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Spicy Grilled Corn Salsa

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A quick and easy spicy grilled corn salsa that combines smoky charred corn with zesty lime and fresh peppers, perfect for summer barbecues and snacks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 ears of fresh corn, husked and cleaned
  • 1 small jalapeño pepper, finely diced (adjust based on heat preference)
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, finely chopped
  • ½ medium red onion, finely diced
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Juice of 2 limes
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Optional: 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Optional: pinch of smoked paprika

Instructions

  1. Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat (about 400°F). Brush the ears of corn lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking.
  2. Place the corn on the grill and cook, turning every 2-3 minutes, until the kernels are tender and charred in spots, about 10-12 minutes total.
  3. Remove the corn from the grill and let it cool for about 5 minutes. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the kernels off the cob into a large mixing bowl.
  4. While the corn cools, finely dice the jalapeño (remove seeds for less heat), red bell pepper, and red onion. Chop the cilantro and mince the garlic if using.
  5. Add the chopped veggies and herbs to the bowl with the corn.
  6. Squeeze the juice of two fresh limes over the mixture, drizzle the olive oil, then sprinkle the ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Toss gently to combine all flavors evenly.
  7. Give everything a good stir and taste. Add more salt, lime juice, or jalapeño if you want extra zing.
  8. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld and the heat mellow.

Notes

Do not skip the grilling step as the smoky char on the corn is essential for flavor. If you don’t have a grill, use a hot cast-iron skillet or broil the corn in the oven. Remove jalapeño seeds to reduce heat. Letting the salsa chill for at least 30 minutes improves flavor melding.

Nutrition

Keywords: spicy grilled corn salsa, summer salsa, grilled corn recipe, easy salsa, smoky corn salsa, jalapeño salsa, fresh salsa