Smoky Chili Corn Salsa

The Ultimate Chipotle Copycat Roasted Chili Corn Salsa: Easy, Flavorful & Versatile

Prepare to elevate your taste buds with this incredible homemade Roasted Chili Corn Salsa! Inspired by the legendary Chipotle corn salsa, our version captures that signature sweet, smoky, and subtly spicy flavor you crave, but with the freshness and customization only a homemade recipe can offer. It’s the perfect addition to any party, gathering, or even just a weeknight dinner, thanks to its straightforward preparation and endless versatility. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, you’ll find this recipe surprisingly easy to master and endlessly rewarding, bringing the vibrant taste of fresh Mexican cuisine directly to your table.

easy appetizer with tons of vegetables in a bowl with a spoon

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About This Roasted Chili Corn Salsa: A Chipotle-Inspired Delight

For those who know me, my deep admiration for Chipotle Mexican Grill is no secret. I’ve been a loyal customer for decades, long before Chipotle became a national sensation, back when it was just a few humble shops gracing the streets of Denver. Through all those years and countless visits, one item on their menu has consistently captivated my palate and secured its place as a non-negotiable part of my order: the roasted chili corn salsa.

Despite being one of Chipotle’s milder salsa options, its flavor profile is anything but subtle. The harmonious blend of subtly smoky peppers and naturally sweet corn kernels creates an irresistible taste that perfectly complements any dish. It’s a testament to how simple, fresh ingredients can come together to form something truly extraordinary. The unique sweetness of the corn, combined with the gentle kick from the chilies, offers a refreshing contrast that brightens up any meal.

My enduring love for this particular salsa eventually led me to embark on a culinary quest: to recreate its magic in my own kitchen. This recipe is my humble, yet delicious, take on a Chipotle roasted chili corn salsa copycat. It’s an easy-to-follow recipe designed to bring the vibrant flavors of your favorite Mexican grill right into your home, but with a unique twist that makes it truly my own. The beauty of crafting your own salsa lies in the power of personalization. While this recipe is fantastic on its own, it’s also highly adaptable, allowing you to fine-tune it to your exact preferences.

Imagine this vibrant salsa adorning your tacos, adding a burst of flavor to your burrito bowls, or simply serving as a stellar appetizer alongside crispy tortilla chips at your next gathering. This gluten-free and vegan recipe is a crowd-pleaser that promises bold, fresh flavors. Want a little more zing? Amp up the jalapeño. Craving a deeper, smokier essence? Char your fresh corn directly over an open flame or on the grill. The possibilities for customization are genuinely endless, ensuring that each batch you make can be uniquely yours.

roasted chili corn salsa ingredients image with text

Key Ingredients for the Perfect Roasted Chili Corn Salsa

Creating an exceptional salsa starts with high-quality, fresh ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need to bring this roasted chili corn salsa to life, along with some tips for selecting and preparing them:

