recipe to pair this with.

Corn Salsa Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cups corn kernels (from about 3 large ears corn)
- 1 or 2 jalapeno peppers (minced – seeded if desired)
- ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- ½ cup finely chopped red onion
- 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 medium tomato (seeded and diced, optional)
- ¾ cup canned black beans (drained and rinsed, optional)
- ¼ teaspoon ground chipotle chili or smoked paprika (optional or to taste)
Instructions
- Combine corn, jalapeno, cilantro, red onion, lime, salt in a large bowl. Add tomato (if using), black beans (if using.)3 cups corn kernels, 1 or 2 jalapeno peppers, ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro, ½ cup finely chopped red onion, 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice, ½ teaspoon salt, 1 medium tomato, ¾ cup canned black beans
- Taste and add chipotle or smoked paprika to taste (if using.) Serve immediately.¼ teaspoon ground chipotle chili or smoked paprika
Notes
Nutrition
We have thoroughly tested this recipe for accuracy. However, individual results may vary. See our full recipe disclosure here.


I made this on the weekend when I didn’t want to cook and was it ever good. I served it for lunch with tortilla chips and there wasn’t a bite left.
You have missed one of the best parts of the corn. I am a mid-west girl and we never get rid of
the cob until we have milked the ear. You take a teaspoon and run the edge of spoon over each
row and see how much corn milk you get. It will blow your mind and make corn recipes better.
Thank you for your recipes.
I’ve never heard of milking the ear but I’ll definitely have to try it next time I buy corn on the cob! Thank you for sharing that tip!