Delicious Chipotle Roasted Chili Corn Salsa Copycat Recipe

Most people love the roasted chili corn salsa from Chipotle for apparent reasons! In this lovely post, you will learn how to strictly make this Chipotle chili corn salsa. 

Chipotle is one of those restaurant chains that most of us cannot get enough of. Although salsa may not seem like a stand-out recipe, this one truly is, for all the right reasons. I can surely vouch for that! 

So, what makes this recipe so unique? Have you ever had a salsa with a corn base rather than a tomato one? Trust me, you are in for a treat if this is your first time!

This recipe, tried and tested by our chef, will be an addition to your menu now and then! We’ll get to the recipe process as soon as we discuss some of the details. So, let’s get started!  

Is This The Exact Chipotle Roasted Chili Corn Salsa Recipe? 

This is the recipe for Chipotle’s roasted chili corn salsa. The end of this recipe is evidence of the same. 

Keeping this salsa’s flavor and other factors in mind, Chef Jasbir has followed the recipe exactly from scratch. From the ingredients to the final method to make this delicious salsa, everything has been followed precisely as it is! So, get ready for your tastebuds to be happy with this delicious goodness, just like you get at Chipotle! 

How Is The Chipotle Roasted Chili Corn Salsa Different From Regular Salsa? 

This recipe, roasted chili corn salsa from Chipotle, differs from a regular salsa for many reasons. One of the main reasons is the choice of ingredients used to make a regular salsa, which are very different in this case. In most salsa recipes, tomatoes are a must and form the base for the dip. 

However, this recipe is different, as no tomatoes are added to it. Instead, this recipe has corn as the main ingredient, adding a crunchy texture and an exciting flavor profile overall. 

This salsa recipe also uses two types of peppers for heat: jalapeno and poblano peppers. These peppers add a kick of heat that gels well with the corn and onion base. Moreover, the peppers are roasted, which is undoubtedly a bonus, along with the needed warmth. 

Why You Will Love This Chipotle Roasted Chili Corn Salsa Recipe

If you are a fan of Mexican food in general, there is no way that you would not like this salsa. Salsa is one of the main dipping sauces served with just about any Mexican dish, and you can expect this salsa recipe to bring the same vibrance to your meal. 

However, there are some particular stand-out points related to this salsa recipe from Chipotle. These factors make it a complete recipe winner and will make you fall in love with every aspect of it! Here are some of the positives of this recipe that will make you love it: 

1. Easy Follow Recipe: It does not matter whether you are a pro chef or just an amateur in the kitchen, as this recipe is very straightforward to follow for just about anyone. 
2. Time-Efficient: All of us want to cook delicious meals, sides, and dips that take little time to bring together, and this recipe is one of the quickest salsa recipes you would probably ever make! 
3. Simple Ingredients: You won’t have to look for specialized ingredients to make this salsa! Almost everything you need will be stocked in your pantry or readily available in the grocery store closest to you. 
4. Versatility Of Ingredients: If you need help finding some of the ingredients to make this salsa, you can still make this recipe easily! The components can easily be swapped with similar ones for a tasty end product. 
5. Shelf-Life: If stored well, this salsa has a long shelf life and can be enjoyed for days together. 
6. Splendid Flavor And Texture: Last but not least, the flavor and texture of this recipe will pop out as one of the best factors about this salsa recipe! 

Is This Chipotle Roasted Chili Corn Salsa Spicy? 

No, the Chipotle roasted chili corn salsa is not necessarily spicy. However, it does have an aftertaste kick of the peppers added to it. 

In general terms, spicy is used to describe a food option loaded with a bunch of spices, with a kick of heat coming from the same. In the case of this salsa, no herbs are added to it. So, the salsa is not a spicy one, per se. 

However, this salsa does have a kick of heat that you will feel a little as an aftertaste. As this salsa is loaded with jalapeno and poblano peppers, both of which have some heat, you will taste the same. But the good news is that the heat is bearable for most, and you surely won’t have fire coming out of your mouth once you eat it! 

Is This Chipotle Roasted Chili Corn Salsa Vegan, Gluten-Free, and Keto? 

This Chipotle roasted chili corn salsa is vegan, gluten-free, and keto. 

This salsa recipe is made mainly with veggies and a few seasonings, none of which have any traces of animal-based ingredients. That makes the recipe completely vegan.

