Red pepper corn salsa is a fantastic and versatile dish, perfect as a dip with tortilla chips, a topping for tacos or grilled meats, or as a flavorful side dish. Here's a tasty recipe for a homemade corn salsa with red pepper, jalapeños, cilantro and a touch of cumin:
Southwestern Red Pepper Corn Salsa Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels (if using fresh corn, about 4 ears)
- 1 small red onion, finely diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
- Juice of 2 limes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
How To Make Southwestern Red Pepper Corn Salsa
- Prepare Corn: If using fresh corn, husk the corn ears and remove the kernels using a sharp paring knife. If using frozen corn, thaw it according to package instructions.
- Dice the Red Pepper, Onion and Jalapeños: With a sturdy, sharp chef’s knife, dice the pepper, onion, and jalapeños to the same size as the corn kernels. Consistency is key, as equal-sized pieces will mix evenly and will more easly scoop wth a chip.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the corn kernels, finely diced red onion, diced red bell pepper, finely chopped jalapeño (adjust to your spice preference), and chopped cilantro.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Optionally, add minced garlic for an extra flavor boost.
- Dress & Toss: Pour the lime-cumin dressing over the corn and vegetable mixture in the large bowl. Gently toss everything together until the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill & Marinate (Optional): Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the corn salsa for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This step is optional but recommended for enhanced taste.
- Taste & Adjust: Before serving, taste the corn salsa and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more lime juice, salt, or pepper according to your taste preferences.
- Serve & Enjoy: Transfer the fresh corn salsa to a serving bowl or dish. It's ready to enjoy as a dip with tortilla chips, a topping for tacos or grilled meats, or as a zesty side dish.