Healthy BBQ side dishes don't get much more colourful than this Sweetcorn Salsa. It's chunky, zesty and can be thrown together in less than 5 minutes. Serve it with some homemade burgers and use any leftovers in a grilled fish taco. This is a salsa that you need to make this summer.
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This Sweetcorn Salsa Recipe was made out of ingredients I already had in the cupboard, fridge and vegetable rack and I just threw together in under 5 minutes. The ultimate fridge raid side dish, meaning that it is easy to adapt with whatever you have.
We are all about simple, seasonal food and this sweetcorn salsa definitely ticks those boxes. The star of the dish is of course the corn, but there is also chunks of tomato and bell pepper, finely chopped jalapeno, a ton of herbs, a citrus dressing to bring it all together and then feta crumbled on top.
If you are looking for more ways to use corn, then try our delicious Grilled Corn, super easy Sweetcorn Fritters, or quick Air Fryer Corn.
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Ingredients and Substitutions
A full ingredients list, along with US Customary and Metric measurements, can be found in the recipe card at the end of this post.
- Sweetcorn - We use canned sweetcorn, as that's what we had. However, you could use frozen sweetcorn that is cooked and cooled or cook it from the corn ear.
- Bell pepper - Any colour goes here, but we like red because it contrasts with the yellow of the corn. You could use diced roasted red pepper which gives it a real boost of flavour.
- Tomato - This is a great way to use up juicy and ripe end of summer tomatoes. You could use some sundried tomatoes too for extra flavour.
- Onion - Red onion adds a nice crunch and colour, but you could use spring onions (scallions) too.
- Coriander (cilantro) - I know not everyone loves coriander, but it adds a lovely freshness and adds to the Mexican vibes as this is a Mexican sweetcorn salsa.
- Jalapeños - The best chilli in our our opinion. Use more or less, depending on how much heat you like.
- Lime - This is where all the zestiness comes from. Freshly squeeze it yourself. The amount you need will depend on how juicy your limes are.
- Oil - Use a really good quality olive oil.
- Apple cider vinegar - This adds a nice acidic flavour to the corn salsa.
- Garlic - Freshly crushed is best.
- Feta - Everything is better with feta, right? The creaminess of the feta compliments the creaminess of the corn.
More ingredient substitutions and variations can be found in the recipe card.
How to make Sweetcorn Salsa
Step 1
In a bowl, add the sweetcorn, red pepper, tomatoes and red onion and mix well.
Step 2
Add the coriander (cilantro), jalapenos, lime juice, olive oil, cider vinegar, garlic and salt and pepper and mix well.
Step 3
Add the feta just before serving and mix well.
Variations
Dressing - We just mixed the vegetables with oil, vinegar, lime juice and garlic and then seasoned it. You could add some chilli flakes for a bit of a kick. You could also add a Healthy Ranch Dressing or a Lemon Viniagrette.
Vegetables - There is no reason why you couldn't add any cooked vegetable or salad to this. This corn salsa is a great way to use up whatever you have. We like adding radish, olives, and Air Fryer Roasted Vegetables to it. Avocado also goes really well, and if you want to give it a protein boost, then some chickpeas or black beans work well.
Grilled Corn - To make this corn salsa recipe a really easy BBQ side dish, we have just used tinned sweetcorn, so it can just be thrown together, but if you want to take this healthy sweetcorn salsa to the next level, then use grilled corn to make this. It will take a little bit of extra time, but it's totally worth it.
I would recommend putting all the other ingredients in a bowl and then slicing the grilled corn off the cob at the table straight into the bowl and then mix it up before serving. Have you tried our Grilled Corn with Herb Butter recipe?
Serving Suggestions
This salsa is a must at any BBQ and goes great with burgers, hot dogs and grilled chicken. However, if you have any leftover, keep it to add to grilled fish tacos or Pulled Pork Tacos. It makes them wonderfully light and zesty.
Here are some BBQ recipes that go really well with this chunky salsa:
Dannii's Top Tips
- Don't like coriander (cilantro)? Swap this for parsley.
- You could leave the jalapenos out if you don't like anything spicy and add some chopped up gherkin pickles instead.
- Add a bit of extra sweetness to this by throwing in some chunks of pineapple (use tinned to keep it simple). Sweetcorn and pineapple are a delicious combination.
