Irresistible Roasted Corn and Avocado Salsa: The Ultimate Fresh Dip Recipe

Discover the magic of sweet, caramelized roasted corn combined with creamy avocado and vibrant fresh flavors in this easy-to-make Roasted Corn & Avocado Salsa. Perfect as a refreshing dip with your favorite tortilla chips, or as a flavorful topping to elevate tacos, burritos, grilled meats, and various other wraps and bowls, this salsa is a true crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Its bright, zesty profile and delightful textures make it an instant favorite, bringing the taste of summer to your table all year round.

roasted corn and avocado salsa in a bowl

Avocado Salsa Perfection: A Sweet and Smoky Twist

If you haven’t ventured into the world of roasting corn, prepare for a culinary revelation! While I frequently roast various vegetables, applying this technique to corn was a game-changer for this particular recipe. The heat of the oven transforms ordinary corn kernels into crispy, deeply sweet, and utterly addictive bites. This isn’t just another salsa; it’s a harmonious fusion, akin to the best parts of sweet roasted corn, a zesty pico de gallo, and a rich, creamy guacamole, all rolled into one spectacular dish.

When fresh corn is in its prime during the warmer months, this Roasted Corn and Avocado Salsa will quickly become your signature offering for outdoor gatherings, barbecues, and potlucks. Its simplicity means you can whip up a generous batch in mere minutes, making it an ideal last-minute addition to any spread. Imagine a vibrant bowl of this salsa nestled amongst other Mexican favorites like a robust Fire-Roasted Salsa and flavorful Mexican Rice, creating an effortless yet incredibly tasty taco night experience that guests will rave about.

Why This Roasted Corn & Avocado Salsa Will Be Your New Favorite

Effortless Preparation: This delightful recipe features a minimal ingredient list and requires no specialized kitchen equipment. A baking sheet, a mixing bowl, and a knife are all you need to create this fresh and flavorful dip, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels.
Unforgettable Flavor & Texture: The roasting process elevates the corn, imparting a unique crispy-sweet caramelization that bursts with juicy flavor, truly capturing the essence of summer. This delightful texture provides a fantastic contrast to the creamy avocado.
Incredibly Versatile: Enjoy this vibrant salsa in countless ways. It’s a stellar dip for crunchy tortilla chips, a refreshing topping for tacos and burritos, a hearty addition to salads, or a bright accompaniment to grilled chicken or fish.
Perfect for Any Gathering: Whether it’s a casual backyard barbecue, a lively party, a relaxed picnic, or any social gathering, this salsa is the ideal side dish. Its vibrant colors and universally appealing flavors make it a guaranteed hit that will disappear quickly.
Wholesome & Nutritious: Crafted with an array of fresh, whole ingredients like corn, avocado, tomatoes, and cilantro, you can indulge in this healthy salsa guilt-free. It’s packed with vitamins, healthy fats, and fiber, making it as good for you as it tastes.
Seasonal Celebration: While delicious year-round, this salsa truly shines when fresh corn is in season. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate the bounty of summer produce, offering a taste of sunshine in every bite.

Essential Ingredients for Your Avocado Corn Salsa

For precise measurements and detailed instructions, be sure to scroll to the bottom of the post for the FULL PRINTABLE recipe card.

Fresh Corn: For the most vibrant flavor and best texture, using fresh corn kernels cut directly off the cob is highly recommended. The natural sweetness and crispness are unparalleled. If fresh corn is out of season, thawed frozen corn works as a convenient alternative, just ensure it’s well-drained.
Red Onion: This ingredient provides a pleasant pungent and savory kick to the salsa. Red onions are typically milder and slightly sweeter than white onions, adding depth without overpowering the other fresh flavors. For a less intense flavor, you can soak the chopped red onion in cold water for 10-15 minutes before adding.
Cilantro: A cornerstone of Mexican-inspired cuisine, fresh cilantro contributes a distinctive bright, herbaceous, and citrus-like aroma and flavor that truly elevates the salsa. Use freshly chopped leaves for the best results.
Lime: Both the fresh juice and zest of a lime are crucial. They provide a bright, zingy acidity that cuts through the richness of the avocado, enhancing and balancing all the other flavors in the salsa. Always use fresh lime over bottled juice for superior taste.
Jalapeño: A small amount of finely chopped fresh jalapeño introduces a subtle heat and a pop of green color. Adjust the amount based on your preference for spice. For a milder salsa, remove the seeds and white pith; for more heat, leave some in.
Avocado: The star of the show, ripe avocado adds an irreplaceable creamy texture and rich, buttery flavor that binds all the ingredients together. Choose avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure.
Roma Tomato: Diced Roma tomatoes (or plum tomatoes) are ideal for salsa due to their firm flesh and lower water content. They add a lovely burst of color and a perfect touch of acidity, complementing the sweetness of the corn.
Olive Oil: Used to coat the corn kernels before roasting, olive oil helps them caramelize beautifully, developing that desired golden-brown color and enhanced sweetness.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning the corn before roasting and adjusting the overall flavor of the finished salsa. Freshly ground black pepper and sea salt are always preferred for superior taste.