  • Peppers: Poblano and Jalapeño. This recipe calls for one poblano pepper and two jalapeño peppers. Poblano peppers are known for their mild heat and rich, earthy flavor, which deepens beautifully when roasted. They contribute a subtle smoky note that is crucial to the salsa’s character. Jalapeños add a fresh, vibrant kick. For a milder salsa, ensure you thoroughly seed and dice the jalapeños, as most of the heat resides in the seeds and membranes. If you prefer a spicier salsa, feel free to leave some seeds in or even add an extra jalapeño for a more pronounced heat.
  • Corn: Sweet Yellow Kernels. The star of the show! Cooked yellow corn provides a delightful sweetness and satisfying texture. Fresh corn on the cob, grilled or boiled, is always preferred for its superior flavor. To grill, simply cook on a medium-high grill for about 10 minutes, turning frequently, until lightly charred. Alternatively, boil in salted water for 10-15 minutes until tender. Once cool enough to handle, carefully remove the kernels. For convenience, high-quality frozen corn can be used. Just ensure it’s thawed completely before incorporating it into the salsa to maintain the desired texture and temperature.
  • Onion: Red Onion. Red onion is the ideal choice for this salsa. Its distinct, slightly pungent flavor mellows beautifully when finely diced, adding a crisp texture and a pop of color without overpowering the other ingredients. Its natural sweetness complements the corn and peppers perfectly, creating a balanced flavor profile.
  • Cilantro: Freshly Chopped. Fresh cilantro is non-negotiable! This herbaceous ingredient infuses the salsa with a bright, fresh, and slightly citrusy aroma that is quintessential to Mexican-inspired dishes. Always opt for fresh cilantro and chop it just before adding to maximize its aromatic impact and vibrant green color.
  • Citrus: Fresh Lime and Lemon. The vibrant acidity of fresh lime juice and fresh lemon juice is what truly brings all the flavors together in this salsa. The citrus not only adds a zesty tang but also brightens the overall profile, balancing the sweetness of the corn and the smokiness of the peppers. Using freshly squeezed juice will always yield the best, most dynamic flavor compared to bottled varieties.
  • Spices: Ground Cumin, Chili Powder, and Salt. These foundational spices are essential for seasoning the salsa and building layers of flavor. Ground cumin adds an earthy warmth, while chili powder contributes a mild, complex heat and a beautiful hue. Salt is crucial for enhancing all the other flavors, so remember to adjust to your taste preferences throughout the process to achieve perfect seasoning.

Essential Tools for Crafting This Recipe

You’ll be pleased to know that creating this incredibly flavorful roasted chili corn salsa doesn’t require an arsenal of specialized kitchen gadgets. A few basic tools are all you need to get started, making this a truly accessible recipe for any home cook:

  • Chef’s Knife and Cutting Board: These are your absolute essentials for all the chopping. From finely dicing the red onion and jalapeños to carefully peeling and preparing the roasted poblano, a sharp chef’s knife and a sturdy cutting board will make your prep work efficient, safe, and enjoyable. Investing in a good knife will make a world of difference.
  • Mixing Bowls: You’ll need at least one medium or large mixing bowl to comfortably combine all your fresh ingredients. Having a second smaller bowl handy can be useful for preparing individual components, like the roasted poblano or corn kernels, before adding them to the main mix.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: A simple wooden spoon or a heat-resistant silicone spatula is perfect for stirring all the ingredients together. This ensures everything is well combined and evenly coated with the citrus juices and spices, distributing the flavors throughout the salsa.
  • Resealable Plastic Bag (or bowl with plastic wrap): While not a traditional “tool,” a resealable plastic bag (or even a bowl tightly covered with plastic wrap) is crucial for steaming the roasted poblano pepper. This step creates a humid environment that helps loosen the charred skin, making it significantly easier to peel off without losing too much of the pepper’s tender flesh.

With these fundamental items at your disposal, you’re well-equipped to create a truly delicious batch of roasted chili corn salsa that will impress friends and family alike!

roasted charred poblano pepper in a plastic bag to steam

How to Make Roasted Chili Corn Salsa: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide

Creating this flavorful Roasted Chili Corn Salsa is a surprisingly straightforward process that yields incredibly delicious results. Follow these steps carefully to achieve that perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and zesty notes that makes this salsa so irresistible:

1. Roast the Poblano Pepper for Deep Flavor

Roasting the poblano pepper is a critical preliminary step that imparts a wonderful depth of smoky flavor and a tender texture to your salsa. You have two excellent methods to choose from, depending on your kitchen setup:

  • Gas Range Method: If you have a gas stovetop, this is often the quickest and most efficient way to char your pepper. Turn a burner to a medium-high flame. Using long tongs, carefully place the poblano pepper directly over the open flame. Rotate the pepper every couple of minutes, allowing the skin to blister and blacken evenly on all sides. This charring process typically takes about 5-7 minutes per pepper. Keep a close watch to prevent the pepper from burning completely to ash; the goal is blistered, blackened skin.
  • Broiler Method (Oven): Preheat your oven’s broiler to high. Place the poblano pepper on a baking sheet. Position the baking sheet on an oven rack about 4-6 inches below the broiler element. Broil for approximately 7-10 minutes in total, turning the pepper every 2-3 minutes, until the skin is thoroughly charred and blistered on all sides. As with the stovetop method, monitor it carefully to avoid overcooking.