The recipe also has no gluten-based ingredients added to it, making it completely gluten-free. To make sure it stays gluten-free, serve it with gluten-free chips.

Lastly, this salsa is also keto since it contains no carbohydrates and is perfect for people on a low-carb diet. 

Equipment Needed For Chipotle Roasted Chili Corn Salsa Recipe

In this section, you will find all the equipment to bring this salsa recipe together instantly. 

• Bowls: First and foremost, you will need many bowls to make this salsa. Go for one large bowl to mix the salsa and four medium bowls to prepare the rest of your ingredients. 
• Large Spoon: A large spoon of any type will help you mix all the ingredients for the salsa easily. 
• Cutting Board: You will have to chop some onions for this recipe along with both types of peppers, and for that, a sturdy cutting board secured with a wet towel will be needed. 
• Large Knife: Go for a large, sharp knife to ensure you get good, minor cuts of the onions and the peppers. 
• Weighing Scale: To get the measurements right and precise, keeping a weighing scale around will be handy. 
• Baking Sheet: Lastly, before adding the poblano peppers, you will need to pre-roast them in the oven, for which you will need a baking sheet. 

Chipotle Roasted Chili Corn Salsa Ingredients

Here is the simple list of ingredients that you will need to make this delicious salsa

• Corn: Start with a cup of frozen corn kernels. You can also go for fresh ones if you get your hands on them; however, frozen ones work equally well. 
• Red Onion: A single, medium-sized red onion will add a sharp and pleasant flavor to the salsa. 
• Poblano Peppers: Roast a couple of poblano peppers beforehand until they get a char on the outside, then chop them up. 
• Jalapenos: A couple of jalapenos will add heat and sourness to this dish. 
• Lemon Juice: A teaspoon of lemon juice will add a light sour kick to the recipe.
• Lime Juice: Add a teaspoon of lime juice to this recipe for a balanced flavor. 
• Cilantro: A tablespoon of freshly chopped cilantro will add freshness to the flavor of this fantastic salsa. 
• Salt: Lastly, add a teaspoon of salt to the recipe to enhance all the flavors. 

Chipotle Roasted Chili Corn Salsa Ingredient Substitution

Most ingredients used to make this recipe are staples and easy to find. However, there could be times when you need help finding some elements, if not all. In that case, here are some substitute suggestions that you can use in their place. 

• Corn: In case you have trouble finding corn kernels that are frozen or fresh, you can also go for a complete cob and remove the seeds yourself. 
• Red Onion: If you have trouble finding red onions, use yellow ones instead. They may not have as sharp a flavor, but they will surely do the trick regarding the overall recipe. 
• Poblano Peppers: In case poblano peppers are not available around you, try going for jalapenos of the same quantity, bell peppers, or chipotle peppers. 

What Kind Of Corn Does Chipotle Use For This Recipe? 

Chipotle uses fresh white-sweet corn to make this fantastic salsa. 

As per the ingredients mentioned by Chipotle, fresh white sweet corn tastes fantastic in this recipe. However, you can also use yellow sweet corn instead, as there is barely any difference in the flavor of the two. Moreover, if you need help finding fresh corn, frozen works just as well. Ensure the corn is not roasted since Chipotle does not do the same for this recipe. 

How To Perfectly Roast Poblano Peppers? 

Before making this fantastic salsa, it is essential to have your roasted poblano peppers ready. If you haven’t roasted peppers before, you are in luck.

I have mentioned four excellent and foolproof methods to ensure your peppers have the perfect char and a complementing toasty flavor. 

• Method One: Roast Poblano Peppers In The Oven

This is the easiest method to get a great char on your peppers. For this method, start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Next, lay your peppers on a tray and place them in the oven for 35-40 minutes. In said time, the peppers will get a lovely crackling skin and a color that shows they are well-roasted. 

• Method Two: Roast Poblano Peppers Using A Broiler

Using the broiler setting, you can also easily roast poblano peppers in an oven. For that, heat the broiler setting at 500 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the peppers in a tray and let them broil for 10 minutes. Once done, remove the peppers using a pair of tongs and place them in a bowl. Cover the peppers with foil or plastic wrap to ensure the steam does not escape. After 10 minutes, you will easily be able to chop them. 

• Method Three: Roast Poblano Peppers On A Grill

Roasting these peppers on a grill is also an efficient way to get them nice and toasty. Ensure you heat your grill to a high temperature, then place the peppers on each side for 3 minutes. Take them off the grill into a bowl using tongs, then cover the bowl. Let the peppers cool for some time; then, you can work with them. 

• Method Four: Roast Poblano Peppers On The Gas Stove

Lastly, you can roast the peppers on a gas stove with an open flame. However, this is one method where you must be extremely careful not to burn the peppers or yourself! Start by placing the peppers directly on medium heat and flip them occasionally with tongs. Make sure the skin does not burn or turn white. The peppers should be ready in a few minutes, then transferred to a bowl and covered until cool. Chop them up and use them! 

Chipotle Roasted Chili Corn Salsa Preparation + Cooking Time

Chipotle Roasted Chili Corn Salsa Recipe Steps

1. Place corn kernels in a large bowl and ensure they are completely thawed if frozen. 
2. Add chopped red onion to the corn and mix. 
3. Add chopped jalapeno peppers and lemon juice to the chopped onion and corn. 
4. Add the chopped roasted poblano peppers to this mix, making sure they have cooled down, along with the salt and mix. 
5. Lastly, sprinkle the chopped cilantro over the mix along with lime juice; mix it all up, and your delicious salsa is ready! 

Tips To Make Chipotle Roasted Chili Corn Salsa Better

If you are a complete beginner in the kitchen and are starting your cooking journey with this salsa recipe, here are some tips to keep in mind. These tips will ensure your salsa is perfect, just like the one you get at Chipotle! 

1. Do Not Burn The Pepper: While roasting the peppers, ensure they have a good char around them with crackling brown skin. But, also make sure not to overcook them as that will burn the outsides, and the taste will transfer all across the peppers. 
2. Make Sure The Corn Is Completely Thawed: Another thing to remember with this recipe is to ensure your corn is completely thawed. Of course, this only applies if you use frozen corn for the recipe. 
3. Use Fresh Cilantro: Try using the freshest cilantro possible to ensure the flavor translates well to the salsa. 
4. Chop The Onions Well: Lastly, make sure the onion is chopped so that you get bite-sized pieces, but they also should be manageable. 

Should This Recipe Be Served Hot Or Cold? 

This recipe for roasted chili corn salsa should be served cold. 

In most cases, a salsa dip is always served cold, so the same applies to this recipe. A cold temperature will bring out fresh flavors of the ingredients, which will not complement well with the heat.

If not cold, you can also serve this salsa at room temperature, but make sure it is not hot. 

How Will This Roasted Chili Corn Salsa Look And Taste Like? 

The vibrant colors of the veggies like corn, onions, cilantro, and peppers shine through to give it a fresh and aesthetically pleasing look. Speaking of the flavor, nothing will stop you from finishing this bowl of salsa if you love corn. 

The corn adds crunch and a lingering sweetness, followed by the intense flavor of red onion. The peppers add a lovely kick of heat, balanced with the sourness of lime and lemon juice. Lastly, the cilantro adds a burst of freshness. This salsa goes well with many options, like tortilla chips, tacos, and much more! 

Why Is Your Salsa Too Spicy? 

There could be some straightforward reasons why your salsa has turned out hotter than expected. Here are some of the reasons that could have made your salsa spicy: 

1. Potent Jalapenos: Jalapenos tend to be a lot hotter than poblano peppers. In some cases, the jalapenos could turn out more desirable than you expected, and in that case, you can reduce the quantity of the same or add more corn and onions. 
2. Hot Poblano Peppers: In most cases, poblano peppers are not desirable and are one of the milder types of chiles. However, if by chance you got a hot one, you can again reduce the heat by adding extra corn, onions, lime, and lemon juice. 

Chipotle Chili Corn Salsa Nutritional Value

A serving of approximately 3.5 ounces of this salsa has only 80 calories. So, as per calorific values, this salsa is a healthy option to devour. However, that being said, it also lacks a lot of nutrients, which does not make it a rich source of most nutrients. 

Have a look at the exact nutritional values of this delicious corn-based salsa recipe.

