Grilled Corn Salsa Recipe

Grilled corn salsa is a delicious, fresh, and vibrant dish made by grilling sweet corn and mixing it with various vegetables and herbs. The smoky flavor of the grilled corn combined with diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice creates a perfect balance of tastes.

This salsa is often used as a topping for tacos, a chip dip, or even a side dish at summer cookouts. Its sweetness, smokiness, and freshness make it a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. The best part? It’s quick to make and packed with flavor.

Why You’ll Love Grilled Corn Salsa

Grilled corn salsa is the perfect addition to your summer meals or anytime you’re craving something fresh and flavorful. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with it:

Bold and Smoky Flavor

Grilling the corn adds a smoky depth that elevates the salsa. It’s not just sweet corn; the grilling brings out a rich, charred taste you can’t get from just boiling or raw corn.

Packed with Nutrients

Corn is full of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. By adding it to a salsa, you’re not only enjoying a delicious snack but also a healthy one. Other ingredients like tomatoes, cilantro, and lime juice bring health benefits.

Fresh and Light

Combining corn with fresh vegetables like onions, tomatoes, and peppers makes this salsa light yet satisfying. It’s the perfect dish for warm weather, adding brightness to your meals without being too heavy.

Ingredients for Grilled Corn Salsa

Here is a simple list of the ingredients you’ll need to make a fresh and flavorful grilled corn salsa:

• Corn is the star ingredient. Fresh corn adds a sweet, smoky flavor when grilled. If fresh corn is not available, you can use corn on the cob or frozen grilled corn.
• Bell Pepper: You can choose any color you like, such as red, yellow, or orange. The bell pepper adds crunch and a bit of sweetness to balance the smoky flavors.
• Onion: A small red onion works best for a mild taste, but white or yellow onions can also be used. The onion adds a savory base to the salsa.
• Jalapeño Pepper: This adds a touch of heat to the salsa. Adjust the amount based on how spicy you like it. You can remove the seeds for a milder flavor.
• Fresh Cilantro: Cilantro adds a fresh, herby taste to the salsa, a burst of flavor and brightness.
• Olive Oil: Olive oil helps to grill the vegetables and adds a rich, smooth texture to the salsa.
• Fresh Lime Juice: Lime juice gives the salsa a tangy, refreshing kick. It enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients.
• Ground Cumin: Cumin adds a warm, earthy flavor to the salsa. It’s a subtle spice that works perfectly with the smoky grilled corn.
• Salt and Pepper: These basic seasonings bring out the flavors of the ingredients. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this vibrant salsa:

• 2 ears of corn, husked
• 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped
• 1 jalapeño pepper, deseeded and finely chopped
• 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Grill the Corn: Heat the grill to medium-high. Place the corn on the grill and cook for about 8-10 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes, until it is charred on all sides. Once done, remove it from the grill and allow it to cool.
2. Prep the Veggies: While the corn is cooling, chop the red bell pepper, onion, jalapeño, and cilantro.
3. Cut the Corn Off the Cob: Carefully cut the kernels off the cob using a sharp knife once the corn has cooled.
4. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the grilled corn, red bell pepper, onion, jalapeño, and cilantro.
5. Season: Add the olive oil, lime juice, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until well combined.
6. Serve: Let the salsa sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve with chips, tacos, or as a side dish!

Grilled Corn Salsa Variation

Grilled corn salsa is incredibly versatile, and you can easily adjust it to suit your taste preferences. Here are a few variations to try:

• Spicy Kick: Add finely chopped jalapeños or serrano peppers for some heat. You can also drizzle hot sauce or chili powder for extra spice.
• Sweet and Savory: Try mixing in some diced mango or pineapple. The natural sweetness will balance the smoky flavor of the grilled corn.
• Herb Twist: Try using different herbs, like basil or mint, instead of cilantro to give the salsa a fresh, unique flavor.
• Avocado: Add diced avocado for a creamy texture. It’s a great way to make the salsa richer and more filling.

How to Serve Grilled Corn Salsa

Grilled corn salsa is highly versatile when it comes to serving. Here are some ideas for how to enjoy it:

With Tortilla Chips: This is the most common way to enjoy it. Scoop up the salsa with crunchy tortilla chips for a tasty snack or appetizer.

As a Topping: Use it to top grilled chicken, fish, or steak. It adds a burst of flavor and color to your main dish.

In Tacos: Grilled corn salsa pairs wonderfully with tacos, whether they’re chicken, beef, or vegetarian. The salsa enhances the taste and texture of the tacos.

With Rice or Quinoa: Serve it as a side dish with rice or quinoa for a light and healthy meal.

In a Salad: Toss the grilled corn salsa with mixed greens for a refreshing and vibrant salad.

Storage Tips

If you’ve made more salsa than you can eat in one sitting, don’t worry—grilled corn salsa can be stored for later use. Follow these simple storage tips:

Refrigeration: Store the salsa in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for about 2 to 3 days. The flavors may even develop further after a few hours or overnight.

Freezing: If you want to store it longer, you can freeze the salsa. However, the texture of the corn may change after freezing, so it’s best to freeze the salsa without the avocado or any fresh ingredients that may not freeze well.

Avoid Overcrowding: Make sure the container is not too full. This allows the salsa to stay fresh and prevents air from getting trapped inside.

FAQs About Grilled Corn Salsa