Once charred, immediately remove the hot roasted poblano pepper and place it into a resealable plastic bag. Seal the bag tightly and allow the pepper to steam for 10 to 15 minutes. This crucial steaming process helps to create condensation inside the bag, which in turn loosens the charred skin, making it incredibly easy to peel off. After steaming, carefully remove the pepper from the bag, peel off the blackened skin (it should come off easily), slice the pepper in half lengthwise, remove the seeds and stem, and then finely dice the tender, smoky flesh.

2. Assemble Your Delicious Salsa

With your poblano pepper perfectly roasted and prepared, the assembly process is wonderfully simple and quick. In a medium or large mixing bowl, combine all the key ingredients: the diced roasted poblano pepper, your cooked sweet yellow corn kernels, the seeded and finely diced jalapeño peppers, the finely diced red onion, and the vibrant, freshly chopped cilantro. Pour in the fresh lime juice and fresh lemon juice, which will add a bright, zesty tang. Finally, sprinkle in the ground cumin, chili powder, and salt. Using a sturdy wooden spoon or a spatula, stir all the ingredients together thoroughly until everything is well combined and evenly coated with the citrus juices and spices. This meticulous mixing ensures that every spoonful of your salsa will be bursting with a perfectly balanced flavor profile.

3. Chill to Perfection

While you might be tempted to dive right into your freshly made salsa, the chilling step is absolutely crucial for optimal flavor development and a truly refreshing experience. Once assembled, cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator to chill completely. We highly recommend letting it rest for at least 1 to 2 hours, or even longer if time allows. This dedicated period of chilling is vital because it allows all the individual flavors – the smoky peppers, the sweet corn, the pungent onion, the fresh cilantro, and the zesty citrus – to meld and harmonize. The result is a much more cohesive, deeply flavored, and utterly refreshing salsa. A well-chilled salsa is not only more enjoyable but also allows the subtle complexities of each ingredient to shine through more distinctly.

roasted chili corn salsa in a bowl before stirring it all together

Tips and Tricks for the Best Roasted Chili Corn Salsa

To ensure your Roasted Chili Corn Salsa is nothing short of spectacular and consistently delivers that vibrant, fresh flavor, keep these expert tips and tricks in mind during preparation:

  • Wear Gloves When Handling Spicy Peppers: This is a crucial safety tip, especially when working with jalapeños (or any hotter peppers you might choose to add). The capsaicin, which is the compound responsible for a pepper’s heat, can easily transfer to your skin. If it then comes into contact with sensitive areas like your eyes or nose, it can cause an incredibly uncomfortable burning sensation. Wearing kitchen gloves while seeding and dicing peppers is a simple yet highly effective way to prevent this irritation. Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water afterward, even if you’ve worn gloves, as a precaution.
  • Always Use Fresh Citrus Juice: The difference between fresh lemon and lime juice and their bottled counterparts is profound. Freshly squeezed citrus provides a bright, zesty, and incredibly vibrant flavor that bottled juices simply can’t replicate. The natural acidity from fresh limes and lemons is essential for balancing the sweetness of the corn and the earthy, smoky notes of the peppers, elevating the entire salsa and making it truly pop.
  • Grill the Corn for Enhanced Flavor: While boiling corn is perfectly acceptable and convenient, grilling the corn on the cob before removing the kernels will infuse your salsa with an incredible, complex smoky depth. To do this, set your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the corn for about 8-10 minutes, turning it every couple of minutes, until the kernels are tender and exhibit beautiful, lightly charred spots. This caramelization and smokiness add a layer of complexity that takes your corn salsa to the next level.
  • Make it Heartier with Extra Ingredients: If you’re looking to transform this delightful appetizer into a more substantial side dish or even a light meal, consider integrating additional ingredients. Rinsed and drained black beans will add a significant boost of protein and fiber, making the salsa more filling. Finely diced bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange) can introduce extra sweetness, crunch, and vibrant color. For a creamy texture and healthy fats, stir in some ripe, diced avocado just before serving. These additions can turn a simple salsa into a more complete dish.
  • Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Flavors can subtly vary based on the ripeness of your fresh ingredients and, most importantly, your personal taste preferences. After assembling the salsa, always take a small spoonful to taste. Does it need a little more salt to brighten all the flavors? Perhaps a touch more lime juice for an extra tangy kick? Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasoning until it’s perfectly balanced to your liking. This step is key to making the salsa truly your own.
  • Chill Thoroughly for Best Results: As emphasized in the instructions, allowing the salsa to chill for at least an hour or two is vital for optimal flavor. This resting period gives all the ingredients ample time to meld and deepen, resulting in a much more cohesive, harmonious, and delicious end product. Planning ahead for this chilling time will significantly enhance your salsa experience.