Tips To Make This Chipotle Roasted Chili Corn Salsa More Healthy

If you are looking to enjoy a healthier version of salsa, here are some tips that you can follow. These tips will add to the overall nutritional value of this salsa. 

1. Add Black Beans: If you add black beans to your salsa, it will add a rich source of protein. Moreover, black beans also add a lovely chewy texture to the salsa. 
2. Add Avocados: Avocados will add a rich source of good fat to the salsa and reduce the heat factor. 
3. Add Freshly Chopped Tomatoes and Cucumbers: Chopped tomatoes and cucumbers will add to the macro and micronutrients of this salsa, making it a lot healthier. 

Can You Make This Roasted Chili Corn Salsa Ahead Of Time? 

Yes, you can make this roasted chili corn salsa ahead of time and store it for later use. 

Although the salsa’s essence lies in the ingredients’ freshness, it can still very well be made ahead of time to serve later. However, that being said, this salsa should be made at most a day in advance, since the essence of the dish will go away as the freshness of the ingredients starts to wither off. 

How Can You Store This Roasted Chili Corn Salsa? 

Here are some simple tips to store this incredible salsa, to make sure the freshness of the same remains intact right till you enjoy the very last bite: 

1. In An Airtight Container: The best way to store this salsa to retain its freshness is to store it in an airtight container, making sure there is zero contact with air. Place it this way in the refrigerator for up to a day to ensure freshness. 
2. In A Zip-Lock Bag: The other way to go about storing this salsa properly is to add it to a zip-lock bag. Remove all the excess air from the bag, then lock and place it in the refrigerator for up to a day. 
3. Store In The Refrigerator Only: The key to retaining the right flavor and texture of this recipe is to store it in the refrigerator only. Under no circumstances should you store this salsa in the freezer or let it be on the counter, as that will completely ruin the taste and texture. 

What To Serve With Chipotle Roasted Chili Corn Salsa? 

This delicious salsa is great as it is. However, the real way to enjoy this amazing corn-based salsa just like the one you get at Chipotle, is to serve it with all the right food! Are you wondering what to serve with this salsa to make your experience unforgettable? Then, there are some wonderful dishes that can be served with this rich salsa: 

1. Chipotle Chicken: Chipotle chicken is grilled, succulent, and all things delicious. Although it is one of the best-grilled chicken recipes you may ever try, serving it with this salsa will give it an edge. The flavors of sweet corn and jalapenos pair incredibly with this delicious chicken! 
2. Chipotle Rice: Sometimes, delicious rice is all you need to make your meal complete. Pair this amazing Mexican rice from Chipotle with this corn salsa, and you are in for a treat! The veggies in the rice are very well complimented with the veggies in the salsa. 
3. Chipotle Steak: Serve a delicious medium-rare steak with this roasted chili corn salsa and you’ll probably have the best dining experience ever! This steak has hearty flavors which can perfectly be complemented with this amazing salsa. 
4. Chipotle Burrito: Finally, we have come to one of the best offerings from Chipotle! You know this combination of this hearty and delicious burrito will never go wrong when served with a side of roasted chili corn salsa! 
5. Chipotle Cheese Quesadillas: Quesadillas have that amazing cheese pull with a perfectly ooey and gooey texture on the inside. These quesadillas, when paired with this amazing roasted chili corn salsa, truly form a combination worth devouring each bite! 

Recipe Card

Conclusion

If you are a true fan of corn salsa, I bet you were reading through this article with your mouth watering! For anyone who loves corn, salsa and a little bit of heat, there is nothing better than this amazing recipe.

I would wholeheartedly recommend trying this recipe out for some of those quick meals or even to enjoy as a snack. Moreover, this salsa recipe is originally from one of the best Mexican chain restaurants in the world! 

So, rest assured that you will love every bit of this amazing concoction! While you are at it and if Mexican food seems intriguing, especially from Chipotle, there are plenty of other options worth trying out. You should definitely try the Chipotle tomato salsa recipe and Chipotle Guac recipe to make it a dip party. 

Moreover, if you wish you could eat Chipotle-style burritos more often, you should have a look at the Chipotle burrito recipe and Chipotle burrito bowl recipe. Last but certainly not least, also have a look at Chipotle’s chicken bowl recipe to satiate your chicken cravings! Let me know in the comments how your salsa turned out and what it paired best with, and I will see you next time! 

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