This Trader Joe’s Corn Salsa is an easy and colorful recipe, which is made with sweet corn and bell pepper. It’s the perfect appetizer or side dish, ready in about 15 minutes.
Jump to RecipeTrader Joe’s Corn Salsa Recipe Ingredients
- 1 (15.25 ounce) can sweet corn, drained
- 1 orange bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red onion, finely chopped
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro, or more to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice, or to taste
- 1 teaspoon honey
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
- salt and black pepper to taste
How To Make Trader Joe’s Corn Salsa
- Combine the vegetables: In a medium bowl, stir together the drained corn, chopped orange bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, and minced jalapeño pepper.
- Add seasonings and dressing: Add the chopped cilantro, fresh lime juice, honey, and crushed red pepper to the bowl.
- Mix and chill: Season with salt and black pepper to taste and stir everything together until well combined. For the best flavor, cover and chill the salsa in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Recipe Tips
- How to get the best flavor? While this salsa is good immediately, it’s even better if you let it chill for at least 30 minutes. This gives the flavors of the onion, lime, and spices time to meld together.
- Can I use fresh or frozen corn? Absolutely! If using frozen corn, thaw it completely and drain any excess water. For a fantastic smoky flavor, try using about 2 cups of grilled fresh corn cut from the cob.
- How to adjust the spice level? The heat comes from the jalapeño and the crushed red pepper. For a milder salsa, be sure to remove all the seeds and white membranes from the jalapeño. For more heat, leave a few seeds in or add an extra pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Can I add other ingredients? This is a great base recipe. Try adding a can of drained and rinsed black beans, a diced avocado (add just before serving), or a chopped mango for a sweet and spicy twist.
What To Serve With Corn Salsa
This versatile corn salsa is a perfect appetizer or side dish. Serve it:
- With tortilla chips for dipping.
- As a topping for grilled chicken, fish, or pork.
- On top of tacos, nachos, or burrito bowls.
- As a fresh side salad for any barbecue or potluck.
How To Store Corn Salsa
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It is best enjoyed within 3 to 4 days. Note that the vegetables may release more water over time.
Trader Joe’s Corn Salsa Nutrition Facts
- Serving: 1 serving
- Calories: 65kcal
- Fat: 0g
- Carbs: 15g
- Protein: 2g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
No. The honey adds a nice touch of sweetness to balance the lime and onion. You can easily substitute it with an equal amount of maple syrup or a pinch of granulated sugar.
As written, it has a mild to medium spice level from the single jalapeño and the red pepper flakes. You can completely control the heat by adjusting these two ingredients to your personal preference.
This salsa is best enjoyed within 3-4 days. While it’s safe to eat after that, the vegetables will start to soften and release more liquid, changing the overall texture.
Try More Recipes:
- Trader Joe’s Taco Recipe (Old School Beef Tacos)
- Trader Joe’s Hashbrown Recipe
- Trader Joe’s Chicken Shawarma Recipe
Trader Joe’s Corn Salsa Recipe
Course: AppetizersCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy6
servings15
minutes65
kcalA quick and easy salsa packed with sweet corn, crisp bell pepper, and zesty red onion in a sweet and tangy lime dressing.
Ingredients
1 (15.25 oz) can sweet corn, drained
1 orange bell pepper, chopped
1 red onion, finely chopped
1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
1 tbsp fresh lime juice
1 tsp honey
½ tsp crushed red pepper
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- In a medium bowl, combine the drained corn, chopped bell pepper, red onion, jalapeño, and cilantro.
- Add the lime juice, honey, and crushed red pepper.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste and stir everything together until well combined.
- For the best flavor, cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Chilling the salsa for at least 30 minutes before serving is highly recommended as it allows all the flavors to meld together.
- For a delicious smoky flavor, try substituting the canned corn with 2 cups of fresh corn that has been grilled and cut off the cob.
- Seeding the jalapeño pepper and removing the white membranes will give you all the flavor with much less heat.
- This salsa is best served the day it is made for the crispiest texture, though it will keep for a few days in the refrigerator.