Looking for more sensational salsa recipes? Explore these fresh and flavorful options: Chunky Salsa | Pineapple Mango Salsa | Spicy Avocado Salsa | Grilled Pineapple Salsa

fresh vegetable appetizer in a bowl with cilantro and lime

Customizing the Heat: How to Make Your Corn Salsa Spicier

This roasted chili corn salsa recipe, as written, is intentionally designed to be mild, allowing the sweet corn and smoky poblano flavors to shine through beautifully. However, if you’re a heat-seeker and prefer a more fiery kick, it’s incredibly easy to adjust the spice level to your preference without compromising on the overall delicious flavor profile.

The primary source of heat in jalapeño peppers lies in their seeds and the white membranes (also known as the placenta) inside the pepper. To increase the spiciness, you can simply choose not to remove all the seeds from the jalapeño peppers. A good starting point is to leave half the seeds in one jalapeño, then taste the salsa after assembly to assess the heat level. If you crave even more heat, you can then include the seeds from both jalapeños. For an extra punch, consider finely mincing an additional jalapeño pepper (with or without its seeds) and mixing it into the salsa. For those who truly love intense heat, you could also experiment with adding a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper or a very small amount of a hotter chili like a serrano pepper. However, always proceed with caution when adding hotter chilies, adding only a tiny amount at a time and tasting as you go, as their heat can be quite potent.

Serving Temperature: Warm or Cold for Optimal Flavor?

While some salsas can indeed be enjoyed warm, this particular Roasted Chili Corn Salsa truly shines and is best served cold. The refreshing chill enhances the natural crispness of the corn kernels and finely diced red onion, providing a delightful textural contrast. Moreover, serving it cold allows the bright, zesty notes from the fresh lime and lemon juice to really pop and invigorate the palate. This cool temperature also provides a wonderful and often desired contrast to warm dishes, making it an ideal topping for freshly grilled meats, warm tacos, or hot burrito bowls.

You can certainly serve it immediately after preparation if you’re in a hurry. However, for the absolute best flavor experience and to allow all the ingredients to truly meld and harmonize, we highly recommend allowing it to chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 to 2 hours, or even longer. This dedicated resting time is invaluable for deepening the flavors, resulting in a much more cohesive, balanced, and deeply satisfying salsa. So, plan ahead for that chilling period to unlock the full delicious potential of this recipe!

Is This the Official Chipotle Roasted Chili Corn Salsa Recipe?

