This fresh corn salsa has a wonderful balance of sweet, spicy and savory. Fresh, Bright, and healthy it will brighten all your summer dishes.
One of the great things about salsa is that while the flavor is bold and unique, it is also incredibly versatile. Although this recipe is different than many others you may have seen; it certainly still fits that pattern! This corn salsa is perfect to eat by itself with chips or along with a protein of your choice.

Fresh Summer Corn Salsa
Corn Salsa is delicious. Actually, in many instances, this corn salsa goes above and beyond delicious and becomes the favorite part of the meal, even after the entree is served. There is just something about having a touch of sweet and the zing of spicy that makes it a favorite for summer hang outs but also for dinners out. Rather than rely on the standard (and predictable!) tomato-driven recipe, this version features unique ingredient choices that are sure to excite the salsa fans in your home.
Ingredients for the Corn Salsa Recipe
- Corn. As the name of this recipe suggests, corn is a central part of this drool-worthy blend. This beautiful concoction incorporates many distinct flavors and the result is not like any salsa you have tasted before!
- Nectarines. One thing you might notice is the appearance of nectarines in this recipe. Many recipes that feature nectarines also incorporate cilantro and an element of spice, so choosing them as an essential part of this salsa recipe seemed like the perfect choice to add sweetness to complement the caramelized corn.
- Jalapeños. The jalapeños, tomatoes, and corn keep this salsa from straying too far from its roots, but there is no mistaking that this recipe won’t fall into the category of “same old, same old” despite being based on a classic staple.
- Tomatoes. Plum tomatoes are very firm and work especially well for salad. Cherry or grape tomatoes also work well. Any slicing tomato will do the trick, especially if you can pick up tomatoes at your farmer's market in season.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil. A good quality oil is important for flavor and for healthfulness.
- Hass Avocado. Adds healthy fat and balance to the recipe.
- Lime Juice. Fresh is best if you can find good limes. Bottled lime juice will work, it just loses some of it's freshness.
- Chili Lime Seasoning. Adds heat and flavor to the mix.
How to Make Corn Salsa
While this salsa can be made from cold corn, we prefer to caramelize the corn in a skillet first for a roasted corn salsa affect. This is done in a skillet and is not difficult. You could also try grilling the corn if you like, or used leftover grilled corn. Once your corn is ready, mix all of the ingredients together gently and refrigerate until you are ready to serve the salad.
What to Serve with Corn Salsa
This roasted corn salsa would also be a great addition to our Mango Chili Lime Tacos. You could also skip the chips and dip our Gluten Free Falafel Crackers in this fresh and flavorful salsa. Use corn salsa with tortilla chips, or on burrito bowls like you would at Chipotle. This corn salsa is also lovely as a topping for steak or seafood from the grill.
Corn Salsa Recipe Variations
Substitute Chipotle peppers or diced poblano peppers for a flavor variation with your heat.
If you love onion in your corn salsa, I suggest using a red onion for the perfect balance since the corn is already sweet.
Add diced bell peppers if you enjoy them raw.
If you cannot find chili lime seasoning, you can use other spices such as ground cumin, garlic, ancho chili powder and onion powder.
If you want to make a similar but different salsa, try pineapple instead of corn and follow the rest of the fresh corn salsa recipe.
FAQ
Can I make corn salsa ahead?
Yes. It will keep for a couple of days in the refrigerator. An hour or so in the refrigerator will help the flavors meld, after that it can be served at any time.
Can you use frozen or canned corn for corn salsa?
No. Raw corn is best and is not difficult. You will need three ears of corn and a sharp knife and about two minutes.
How long does corn salsa keep?
You can keep this salsa in an airtight container for two or three days in a refrigerator.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Corn Salsa
Frozen corn or canned corn is too tough to work well in this recipe. The best results will be with fresh sweet corn on the cob.
The lime juice helps keep the avocado from browning, while also adding brightness to the roasted corn salsa. Fresh lime juice will work best, but bottled is better than not including it at all.
More Corn Recipes
- Corn Salad
- Cheesy Corn Bread Crusted Black Bean Vegetarian Chili
- Vegan Creamy Corn Soup
- Dukkah, Herbes de Provence, & Cinnamon Sugar Crusted Corn
- Vegan Blueberry Corn Muffins
- Fresh Summer Corn Salsa
- Cheesy Vegan Corn Muffins
- Vegan Lemon Cranberry Cornbread
- Corn Soup with Basil and Pine Nuts
Did you like this corn recipe?
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Fresh Summer Corn Salsa Recipe
- Total Time: 15 mins
- Yield: 2 cups 1x
Description
This fresh corn salsa has a wonderful balance of sweet, spicy and savory. Fresh, Bright, and healthy it will brighten all your summer dishes.
Ingredients
- 2 ears of corn
- 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 nectarine, diced
- 1 Hass avocado, diced
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and diced small
- The juice of one lime (or more to taste)
- 1 ½ tsp chili lime seasoning
Instructions
- You can make this corn salsa with raw corn or by slightly cooking the corn on the stove, I you choose to keep the corn raw move to step 3.
- Cut the corn kernels off the cob. Heat the olive il oil in a nonstick pan, add the corn and cook over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring constantly, until caramelized
- In a large bowl combine the rest of the ingredients. Add the cooked corn and toss gently. Refrigerate until ready to use
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 5 mins
- Category: Corn Salsa
- Cuisine: Mexican /American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ½ cup
- Calories: 66
- Sugar: 6.3
- Sodium: 300
- Fat: 1.9
- Saturated Fat: .3
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.4
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 12.5
- Fiber: 2.1
- Protein: 2
- Cholesterol: 0
Keywords: corn, salsa, recipe, kosher, vegan, gluten-free, summer fresh
Farha - faskitchen says
Indeed it looks incredible versatile full of flavor.. looks delicious and healthy
★★★★★
Vicky & Ruth says
Tank you Farha! Our local corn is so delicious... makes a huge difference!