Spicy Corn Salsa
Spicy Corn Salsa combines sweet corn, green chiles, olives, and jalapenos for a vibrant, flavorful dip perfect for parties, snacks, or as a topping with grilled meats.
Ingredients
- 2 (17 oz.) cans whole kernel corn, rinsed and drained
- 1 (4 oz.) can chopped green chiles, drained ⓘ
- 1 (2 1/4 oz.) can sliced pitted ripe olives, drained ⓘ
- 1 large tomato, chopped ⓘ
- 2 to 3 jalapeno peppers, seeded and finely chopped ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. white vinegar ⓘ
- 1/3 cup olive oil or vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine corn, green chiles, olives, chopped tomato, and chopped jalapenos in a nonaluminum bowl.
- Add white vinegar, olive oil, salt, and chopped cilantro if desired.
- Cover and chill for at least 2 hours, stirring often before serving.
- Serve with tortilla chips or as a relish with grilled beef or chicken.
Tips & Substitutions
For a milder version, you can reduce the number of jalapenos or substitute them with diced bell peppers. If fresh corn is in season, feel free to use it instead of canned corn for a sweeter flavor. Adding a pinch of cumin can enhance the depth of flavor, while a squeeze of lime juice brightens the salsa. This recipe pairs beautifully with Basic Taco Sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Spicy Corn Salsa as a zesty dip with tortilla chips or as a vibrant topping for grilled beef or chicken. It also works well as a relish for tacos, burritos, or even on top of a Mexican Rice (Arroz Rojo) dish. For a complete meal, pair it with a fresh garden salad or guacamole.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even tastier on the second day. If you want to use it later, consider freezing it in portions; however, the texture may change slightly upon thawing. Stir well before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spicy Corn Salsa contains roughly 128 calories, with 8g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (232% of the Daily Value), iron (80% of the Daily Value), and potassium (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1198mg per serving (52% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salsa ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, making it a few hours or even a day in advance allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just be sure to keep it covered in the refrigerator. Stir it well before serving to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Spicy Corn Salsa is completely vegetarian and can easily fit into vegan recipes as well. Just ensure that any additional ingredients you use, like chips or accompanying dishes, are also vegetarian or vegan.
How spicy is this salsa?
The spiciness of the salsa largely depends on the number and variety of jalapenos used. For a milder salsa, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapenos or use fewer peppers. You can also substitute with a milder pepper variety, such as poblano, to adjust the heat level.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).