Chipotle Corn Salsa is the secret ingredient that takes all of your Mexican dishes over the top. Simply combine corn, cilantro, jalapeño, lime and lemon juice, and seasonings into a bowl and stir. This fast and easy copycat recipe will become your new go-to for leveling up your favorite tacos, burritos, and bowls.

Top burrito bowls with this corn salsa for the best flavor.

Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa Recipe

I have a little secret to tell you… there’s something that your tacos and burrito bowls have been missing.

If you’ve ever had Chipotle Mexican Grill (their burritos or bowls!) then you know they have this side dish called Chipotle Corn Salsa.

It’s a mix of sweet corn, spicy peppers, savory onion, and fresh lime juice and cilantro.

Pretty much a burst of fresh flavors in your mouth!

It seems like it would take a TON of time to make something this delicious, but in fact, it takes less than 15 minutes! And if you’ve ever had Chipotle’s corn salsa then you’ll be pleasantly surprised to find that this recipe tastes just like it.

Corn, cilantro, onion, lemon, lime, and seasonings are the ingredients for this dish.

Ingredients

The simple ingredients you need to make the best corn salsa recipe include:

  • Corn. The key ingredient! You can pretty much use whatever kind of yellow or white corn you have on hand. Fresh corn, canned, or even frozen work. If you opt for previously frozen, be sure to let it thaw completely before using. Sweet white corn will work, as well. Check here for how to boil corn on the cob.
  • Cilantro. You’ll need about a quarter cup of chopped, fresh cilantro. Measure AFTER you chop to get enough of this herb.
  • Onion. While a red onion will give you the most authentic flavor, you could use white, yellow, or sweet if that’s all you have.
  • Jalapeño. Only one is called for in this recipe, but feel free to leave it out if you don’t like spice. If you want more heat, add more jalapeño peppers.
  • Citrus juice. Both freshly squeezed lemon juice and tangy lime juice are needed. You could use just one or the other, however, but the result won’t be as good.
  • Seasoning. Ground cumin is essential, along with sea salt and black pepper. Or, opt for this taco seasoning for added flavor.

How to Make Chipotle Corn Salsa?

Below, you’ll find the simple steps for making this easy Chipotle corn salsa:

Combine the Ingredients

If you are using frozen corn, be sure to let it thaw completely and drain any excess water.

Add the corn kernels, cilantro, red onion, jalapeño, lemon and lime juice, and seasonings to a large mixing bowl. Be sure you have plenty of room to stir.

The ingredients are added to a glass bowl.

Mix Well

Use a spatula to stir the ingredients. Be careful not to squish anything, but make sure everything is thoroughly mixed.

If not, you’ll end up with uneven flavor throughout.

Meal Prep and Storage

  • How to prep ahead of time: You can easily make this dish the day before you need it. It will keep in the fridge when covered tightly with plastic wrap.
  • How to store: Keep leftover corn salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 to 5 days.
  • How to freeze: Freezing is not recommended as the texture will be affected.

What is in Chipotle corn salsa?

Chipotle’s corn salsa contains corn, cilantro, jalapeño, onion, lemon and lime juice, and seasonings. This flavorful mix is perfect as a side to copycat Chipotle chicken, and in tacos, burritos, and bowls.

A white bowl is full of copycat corn salsa from Chipotle.

What kind of corn does Chipotle use?

Chipotle uses previously frozen corn in their corn salsa. However, you can use fresh, frozen, or even canned when you make your own at home.

Is Chipotle corn salsa spicy?

No, the corn salsa at Chipotle is NOT spicy. The slight sweetness of the corn perfectly balances out the spice of the peppers.

Expert Tips and Tricks

  • You pick. Frozen, fresh, or even canned corn work equally well.
  • Chill out. If you opt for frozen, give it time to completely thaw.
  • Go big. Be sure the mixing bowl is large enough to hold all of the ingredients with space to stir.
  • Give it a rest. Letting the salsa sit in the fridge for a few hours allows the flavors marry.
  • Top it off. This salsa is the perfect topping on tacos, burritos, bowls, or even taco salads.
Corn salsa is piled into a burrito bowl with chicken, rice, and cheese.

Other Mexican Recipes

If you’re craving other Mexican-inspired dishes, you’re in luck. Put these easy recipes on your meal plan soon.

Mexican Stuffed Bell Peppers and Mexican Taco Lasagna are fun twists that are full of flavor.

Instant Pot Mexican Rice, Mexican Street Corn Salad, and Mexican Quinoa Salad are perfect side dishes.

Chicken Mole Enchiladas and Instant Pot Barbacoa are absolute crowd-pleasers.

More Copycat Chipotle Recipes

Chipotle is one of my favorite things, and if you’re a lover like me, then you’ve got to try these copycat recipes.

Barbacoa Tacos are absolutely delicious.

Top your burritos or bowls with Chipotle Fajita Veggies, Guacamole, Cilantro Lime Rice, and Chipotle Chicken.

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5 from 1 vote

Chipotle Corn Salsa Recipe

Chipotle Corn Salsa is the secret ingredient that takes all of your Mexican dishes over the top. Simply combine corn, cilantro, jalapeño, lime and lemon juice, and seasonings into a bowl and stir.
Yield 6 servings
Prep 15 minutes
Total 15 minutes
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Ingredients 

  • 16 oz. corn previously frozen, thawed*
  • ¼ cup cilantro finely chopped
  • ¼ cup red onion finely diced
  • 1 jalapeno finely diced
  • 2 Tbsp. lime juice freshly squeezed
  • 1 Tbsp. lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • ½ tsp. cumin
  • ½ tsp. Salt to taste
  • ¼ tsp. black pepper to taste

Instructions 

  • Add all ingredients to a large bowl and toss until well mixed. Serve the salsa immediately or refrigerate for 1-2 hours to serve chilled.
Last step! If you make this, please leave a review letting us know how it was!

Tap stars to rate!

5 from 1 vote

Video

Notes

You can also use 1 ½ cans of corn. Make sure you have rinsed and drained the corn before using.

Meal Prep and Storage

  • How to prep ahead of time: You can easily make this dish up the day before you need it. It will easy keep in the fridge when covered tightly.
  • How to store: Keep leftover corn salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 to 5 days.
  • How to freeze: Freezing is not recommended as the texture will be affected.

Nutrition

Calories: 80kcal, Carbohydrates: 18g, Protein: 3g, Fat: 1g, Saturated Fat: 0.2g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g, Monounsaturated Fat: 0.3g, Sodium: 161mg, Potassium: 202mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 4g, Vitamin A: 278IU, Vitamin C: 10mg, Calcium: 10mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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