Chili corn salsa is a fresh and flavorful combination of sweet corn kernels, crunchy red bell pepper, spicy chili powder, zesty onions, and aromatic cilantro, all mixed together with a squeeze of lime juice and a sprinkle of salt. This delicious salsa is a popular Mexican-inspired condiment that adds a burst of color and flavor to any dish and the combination of textures and flavors makes it a versatile accompaniment to a wide range of dishes, from tacos and nachos to grilled meats and seafood.
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Chili corn salsa is a colorful and flavorful condiment that has become a popular accompaniment in Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine.
This fresh combination of sweet corn kernels, zesty onions, aromatic cilantro, and crunchy red bell peppers blended together with a squeeze of lime juice and a sprinkle of chili powder. The sweetness of the corn and bell peppers, combined with the mild spiciness of the chili powder, creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Chili corn salsa is a healthier alternative to other condiments, as it's low in fat and calories, high in fiber, and packed with vitamins and minerals. This versatile salsa can be used as a topping for tacos, burritos, or salads, or as a dip for tortilla chips.
If you're looking for a tasty and healthy way to spice up your meals, try making this delicious chili corn salsa.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you looking for a versatile and flavorful condiment that can elevate any dish? Look no further than chili corn salsa! This delicious Mexican-inspired recipe combines sweet corn kernels, zesty onions, aromatic cilantro, and creamy avocado to create a burst of flavors and textures that will leave your taste buds wanting more.
I think you’ll love this recipe and here are a few reasons why:
It's healthy: chili corn salsa is low in fat and calories, high in fiber, and packed with essential vitamins and minerals.
It's easy to make: this recipe requires only a few simple ingredients and can be prepared in just a few minutes.
It's versatile: chili corn salsa can be used as a topping for tacos, burritos, or salads, or as a dip for tortilla chips.
It's delicious: the combination of sweet corn, zesty onions, red bell peppers, and creamy avocado mixed with aromatic cilantro and a touch of chili powder, creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures that will make your taste buds dance.
What You’ll Need To Make Chili Corn Salsa
Corn kernels: Raw or lightly cooked corn kernels add a sweet crunch and texture to the salsa. You can substitute canned corn if fresh corn is not available.
Red onion: Adds a zesty, slightly sweet flavor and crunchy texture. You can substitute white or yellow onions if red onions are not available.
Red bell pepper: Adds a sweet flavor and a crisp texture. You can substitute green bell pepper if red bell peppers are not available.
Avocado: Gives a creamy texture and a nutty flavor to the salsa. You can omit the avocado if you prefer or substitute it with diced cucumber for a crunchy texture.
Cilantro: Adds a fresh, aromatic flavor and a pop of green color. If you're not a fan of cilantro, you can substitute parsley.
Jalapenos: Adds a spicy kick and a bold flavor. You can substitute with other types of chili peppers or omit them altogether for a milder salsa.
Lime: Adds a tangy, citrusy flavor and helps balance out the sweetness of the corn and red bell pepper.
Chili powder: Adds a mild, smoky flavor and a hint of spiciness. You can adjust the amount of chili powder according to your taste.
Salt and pepper: Enhances the flavor of the salsa and balances out the sweetness and spiciness of the other ingredients.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Looking to add some zing to your dishes? Chili corn salsa is a delicious and versatile condiment that can be paired with a variety of foods. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a flavorful and healthy salsa that will impress your guests or liven up your meal.
Here's how to make it:
Step 1: Using a sharp knife, cut the corn kernels away from the cob and discard the cob.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the corn kernels, red onion, red bell pepper, avocado, cilantro, and jalapeños.
Step 3: Squeeze the lime juice over the mixture and stir to combine.
Step 4: Add the chili powder and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything together until well combined.
Step 5: Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Step 6: Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Enjoy your delicious chili corn salsa as a topping for tacos, burritos, salads, or as a dip for tortilla chips. This recipe is so easy to make, you'll want to whip up a batch for every meal!
Tips & Tricks For Making The Best Chili Corn Salsa
Chili corn salsa is a tasty condiment that can add a pop of flavor to your meals. While the recipe is fairly simple, there are some tips and tricks you can follow to ensure that you make the best chili corn salsa possible. Here are a few to keep in mind:
Use fresh ingredients: To get the best flavor and texture, use fresh corn kernels, red bell peppers, and other ingredients. Avoid using canned or frozen corn if possible, as these can be mushy and lack flavor.
