Hey everyone, Jason Griffith here! When the weather gets warm and the grill comes out, there’s nothing I love more than fresh, vibrant flavors. This Easy Grilled Roasted Corn Salsa is my absolute favorite for that. It’s a perfect combination of sweet, smoky, and spicy, with a beautiful pop of color from the corn and peppers. This isn’t just a salsa; it’s a taste of summer, a fresh and flavorful dip that’s perfect for a BBQ, a party, or a simple snack.
Why I Love This Recipe
What I love most about this recipe is how it takes a simple, classic ingredient—corn—and gives it a smoky, charred flavor that is simply irresistible. The grilling process brings out a deep sweetness in the corn that you just can’t get with a raw salsa. The addition of fresh red onion, jalapeño, and a squeeze of lime juice creates a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy. This recipe is also incredibly fast and easy to make, which is a major win when you’re hosting a party. It’s a great way to get a flavorful, healthy side dish on the table in a flash.
Ingredients
- 3 ears of corn, husked
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 red onion, finely diced
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely diced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Swaps and Notes
- Corn: Fresh corn on the cob is best here for that smoky, grilled flavor. If you don’t have fresh corn, you can use canned or frozen corn, but you’ll lose the smoky element.
- Jalapeño: You can adjust the amount of jalapeño to your desired level of heat. For a spicier salsa, leave some of the seeds in.
- Red Onion: Finely diced red onion adds a sharp, fresh bite that is a perfect contrast to the sweet corn.
- Cilantro: Fresh cilantro is a must here. It adds a bright, fresh finish that really makes the salsa pop.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Grill the Corn: Lightly brush the husked ears of corn with olive oil. Place them on a preheated grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook for 10-12 minutes, turning every few minutes, until the corn is tender and has a beautiful char on all sides.
- Cut the Corn: Once the corn is cool enough to handle, use a sharp knife to cut the kernels off the cob into a large bowl.
- Combine the Salsa: Add the finely diced red onion, jalapeño, and chopped fresh cilantro to the bowl with the corn.
- Dress the Salsa: Pour in the fresh lime juice, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Serve: Serve the salsa immediately with tortilla chips or as a topping for tacos, burritos, or grilled meat.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overcook the Corn: You want the corn to be tender and slightly charred, but not mushy.
- Let the Corn Cool: Let the corn cool slightly before you cut it off the cob. It will be easier to handle.
- Finely Dice the Vegetables: Finely dicing the red onion and jalapeño ensures you get a little bit of every flavor in each bite.
- Adjust to Taste: Give the salsa a quick taste and adjust the amount of salt, pepper, or lime juice to your liking.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Easy Grilled Roasted Corn Salsa is a perfect dip for tortilla chips. It’s also a fantastic topping for a variety of meals, from grilled chicken or fish to tacos and burritos. For a fun, Mexican-inspired party spread, it would go perfectly with a crockpot nacho dip or a platter of sheet pan quesadillas.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)
- Calories: 100 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
Disclaimer: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Storage and Leftover Tips
This salsa is best served fresh, but you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld and it will still taste delicious.
More Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoy easy, savory, and satisfying meals, you might also like these other recipes:
- This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole is my favorite one-pan dinner that’s always a hit
- This Walking Taco Bar is my favorite no-fuss way to feed a crowd
- Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter
Final Thoughts
This Easy Grilled Roasted Corn Salsa is a perfect example of a simple recipe that delivers a huge payoff in flavor. It’s a no-fuss dish that is both healthy and incredibly satisfying. Give it a try, and I guarantee it will become a new favorite in your home.
What’s your favorite thing to grill in the summer? I’d love to hear your ideas in the comments below! Be sure to follow me for more recipes that are as simple as they are delicious.
Easy Grilled Roasted Corn Salsa: The Ultimate Summer Dip
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cups corn kernels (fresh or grilled)
- 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 cup diced red bell pepper
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 4 teaspoons black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 jalapeño, diced (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Brush the corn with olive oil and grill for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until charred and tender.
- Remove the corn from the grill and let it cool slightly. Once cool, slice the kernels off the cob.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the grilled corn, chopped cilantro, diced red bell pepper, salt, black pepper, lime juice, and jalapeño if using.
- Mix well and adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve immediately with tortilla chips or as a topping for grilled meats.
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