- This doesn't just have to be a side dish. Grill a couple of chicken breasts and cut them into chunks before mixing them into the sweetcorn salsa.
- If you have any of it left over, then it works really well in tacos to bulk them out a bit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sweetcorn is rich is in Vitamin B12, folic acid and iron and it feeds good bacteria in your gut, which aids in digestion and helps keep you regular. It's also a good opportunity to add lots more veg too.
If you leave out the feta, then you can keep this vegan.
Any leftovers can be stored in an air tight container and kept in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a good mix before serving.
More BBQ Side Dishes
If you've tried this sweetcorn salsa recipe, then let us know how you got on in the comments below.
Tag us in your creations on Instagram @hungryhealthyhappy - You can use the hashtag #hungryhealthyhappy too.
Recipe
Sweetcorn Salsa
Ingredients
- 300 g (2 cups) Sweetcorn - canned; drained
- 1 Red bell pepper - diced
- 6 Tomatoes - diced
- 0.5 Red onion - diced
- 10 g (0.66 cups) Fresh coriander (cilantro) - finely chopped
- 2 Jalapeños - diced (less if you don't like spicy)
- 1 Lime - (juice only)
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Apple cider vinegar
- 2 Garlic clove - crushed
- 1 Pinch Sea salt and ground black pepper
- 40 g (0.25 cups) Feta - crumbled
Instructions
- In a bowl, add 300 g Sweetcorn, 1 Red bell pepper, 6 Tomatoes and 0.5 Red onion and mix well.
- Add 10 g Fresh coriander (cilantro), 2 Jalapeños, juice of 1 Lime, 1 tablespoon Olive oil, 1 tablespoon Apple cider vinegar, 2 Garlic clove and 1 Pinch Sea salt and ground black pepper and mix well.
- Add 40 g Feta just before serving and mix well.
Recipe Tips
- Don't like coriander (cilantro)? Swap this for parsley.
- You could leave the jalapenos out if you don't like anything spicy and add some chopped up gherkin pickles instead.
- Add a bit of extra sweetness to this by throwing in some chunks of pineapple (use tinned to keep it simple). Sweetcorn and pineapple are a delicious combination.
- This doesn't just have to be a side dish. Grill a couple of chicken breasts and cut them in to chunks before mixing them in to the sweetcorn salsa.
- If you have any of it left over, then it works really well in tacos to bulk them out a bit.
Nutritional Information
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The nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but we have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible.
As all appliances vary, cooking times are a guide. Please note that by changing the serving size, the cooking time may also need to be altered.
Helen @ Fuss Free Flavours says
I love sweetcorn. Any excuse to add some extra veggies to anything!
Jan @GlugofOil says
Love the idea of sweetcorn added to your Salsa Dannii - very colourful.
Nayna Kanabar says
I make this a lot we love it. Your colours are so vibrant.
Becca @ Amuse Your Bouche says
I'm obsessed with sweetcorn but strangely I don't think I've ever put it in salsa!! This looks amazing though, bet it would be great in a wrap or something.
Shannon says
How long would this keep in the fridge for?
Carly says
Hello. I am new to your blog after finding you on Instagram. I love all your food pictures, but cooking food isn't really where I struggle, it's eating too much of it. Do you have any advice on portion control? Thanks.
April says
I bet this would be really good on some nachos. Treat meal on Friday I think.
Marcie says
This is my kind of salad -- it's totally how I roll!
Medha @ Whisk & Shout says
This looks delicious! I'm drooling... I need some salty corn chips and a bowl of this :)
Ami@NaiveCookCooks says
This salsa looks to die for and I love how you added red pepper and corn in here! Yummy!
Claire Janice says
I really like Sweetcorn, but I have never had it in a salsa before. My salsa usually has lots of tomatoes in it. I like this idea though xx
Emma says
You have me really craving summer now. This looks so delicious, I love corn.
Kelly - Life Made Sweeter says
This salsa looks so fresh and delicious! I am definitely looking forward to barbeque season especially after seeing these pretty colors!
cheri says
Hi Dannii, just found your site, congrats on all you have accomplished. Love this salsa, looks so tasty and healthy!
Pauline says
We are having family round this weekend and this looks like a nice little side dish to make.