It’s important to clarify that this is not Chipotle’s official, proprietary recipe for their roasted chili corn salsa. This recipe is my lovingly crafted interpretation, born out of years of enjoying and dissecting the flavors of their iconic salsa. After countless visits to Chipotle and a deep appreciation for their ingredient combinations, I set out to develop a homemade version that captures the essence of what makes their salsa so beloved. Through extensive experimentation with roasting techniques for the poblano, precise spice blends, and the freshest produce, I believe I’ve come incredibly close to replicating that familiar, sought-after taste. Dare I say, in some aspects, I even think I’ve enhanced it by allowing for personal customization! Consider this a delicious and authentic-tasting “Chipotle copycat” or “Chipotle-inspired” recipe that allows you to enjoy similar vibrant flavors right from your own kitchen, with the added benefit of being able to customize it exactly how you like it – from the heat level to additional fresh ingredients.

Poblano Pepper Alternatives for Your Salsa

Poblano peppers contribute a truly unique, mild, and earthy flavor with a subtle smokiness once roasted, which is a cornerstone of this salsa’s distinctive profile. However, if fresh poblano peppers are unavailable in your local grocery store or you’re simply short on time, don’t despair! You still have a couple of excellent options to ensure you can make this delicious corn salsa without losing too much of its intended character.

A convenient and effective substitute is a 4-ounce can of diced green chiles. These canned chiles are typically roasted and peeled, offering a similar smoky and mild chili flavor profile that will work well in the salsa. When using this substitute, keep in mind that canned diced green chiles can sometimes carry a slightly spicier kick than a fresh poblano, so the overall heat of your salsa might be slightly elevated compared to the original recipe. If you prefer a milder outcome, you might consider using only half a can to start, then tasting and adding more if desired. Another alternative, though less ideal for replicating the “roasted” aspect but still viable for texture and a hint of green, would be to use a small amount of finely diced green bell pepper. To compensate for the lost smokiness, you could then enhance the flavor with a tiny pinch of smoked paprika or, very sparingly, a drop of liquid smoke. Whichever substitute you choose, the goal is to maintain that characteristic mild chili background that complements the sweet corn so beautifully in this homemade salsa.

Craving more delightful small bites and appetizers? Discover a wide array of creative and easy appetizer recipes on my dedicated appetizer recipes page!

small bowl of roasted chili corn salsa with tortilla chips and limes

What to Serve with This Versatile Roasted Chili Corn Salsa

The beauty and appeal of this Roasted Chili Corn Salsa lie not only in its delightful flavor but also in its incredible versatility. It’s far more than just a simple dip; it’s a dynamic and flavorful condiment that can elevate a wide range of meals, snacks, and gatherings. Here are some of our favorite, delicious ways to incorporate this vibrant creation into your culinary repertoire:

  • Classic Appetizer with Tortilla Chips: This is arguably the most popular and undeniably satisfying way to enjoy any salsa, and for good reason! Serve it chilled alongside your favorite crispy, salty tortilla chips for an irresistible snack or a crowd-pleasing party appetizer. The satisfying crunch of the chips perfectly contrasts the fresh, vibrant, and slightly creamy texture of the salsa.
  • Taco Topping Extraordinaire: Take your taco night to an entirely new level by spooning generous amounts of this flavorful salsa over any type of taco you can imagine. Its harmonious blend of sweet, smoky, and zesty notes pairs wonderfully with a variety of fillings, whether you’re making savory beef, tender chicken, juicy pork carnitas, flaky fish, or even hearty vegetarian tacos. The fresh burst of flavor and texture it adds is simply unmatched. Here are some of our top taco recipes to inspire your next taco feast:
    • Guacamole Tacos: A fresh and creamy vegetarian delight.
    • Shredded Beef Tacos: Rich, savory, and perfect with this bright salsa.
    • Fried Avocado Tacos: For a unique texture and flavor experience.
    • Instant Pot Chipotle Chicken Tacos: Quick, flavorful, and incredibly tender.
  • Elevate Burrito Bowls and Salads: Incorporate this corn salsa into your homemade burrito bowls for an explosion of fresh flavor, vibrant color, and satisfying texture. It works beautifully when layered with rice, black beans, your choice of protein, and other favorite toppings. Similarly, sprinkle it generously over taco salads, grain bowls, or any green salad to add a refreshing, hearty, and zesty element that transforms a simple salad into a meal.
  • Perfect Partner for Grilled Proteins: This roasted chili corn salsa makes an exceptional and refreshing accompaniment to any grilled meat or fish. Its bright, zesty flavors cut through the richness of grilled chicken, steak, pork chops, or even delicate shrimp, adding a wonderful summery zest and a pop of color to your plate.
  • A Bright Addition to Eggs and Breakfast: Don’t limit the enjoyment of salsa to just lunch and dinner! A spoonful of this vibrant corn salsa can wonderfully brighten up scrambled eggs, omelets, or even be tucked into a breakfast burrito for a refreshing start to your day.
  • Beyond Traditional Mexican Cuisine: Think creatively! This salsa can be a surprisingly delicious topping for baked potatoes or sweet potatoes, a vibrant and healthy side to simple roasted vegetables, or even mixed into a quinoa or couscous bowl for an added layer of flavor and texture. Its versatility means it truly knows no bounds.

