Zesty Grilled Corn Salsa Delight

This recipe for Grilled Corn Salsa features wonderfully roasted corn that adds a burst of flavor and sweetness, balancing the heat from the jalapeños. It’s a fantastic complement to nachos, tacos, and more!

Are you a fan of chips and dip? Don’t miss our Artichoke Jalapeño Dip and Easy BLT Dip for more delectable options.

Recipe Overview

I genuinely enjoy crafting my own fresh salsas, and this Grilled Corn Salsa is among my top choices. Instead of shelling out for expensive jars at the store, I can easily whip this up using pantry staples, making it perfect for impromptu gatherings or Taco Tuesday dinners that your family relishes.

• TASTE: With its spicy, tangy, and slightly sweet flavor, this salsa is utterly delightful, thanks to the incredible flavor imparted by the roasted corn.
• TEXTURE: The sweet corn lends a heartier texture, resulting in a thick and chunky salsa.
• TIME: This recipe comes together in just 10 minutes.
• EASE: Preparing this dip is quite simple, and it can also be made ahead of time, adding to its convenience.

Ingredients Needed

Ingredient Insights

• Corn: Roasting corn on the grill imparts a lovely smoky taste, enhancing the salsa. Grill it on the cob, then cut the kernels off.
• Tomatoes: A combination of whole peeled tomatoes and diced tomatoes with green chilies provides a spicy kick and a chunky texture.
• Cilantro: Fresh cilantro is essential for this recipe. It contributes an incredible, fresh flavor to the Grilled Corn Salsa.
• Jalapeño: Adjust the amount based on your heat preference—you can add as much or as little as you like.

Optional Add-ins and Substitutions

• Add avocado: For a creamier texture, incorporate diced avocado to enhance the salsa’s thickness.
• Substitute cherry tomatoes: Using cherry or grape tomatoes will add extra sweetness to the dish.
• Add black beans: For added protein and a chunkier texture, mix in black beans.
• Add roasted red bell pepper: This will introduce a smoky-sweet taste. You can easily roast them at home or purchase them pre-made.

Steps to Make Grilled Corn Salsa

• Combine ingredients: In a food processor, pulse together the cilantro, garlic, onion, jalapeño, salt, ground cumin, and lime juice, excluding the tomatoes and corn.
• Incorporate tomatoes: Add the diced tomatoes with green chilies and the whole tomatoes to the processor, blending until smooth.
• Mix in the corn: Cut the kernels off the grilled corn cobs and stir them into the blended salsa. Serve this alongside a generous bowl of tortilla chips.

Pro Tip: Cut the corn off the cob while standing it upright in a bowl to catch the falling kernels and minimize mess.

Recipe Tips

• Remove jalapeño seeds: If the jalapeño is too spicy for your taste, scoop out the seeds, where most of the heat resides, while still retaining some flavor.
• Use fresh lime juice: Whenever possible, opt for freshly squeezed lime juice for this Grilled Corn Salsa, as it offers superior flavor compared to bottled alternatives.
• Stabilize corn while cutting: Stand the ear of corn on a slice of paper towel in a bowl to prevent slipping while you slice it.
• Use a gentle sawing motion: For effective removal of the kernels, employ a soft, downward sawing motion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Soaking corn in the husk for about 30 minutes is advisable. This process hydrates the husks, making them less prone to catching fire during grilling.

If grilling corn without the husk, it’s best to wrap it in foil. This retains steam, keeping the corn moist. You can always unwrap the foil afterward for a charred finish.

Serving Ideas

This Grilled Corn Salsa is versatile, making it excellent as a side dish, topping, or dip. It pairs wonderfully with meats, other dips, nachos, salads, or various Mexican-inspired dishes.

• Meats: Perfect alongside Cast Iron Ribeye Steak, Smoked Chicken Thighs, Garlic Butter Steak Bites, or Smoked Pork Chops.
• Salads: Add it on top of your favorite salad or enjoy it with Broccoli Salad With Bacon and Cheese, Cucumber Tomato Feta Salad, BLT Pasta Salad, or Tomato Garlic Salad.
• Tacos/Enchiladas: It’s delightful with Flank Steak Tacos, White Chicken Enchiladas, Fish Tacos, or Chicken Enchiladas with Red Sauce. You can even serve it with Breakfast Burritos (VIDEO).
• Other dips: Pair it with additional dips like Easy BLT Dip, 7 Layer Taco Dip, Hot Artichoke Dip, or Pretzel Cheese Dip.

Make This Ahead of Time

Prep ahead: You can grill the corn and cut it off beforehand, storing it in the fridge for a day before assembling the salsa.

Storage: Keep any leftover Grilled Corn Salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The tomatoes may release water over time, which could thin the salsa.

Freezing: It’s not recommended to freeze this salsa due to the likely grainy texture of the tomato base upon thawing. However, if you choose to freeze, place it in a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 3 months. Drain any excess liquid after thawing before serving.

Explore More Delicious Dips and Toppings!

Discover these other tasty dips and toppings:

• Pico de Gallo Recipe
• Cilantro Lime Dressing
• Avocado Corn Salad
• Guacamole Recipe