Cut the vegetables evenly: When chopping your vegetables, try to cut them into similar-sized pieces. This will ensure that each bite has a good mix of flavors and textures.
Add the lime juice last: Lime juice can cause the vegetables to break down and become mushy if added too early. To prevent this, wait until the end of the recipe to add the lime juice.
Adjust the heat to your liking: If you prefer a milder salsa, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapenos before chopping them. If you want a spicier salsa, leave some of the seeds and membranes intact.
Let the salsa chill: Allowing the salsa to chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving will help the flavors meld together and create a more cohesive taste.
Don't be afraid to experiment: Feel free to add or subtract ingredients to your liking. For example, you can add black beans, diced tomatoes, or other vegetables to the mix.
By following these tips and tricks, you'll be well on your way to making the best chili corn salsa you've ever tasted!
Serving Suggestions And Substitutions
Chili corn salsa is a versatile condiment that can be served with a variety of dishes. Here are some serving suggestions:
- As a topping for tacos, burritos, or enchiladas
- As a dip for tortilla chips
- As a side dish with grilled chicken, fish, or steak
- As a topping for salads or grain bowls
If you don't have all the ingredients for the recipe, here are some possible substitutions:
- Instead of raw or cooked corn, use canned corn kernels.
- If you don't have red onion, you can use white onion or shallots instead.
- You can substitute green, yellow or orange bell peppers for the red bell pepper.
- If you don't have fresh cilantro, you can use parsley instead.
- Instead of jalapenos, you can use other types of chili peppers, such as serrano peppers or poblano peppers.
- If you don't have chili powder, you can use cumin, smoked paprika, or a combination of spices to add flavor.
- If you don't have avocado, you can leave it out or add another type of diced vegetable, such as cucumber or cherry tomatoes.
These substitutions can help you customize the recipe to your liking and use ingredients you already have on hand.
How To Store Leftovers
If you have any leftover chili corn salsa, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Before serving again, stir the salsa to redistribute any moisture or seasoning that may have settled.
It's important to note that avocado in the salsa may oxidize and turn brown over time, but this doesn't necessarily affect the taste. If you prefer to avoid this, you can always add the avocado just before serving, rather than mixing it in with the rest of the ingredients.
Frequently Asked Questions
While fresh corn is preferred for the best flavor and texture, you can use canned corn that has been drained and rinsed. Just make sure to pat the corn dry with a paper towel before adding it to the salsa.
Yes! You can make the salsa a few hours or even a day in advance. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve. Note that the longer the salsa sits, the more the flavors will meld together.
Yes! If you don't want the salsa to be too spicy, you can remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños before chopping them. This will reduce the heat level. Alternatively, you can leave out the jalapeños altogether and add more red bell pepper for a milder flavor.
It's not recommended to freeze the salsa, as the texture may become mushy and the flavors may change. It's best to make the salsa fresh and store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Tools And Equipment For This Recipe
Glass Mixing Bowls: These glass mixing bowls are super versatile. You can use them for mixing, storing, and serving.
Citrus Juicer: This citrus juicer makes squeezing limes and lemons a breeze.
8-Inch Kitchen Knife: A good chef's knife is essential for quickly and accurately dicing the vegetables. This 8-inch kitchen knife by Paudin is a great choice.
📖 Recipe
Chili Corn Salsa
Ingredients
- 4 cups raw or lightly cooked corn kernels about 5 cobs
- ½ medium red onion diced
- 1 large red bell pepper diced
- 1 large avocado diced
- 1 bunch fresh cilantro roughly chopped
- 2 jalapenos seeded and diced
- 2 limes juiced
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Using a sharp knife, cut the corn kernels away from the cob and discard the cob.
- In a large bowl, combine the corn kernels, red onion, red bell pepper, avocado, cilantro, and jalapenos.
- Squeeze the lime juice over the mixture and stir to combine.
- Add the chili powder and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything together until well combined.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Nutrition
* Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutritional content may vary based on brands of ingredients used, measuring methods, portion sizes, and more.
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