Zesty Sweetcorn and Red Pepper Salsa
Bright and flavorful, this Zesty Sweetcorn and Red Pepper Salsa is the perfect accompaniment for tacos, grilled chicken, or fish. Its vibrant colors and fresh flavors make it an excellent topping for salads or as a dip for tortilla chips. This versatile salsa can be served cold straight from the refrigerator for a refreshing dish or warmed slightly to enhance the flavors, making it suitable for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or just craving something delicious, this salsa will elevate your meal with its delightful combination of sweet corn, crunchy red peppers, and zesty herbs.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Frozen corn
16 ounces (thawed and drained)
Red bell pepper
1 (diced)
Red onion
1 (minced)
Garlic cloves
2 small (finely minced)
Olive oil
1 tablespoon
White wine vinegar
1 tablespoon
Lemon juice
1/4 cup
Cilantro leaf
1/4 cup
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed and drained corn, diced red bell pepper, and minced red onion.
2
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, white wine vinegar, and chopped cilantro until well combined.
3
Pour the dressing over the corn mixture and gently toss to ensure everything is evenly coated.
4
Cover the salsa with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5
Serve chilled or at room temperature as a garnish for tacos, grilled meats, salads, or as a delicious dip with tortilla chips.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Sweetcorn and Red Pepper Salsa?
It is a bright and flavorful salsa made with sweet corn, red peppers, and herbs, perfect for tacos, grilled chicken, or as a fresh dip.
What are the main ingredients in this salsa?
The core ingredients include frozen corn, red bell pepper, red onion, garlic, olive oil, white wine vinegar, lemon juice, and cilantro.
Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh corn that has been cooked and cut off the cob as a substitute for the 16 ounces of frozen corn.
How should I prepare the frozen corn for this recipe?
The frozen corn should be completely thawed and drained before being mixed with the other ingredients.
What kind of pepper is best for this salsa?
A red bell pepper is used in this recipe for its sweetness and crunchy texture.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Zesty Sweetcorn and Red Pepper Salsa is entirely vegetarian and vegan-friendly.
How long does the salsa need to marinate?
The salsa should be refrigerated to marinate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together.
Can I eat the salsa immediately after mixing?
While you can eat it immediately, the flavor is significantly improved after it has had time to marinate in the refrigerator.
What is the best way to serve this salsa?
It can be served chilled or at room temperature as a garnish for tacos, grilled meats, or as a dip with tortilla chips.
Can this salsa be served warm?
Yes, the salsa can be warmed slightly to enhance its flavors, depending on your preference.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the listed ingredients—corn, vegetables, oil, vinegar, and citrus—are naturally gluten-free.
What type of vinegar is used in the dressing?
The recipe calls for one tablespoon of white wine vinegar.
Can I substitute the lemon juice?
Yes, lime juice is a great alternative if you do not have lemon juice on hand.
How much cilantro is needed?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro leaf.
What should I do if I don't like cilantro?
You can substitute the cilantro with fresh parsley or simply omit it if you prefer.
Is this salsa spicy?
No, this salsa is zesty and sweet rather than spicy. To add heat, you could include a minced jalapeño.
How many garlic cloves are required?
The recipe calls for 2 small garlic cloves, finely minced.
Can I add beans to this recipe?
Yes, adding black beans or chickpeas would be a delicious way to add protein and texture.
What type of oil is used for the dressing?
One tablespoon of olive oil is used to create the dressing.
Is this a healthy snack option?
Yes, it is a healthy choice as it is packed with vegetables and uses heart-healthy olive oil and fresh citrus.
How do I prepare the red onion?
The red onion should be finely minced so that its flavor is distributed evenly throughout the salsa.
Can I make this salsa a day in advance?
Yes, making it a day ahead allows the flavors to develop even further.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 8 ingredients in this recipe.
Is this salsa good for summer barbecues?
Absolutely, its fresh and vibrant profile makes it an excellent summer recipe.
Can I use white onion instead of red onion?
Yes, though red onion is preferred for its color and milder raw flavor.
How should the red bell pepper be cut?
The red bell pepper should be diced into small pieces.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
No added sugar is included; the sweetness comes naturally from the corn and red bell pepper.
Can I freeze the finished salsa?
Freezing is not recommended as the vegetables will lose their crisp texture once thawed.
What kind of container should I use for marinating?
A large mixing bowl covered with plastic wrap or an airtight glass container works best.