With its adaptable flavor profile and ease of preparation, this roasted chili corn salsa is sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen, offering endless possibilities for delicious and exciting meals and snacks throughout the week.

Storage Tips for Maintaining Freshness

One of the great things about this Roasted Chili Corn Salsa is that it holds up wonderfully in the refrigerator, making it an ideal candidate for meal prepping or enjoying over several days. To ensure its vibrant flavor, crisp texture, and overall freshness are maintained, proper storage is absolutely key:

Store: After preparing and chilling, transfer any leftover salsa into an airtight container. A glass container with a tight-fitting lid is generally ideal, as it won’t absorb any odors from the onion or peppers and is easy to clean. Place the sealed container in the refrigerator promptly. When stored correctly, this delicious salsa will remain fresh, flavorful, and safe to consume for up to one week. In fact, many find that the flavors often deepen and meld even more beautifully after a day or two in the fridge, making it even tastier! So, don’t hesitate to make a slightly larger batch to enjoy throughout your week.

We do not recommend freezing this salsa. The fresh ingredients, especially the corn kernels and the diced peppers, tend to become watery, mushy, and lose their desirable crisp texture upon thawing. For the best experience, always enjoy it fresh and chilled from the refrigerator.

Hand holding a chip with roasted chili corn salsa in a bowl and tortilla chips on a plate

More Delicious Corn Recipes to Explore

If you’ve fallen in love with the sweet, versatile, and satisfying nature of corn in this salsa, you’re in for a treat! Corn is a fantastic ingredient that shines in countless recipes, offering both a delightful sweetness and a satisfying texture. It’s a staple in many cuisines and can be transformed into a variety of delicious dishes. Here are a few more delightful corn-centric recipes from our collection that we think you’re sure to enjoy, extending your appreciation for this humble yet mighty vegetable:

  • Masala Corn Salad: This vibrant and intensely flavorful Masala Corn Salad is an excellent choice if you’re looking for an easy-to-make side dish with an exciting Indian-inspired twist. It’s bursting with aromatic spices, fresh herbs, and zesty ingredients, making it a perfect, refreshing accompaniment to any grilled main dish, a light and satisfying lunch on its own, or a unique picnic contribution.
  • Smoky Charred Corn: For those who can’t get enough of that deep, irresistible smoky flavor and beautiful caramelization from the grill, this Smoky Charred Corn recipe is a simple yet incredibly mouthwatering dish. It highlights the natural sweetness of the corn with a delightful charred exterior, making it a wonderful side dish for summer barbecues, taco nights, or simply enjoyed as a wholesome snack.
  • Cheesy Corn Balls: These irresistible Cheese Corn Balls are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will disappear quickly at any gathering! Crispy golden on the outside and wonderfully gooey and cheesy on the inside, they make for a fantastic appetizer, a fun party snack, or even a delightful finger food that both kids and adults will absolutely adore.

Exploring these diverse corn recipes will undoubtedly satisfy your cravings for this wonderful ingredient and help you expand your culinary repertoire with exciting new flavors and textures!

Finally, we absolutely love hearing from you and seeing your culinary creations! If you decide to make this homemade Chipotle copycat Roasted Chili Corn Salsa recipe, please do us a huge favor and give this recipe a star rating on the recipe card below and/or leave a comment with your thoughts! Your feedback is incredibly valuable, not only helping us refine our recipes but also assisting other home cooks in discovering new favorites. I personally make sure to read and respond to every single comment and question. So, don’t hesitate to drop your inquiries or share your experience below.

Oh, and don’t forget to share your delicious culinary creations with us on social media! Be sure to tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest if you make the recipe. There’s nothing I enjoy more than seeing these recipes come to life in your homes – it truly means the world to me and inspires me to keep creating!

Want to stay updated with all our latest recipes, cooking tips, and exciting news directly in your inbox? Sign up for my exclusive newsletter and never miss a delicious update!

roasted chili corn salsa in a bowl with a lime and cilantro
roasted chili corn salsa in a bowl with a lime and cilantro

Roasted Chili Corn Salsa Recipe Card

This simple roasted chili corn salsa is our delicious version of the Chipotle corn salsa! It’s an easy-to-make, flavorful, and highly customizable appetizer or side dish, perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Passive Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 90 minutes
Servings: 6

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Ingredients List

  • 1 poblano pepper
  • 2 cups cooked sweet yellow corn kernels (about 3 cobs, freshly grilled or boiled is best*)
  • 2 jalapeño peppers (seeded and diced, adjust for desired heat)
  • 1/2 cup red onion (finely diced, about 1/2 medium red onion)
  • 1/4 cup freshly chopped cilantro leaves
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 1/2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp salt (+ more to taste)
  • Tortilla chips (for serving, optional)

Instructions

  • Roast the Poblano: Either broil the poblano pepper on a baking sheet for about 4-5 minutes per side or place it over an open flame on a gas range for about 5-7 minutes per side, until the skin is thoroughly blistered and charred. Continuously monitor to prevent burning.
  • Steam the Pepper: Remove the roasted pepper from the heat source or oven. Immediately place it in a resealable plastic bag. Seal the bag and set it aside to steam for about 10 to 15 minutes. This step is crucial for easy peeling.
  • Prepare Poblano: Once cooled slightly from steaming, carefully peel the charred skin off the poblano pepper. Slice it in half lengthwise, remove the seeds and stem, and then finely dice the tender flesh.
  • Assemble the Salsa: In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced poblano pepper with the cooked sweet yellow corn kernels, seeded and diced jalapeño peppers, finely diced red onion, freshly chopped cilantro leaves, fresh lime juice, fresh lemon juice, ground cumin, chili powder, and salt. Stir vigorously to ensure all ingredients are well combined and coated.
  • Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator to chill thoroughly. For the best flavor development, allow it to chill for at least 1 to 2 hours before serving. The longer it sits, the more the flavors will meld together beautifully. Serve cold with tortilla chips or as a versatile topping.

Video Guide

Chef’s Notes

*For the quickest cooking method for corn on the cob, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the husked corn cobs and cook for approximately 4 to 5 minutes until tender-crisp. Alternatively, you can grill the corn for added smoky flavor as detailed in the “Tips and Tricks” section. You can also use high-quality frozen corn, thawed completely before use.For spicier salsa, leave some of the jalapeño seeds in or add an extra diced jalapeño. Always taste and adjust salt and citrus to your preference.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 50kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 0.2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Sodium: 588mg | Potassium: 151mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 282IU | Vitamin C: 20mg | Calcium: 11mg | Iron: 0.5mg
Calories: 50kcal
Cuisine: Mexican, Tex Mex
Category: Appetizer