Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Corn and Pepper Salsa?
Zesty Corn and Pepper Salsa is a vibrant, southwestern-style side dish made with corn, bell peppers, tomatoes, and pickled jalapeños.
What are the primary ingredients in this salsa?
The main ingredients include canned whole kernel corn, green and red bell peppers, red onion, tomatoes, ripe olives, and pickled jalapeños.
How should I prepare the corn for this recipe?
You should rinse and drain the 15-ounce can of whole kernel corn thoroughly to remove any excess liquid before mixing.
Is this salsa spicy?
It has a slight kick from the two tablespoons of chopped pickled jalapeño peppers and one teaspoon of jalapeño juice.
What can I serve with Zesty Corn and Pepper Salsa?
This salsa is perfect with tortilla chips, or as a topping for tacos, grilled chicken, and salads.
How long does the salsa need to refrigerate?
The salsa should be covered and refrigerated for several hours to allow the fresh flavors to meld together.
What type of vinegar is recommended?
You can use either cider vinegar or red wine vinegar for this recipe.
Do I need to cook any of the vegetables?
No, this is a fresh salsa recipe where all vegetables are used raw and chopped.
Can I use white onion instead of red onion?
While the recipe calls for red onion for its color and flavor, white onion can be used as a substitute.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, all the ingredients listed are plant-based, making this recipe suitable for vegans.
How many tomatoes are required?
The recipe calls for two chopped tomatoes.
What kind of olives are used?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of sliced ripe olives.
What seasonings are used in this salsa?
The salsa is seasoned with 1/2 teaspoon of garlic salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.
Is this salsa gluten-free?
The ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check the labels on your vinegar and garlic salt to be certain.
Can I make this salsa ahead of time?
Yes, making it ahead is recommended as it needs a few hours in the refrigerator for the best flavor.
What is the preparation for the bell peppers?
Both the red and green bell peppers should be chopped into 1/2 cup portions.
Is there any oil in the dressing?
No, the dressing is made from vinegar and pickled jalapeño juice without any added oil.
How do I ensure the dressing is applied correctly?
Gently stir all the ingredients together until the dressing coats all the components evenly.
Should I taste the salsa before serving?
Yes, give it a quick toss and taste for seasoning before serving, adjusting if necessary.
What makes this salsa 'zesty'?
The combination of vinegar, pickled jalapeños, jalapeño juice, and garlic salt provides its zesty flavor profile.
Can I add other ingredients like beans?
While not in the original recipe, black beans would be a common addition that complements the southwestern flair.
Is this salsa a healthy choice?
Yes, it is a healthy and refreshing side made primarily of fresh vegetables.
How much jalapeño juice is used?
The recipe calls for one teaspoon of pickled jalapeño pepper juice.
Can I use fresh corn instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh corn that has been cooked and cut off the cob as a substitute for canned corn.
What are the tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include corn salsa, pepper salsa, southwestern side dish, fresh salsa, easy dip, summer recipe, and party appetizer.
How much red onion is used?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of chopped red onion.
Is this a good recipe for parties?
Yes, it is tagged as a party appetizer and is very easy to prepare in large batches.
Can I use lime juice instead of vinegar?
The recipe calls for vinegar, but lime juice is a common southwestern alternative that would work well.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients total, including the seasonings and juices.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any remaining salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator.