Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa

This copycat Chipotle corn salsa recipe isn’t the first time we’ve tackled homemade versions of restaurant menu items, and it certainly won’t be the last! After re-creating the company’s famous marinated and grilled Chipotle chicken, conquering the signature cilantro-lime rice and preparing a copycat Chipotle guacamole recipe, it seems only fitting we also share how to make Chipotle corn salsa (officially known as roasted chili-corn salsa).

This copycat recipe for Chipotle corn salsa captures the restaurant salsa’s signature flavors. The corn salsa is bursting with sweetness from white corn, freshness from cilantro and brightness from lime juice. The onions add a mild crunch, and minced jalapenos contribute a touch of heat. Put it all together and this Chipotle fan-favorite recipe completes any homemade Mexican-inspired salad, burrito or rice bowl.

Ingredients for Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa

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• Corn: Chipotle uses frozen sweet white corn, but you can swap in frozen yellow corn if it’s all you can find. Thaw the corn overnight in the refrigerator. If you prefer fresh corn, cook sweet corn by boiling or steaming it. When it’s cool enough to handle, remove the kernels from the cob.
• Red onion: This colorful onion has a sharper flavor than a white or yellow onion. But don’t worry, it’ll mellow out as it mingles with the acidic lime juice. Make sure to chop the onion finely so the pieces match the size of the corn kernels.
• Jalapeno pepper: We opt for jalapeno pepper in our recipe for Chipotle corn salsa. There’s some speculation that Chipotle uses roasted poblano peppers, but we’ve seen videos where employees use jalapenos instead. Our copycat Chipotle corn salsa recipe tastes almost exactly like the batch we picked up from our local Chipotle, so we think this is the way to go. If poblanos sound more enticing, by all means toss them in!
• Cilantro: If you’re not a cilantro lover, feel free to leave it out. Parsley works in a pinch but has a different flavor profile.
• Lime juice: Some sources say Chipotle uses a blend of lemon and lime juices, but we kept our recipe simple with lime juice alone. The acidic citrus brightens up the other flavors and brings the salsa together.

Directions

Step 1: Salt the corn

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In a small bowl, combine the corn and salt. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes.

Editor’s Tip: If using frozen corn, drain it in a colander after thawing it. It’s important to remove as much excess liquid as possible before salting the corn, otherwise the salsa could be watery.

Step 2: Combine the corn salsa ingredients

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Add the red onion, jalapeno, cilantro and lime juice to the bowl, and stir to combine.

Editor’s Tip: If the mixture tastes a little flat, season with additional salt and lime juice to taste.

Step 3: Chill the salsa

Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour.

Editor’s Tip: If you’re short on time, you can serve the salsa right away. However, in testing, we felt the flavors married together nicely when allowed to chill in the fridge.

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Recipe Variations

• Use roasted ingredients: Roasting the corn or peppers adds a layer of tantalizing fire-roasted flavor to every bite of this copycat Chipotle corn salsa recipe. Try making grilled corn in husks to give the corn a charred flavor, or roast the peppers to infuse a slightly smoky flavor into the jalapenos.
• Add spices: To give the recipe for Chipotle corn salsa depth, add Mexican-inspired spices, such as ground cumin, coriander or paprika.
• Make it heartier: Wondering how to make Chipotle corn salsa more hearty? Mix in a can of drained and rinsed black beans to turn this copycat recipe into a black bean and corn salsa.

How to Store Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa

Store leftover Chipotle corn salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for up to four days. For more extended storage, freeze corn salsa for up to three months. Let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Can you make copycat Chipotle corn salsa ahead of time?

We definitely recommend making this recipe for Chipotle corn salsa ahead of time and letting it chill for at least an hour before serving. Chilling the salsa allows the flavors to come together and gives the lime juice time to mellow out the harsh onion flavors.

Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa Tips

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How spicy is this copycat Chipotle corn salsa recipe?

Our copycat Chipotle corn salsa recipe is mild, but the heat can be increased by adding additional jalapeno peppers. You can also get creative and add a spicier type of pepper like serrano or habanero peppers. If jalapenos are too spicy for your liking, decrease the heat by using a green or red bell pepper, as we do in this corn salsa recipe.

What should you serve with Chipotle corn salsa?

This Chipotle corn salsa recipe is one of our favorite dips for tortilla chips or, if you’re so inclined, homemade tortilla chips. Serve it simply as a snack or appetizer, or with other copycat Chipotle recipes like burritos, burrito bowls, quesadillas or tacos.