Fresh Grilled Corn Salsa
This fresh corn salsa is made with charred corn, juicy tomatoes, crisp red onion, peppers, and zesty lime juice. It’s bright, flavorful, and perfect as a dip with tortilla chips or a topping for tacos and grilled meats. Quick to prepare and naturally healthy, it’s an easy summer recipe everyone will love!
This fresh grilled corn salsa is a vibrant mix of smoky-sweet corn, juicy tomato, crisp red onion, and zesty lime. Grilling or broiling the corn enhances its natural sweetness with a touch of charred flavor, making this salsa irresistibly bold and colorful. It’s the perfect summer side or topping for tacos, grilled meats, or scooped up with crunchy tortilla chips.
What You’ll Like About This Dish
Fresh and vibrant. Grilled corn, lime, and cilantro create a bright, summery flavor.
Easy to make. Quick prep and minimal ingredients.
Versatile. Works as a dip, topping, or side.
Healthy and light. Naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and full of fresh vegetables.
Ingredient Notes
- Corn: Grilling adds smoky flavor, but boiled or air-fried corn works in a pinch.
- Tomato: Use a plum tomato for fewer seeds and a firmer texture.
- Garlic: One clove adds flavor without overpowering the salsa.
- Red onion: Adds color and a bit of sharpness.
- Red bell pepper: Provides sweetness and crunch.
- Lime juice: Brightens the salsa and balances the sweetness of the corn.
- Cilantro: Fresh cilantro is essential for that classic salsa flavor.
- Jalapeño or poblano: Choose jalapeño for heat or poblano for mild flavor.
- Salt and pepper: Adjust to taste before serving.
Steps to Make Fresh Grilled Corn Salsa
- Grill or broil the corn until charred in spots.
- Let the corn cool, then cut the kernels from the cobs.
- Add the tomato, garlic, onion, bell pepper, lime juice, cilantro, and jalapeño.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Chill at least an hour to meld flavors.
Tips
- For more char, rotate the corn frequently and place it close to the heat source.
- Use a sharp knife to remove the kernels—cutting over a large bowl helps catch them.
- Taste after chilling; the flavors mellow and may need extra lime or salt.
- Adjust the heat level by adding more or less jalapeño.
Recipe Variations
- Make it creamy. Stir in ½ cup of diced avocado just before serving for a creamy, rich variation.
- Add black beans. Mix in ½ to 1 cup of rinsed black beans to make the salsa more filling—great for taco bowls.
- Try fruity salsa. Add ½ cup of diced mango or pineapple for a sweet-and-spicy combination.
- Make it spicier. Use serrano peppers instead of jalapeño or add a pinch of crushed red pepper.
- Use roasted vegetables. Add roasted poblano, grilled zucchini, or charred scallions for extra depth.
- Turn it into salad. Add extra corn, bell pepper, and a splash more lime juice to serve as a summer side dish.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with tortilla chips as a fresh, summery dip.
- Spoon over tacos, burrito bowls, or quesadillas.
- Pile it onto grilled chicken, steak, or fish for a bright topping.
- Offer it as a side with burgers, hot dogs, or barbecue.
How to Store
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Stir before serving: The vegetables release juices as they sit—mix well to recombine.
Best served fresh: The cilantro and tomato are most vibrant within the first 24 hours.
Fresh Grilled Corn Salsa
Ingredients
- 3 ears corn
- 1 large plum tomato, seeds removed, diced
- 1 large clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup red onion, minced
- 2 to 3 tablespoons red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons lime juice
- 3 tablespoons cilantro, fresh chopped
- 2 to 3 tablespoons jalapeno, finely minced , or poblano pepper
- Dash salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Corn: Remove the husks and silk from the ears of corn. Rinse well. Brush the corn with oil and grill or broil, turning frequently, for 8 to 10 minutes or until charred in places. Let it cool.
- Combine: Add the remaining ingredients to the bowl. Mix well and refrigerate for at least an hour before serving.
- Cut the kernels from the cobs and add to the bowl. Toss and serve.
Nutrition
Disclaimer:
Our nutritional information is based on a third-party application that analyzes the ingredients list to determine the values. The information is meant to be helpful, but should be considered an estimate. Values may differ depending on measurements, brands, serving variations, and database availability.
