Fresh Corn Salsa Recipe

About Corn Salsa Recipe

A fresh salsa is one of the easiest, healthiest, and most delicious snacks to prepare. It combines various flavors that we in India refer to as chatpata—a delightful mix of spicy, sweet, savory, and tangy elements.

This corn salsa recipe is nearly effortless to make. (Have you tried my homemade Tomato Salsa, Pico de Gallo, or fruity Mango Salsa recipes yet?)

Salsas typically take only minutes to prepare and pair well with just about anything you have in your pantry. This chunky, vibrant salsa can be scooped with chips, spread on bread, or used to enhance a plate of vegetables.

Made from scratch, this Corn Salsa is perfectly balanced with sweetness and a hint of spice, making it enjoyable in various ways!

Feel free to customize this recipe with additional ingredients. You can increase the amount of chili powder or add cayenne pepper and diced jalapeño for extra heat. Fresh diced tomatoes or bell peppers can also be added for additional crunch and flavor.

For my preferred method, I steam fresh corn in a pressure cooker, but canned or frozen corn can be used for convenience if fresh corn is unavailable.

How to Make Corn Salsa

1. First, cook the corn if using fresh corn.

• Stovetop pressure cooking: In a 3-liter pressure cooker, place 1 medium-to-large corn cob. Add enough water to nearly cover the corn. Pressure cook on medium heat for 8 to 10 minutes. Once the pressure has released naturally, remove the lid and let the corn cool at room temperature.
• Instant pot cooking: Add 1 cup of water to the steel insert of a 6-quart Instant Pot. Place a trivet in the insert and set the corn cob on the trivet. Pressure cook on high for 3 to 5 minutes, then perform a quick release.

If preferred, you can also steam the corn on the stovetop. For frozen corn, cook according to package instructions. If using canned corn, there’s no need to heat it first.

2. Allow the cooked corn to cool completely. Carefully slice the kernels off the cob using a knife, aiming for at least 1 cup of corn for this salsa recipe.

3. In a medium bowl, combine the corn kernels with ¼ cup of finely chopped green onions, 1 teaspoon of chopped green chili or jalapeño, and 2 tablespoons of chopped cilantro.

4. Add the spices: ¼ teaspoon of cumin powder, ¼ teaspoon of red chili powder, ¼ teaspoon of black pepper powder, and salt to taste. Adjust the spice levels to your preference.

5. Squeeze in some fresh lemon juice. The acidity from the lemon enhances the flavors and ties all the ingredients together.

6. Mix thoroughly to combine all the ingredients well.

How To Serve

Serve corn salsa as a chunky dip with tortilla chips or crackers, or even fresh vegetables that are sturdy enough for scooping, like bell pepper slices.

This freshly made salsa pairs wonderfully with dishes like quesadillas, vegetarian tacos, burritos, and refried beans.

Variations

• Grilled corn: For a smoky flavor, use fire-roasted or grilled corn instead of steamed corn.
• Onions: Green onions add a mild sweetness and crunch. If unavailable, substitute with red or white onions for a sharper taste.
• Beans: Incorporate cooked or canned kidney beans, black beans, or white beans for added nutrition.
• Fats: For a richer texture, add butter or olive oil. Mashed avocado can also create a creamy consistency.
• Herbs: Fresh herbs like basil, parsley, and mint enhance the flavor. Dried herbs can be used as an alternative.
• Tomatoes: Fresh or canned tomatoes contribute a tangy taste and umami flavor to the salsa.

For more delicious sweet corn ideas, explore this collection of Corn Recipes.

Expert Tips

1. Corn: Use fresh, tender, juicy corn for the best flavor. If fresh corn is unavailable, canned or frozen corn can be used.
2. Cooking the corn: Fresh corn must be cooked first. You can steam it in a pan, pressure cooker, or Instant Pot. Adjust the water accordingly. Frozen corn should be cooked per package instructions.
3. Other veggies: Use green onions, red onions, or white onions. Fresh or canned tomatoes work well in this salsa.
4. Herbs: Fresh herbs like mint, parsley, basil, or chives can be added, or dried herbs can be used.
5. Spices and seasonings: Adjust the amount of green chilies or jalapeño and spices to suit your taste.
6. Beans: To increase protein content, add canned or cooked black beans, kidney beans, or white beans.
7. Choice of fats: Add olive oil, butter, or mashed avocado for a richer texture.
8. Storage: To keep salsa fresh for a couple of days, avoid adding onions or cilantro. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

FAQs