How To Prepare This Irresistible Roasted Corn & Avocado Salsa

Creating this delicious salsa is a straightforward process, broken down into just a couple of easy steps:

Prepare and Roast the Corn: Begin by preheating your oven to the specified temperature (usually 400-450°F / 200-230°C). If using fresh corn, carefully cut the kernels off the cobs. In a medium bowl, toss the corn kernels with a tablespoon of olive oil, ensuring they are evenly coated. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Spread the seasoned corn in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until the kernels begin to turn golden brown and slightly caramelized, which deepens their sweetness and adds a delightful texture. Allow the roasted corn to cool slightly after removing from the oven.
Assemble and Season the Salsa: While the corn is roasting or cooling, prepare your remaining ingredients: finely chop the red onion, cilantro, and jalapeño, zest and juice the lime, dice the avocados, and dice the Roma tomato. In a large mixing bowl, combine all these fresh ingredients. Once the roasted corn has cooled enough to handle, add it to the bowl with the other salsa components. Gently stir everything together to ensure all flavors are well distributed. Finally, taste the salsa and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. A final squeeze of lime juice can also brighten the flavors if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Expert Recipe Tips & Flavor Customizations

Embrace the Golden Brown: When roasting the corn, don’t be shy about letting it get a little dark. That golden-brown hue indicates beautiful caramelization, which intensifies the corn’s natural sweetness and adds a rich, toasted flavor. The darker (but not burnt) it gets, the more complex and delicious the salsa will be.
Cilantro Alternatives: For those who aren’t fans of cilantro, or find it tastes “soapy,” fret not! While it will subtly alter the salsa’s overall profile, finely chopped curly parsley makes an excellent substitute. Its fresh, clean flavor will still add a vibrant, herbaceous note. Another option is a mix of parsley and a tiny bit of fresh mint for a unique twist.
Adjusting the Heat: If you crave more spice in your salsa, there are a couple of easy ways to kick it up. When chopping the jalapeño, simply leave some (or all) of the white pith and seeds intact, as these are where most of the heat resides. For an extra fiery punch, you could also add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the mixture.
Grilling the Corn for Smoky Flavor: If your grill is already fired up, consider grilling the corn on the cob instead of roasting it in the oven. Season whole cobs with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then grill until beautifully charred and tender. Once cool enough to handle, carefully cut the kernels from the cob. This method imparts a wonderful smoky depth to the corn.
Optimal Serving Time: Avocado is prone to oxidation, meaning it will start to brown when exposed to air. For the freshest appearance and best flavor, it’s highly recommended to serve this salsa as soon as it’s made. The lime juice helps slow this process, but immediate consumption is ideal.
Choosing Ripe Avocados: Select avocados that are ripe but still firm. They should yield slightly to gentle pressure but not be mushy. This ensures a creamy texture that holds its shape when diced.
Don’t Overmix: Once all ingredients are in the bowl, mix gently. Overmixing can bruise the avocado and make the salsa watery.

How To Store Leftover Avocado Salsa for Maximum Freshness

While this roasted corn and avocado salsa is best enjoyed fresh, you can store any leftovers in the refrigerator for a short period. To maximize its freshness and significantly slow down the avocado’s oxidation (browning), transfer the salsa to an airtight container. A clever trick is to place one or two clean avocado pits directly into the salsa mixture before covering. Then, press a layer of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the salsa, ensuring no air is trapped between the salsa and the wrap. Seal the container tightly with its lid. Stored this way, the salsa should remain fresh and vibrant for up to 1-2 days. The texture may soften slightly over time, but the flavors will still be delicious.

Can I Make This Salsa Less Spicy?

Absolutely! If you or your guests prefer a milder salsa with no heat, feel free to completely omit the jalapeño. The salsa will still be incredibly flavorful with all the other fresh ingredients. As an alternative, to add a bit of crunch and color without any spice, you could incorporate a small amount of finely diced red or green bell pepper.

Can I Use Canned Corn for This Recipe?

Yes, you can certainly use canned corn if fresh or frozen options aren’t available. Just be sure to drain it thoroughly before tossing it with olive oil and roasting. While fresh corn offers the best texture and flavor, canned corn, when roasted, will still develop a pleasant sweetness and caramelization, making it a viable alternative for this delicious salsa.

Versatile Serving Suggestions for Your Salsa

This roasted corn and avocado salsa is incredibly versatile, making it much more than just a dip. Its fresh, vibrant flavors and satisfying textures allow it to complement a wide array of dishes. Here are some fantastic ways to enjoy it:

Mexican Rice Skillet: Spoon generous dollops of this fresh salsa over a warm, savory one-pot Mexican Rice Skillet. The coolness and acidity of the salsa will perfectly balance the richness of the rice, creating an incredibly easy and satisfying dinner.
Chicken Taco Soup: Elevate a comforting bowl of Chicken Taco Soup by adding a scoop of this vibrant corn and avocado salsa right on top. It will melt slightly into the warm soup, adding a burst of fresh flavor and creamy texture.
Barbecue Chicken Nachos: Take your decadent Barbecue Chicken Nachos to the next level! After loading them with cheese and barbecue chicken, generously top with this roasted corn and avocado salsa for a refreshing, tangy counterpoint to the smoky, savory flavors.
Fish Tacos: This salsa is a match made in heaven for classic Fish Tacos. Its bright, zesty notes and creamy avocado perfectly complement the delicate flavors of grilled or fried fish, turning a beachside favorite into a truly flavorful and satisfying meal.
Mexican Pizza: Whether you’re making a Taco Bell-inspired Mexican Pizza or your own homemade version, dollops of this corn and avocado salsa will add a fresh, creamy, and flavorful element to each slice, much like an elevated topping for nachos.
Grilled Meats & Poultry: Serve alongside grilled chicken breasts, pork chops, or steak for a light and flavorful topping.
Salads & Grain Bowls: Mix into your favorite green salad or grain bowl for an extra boost of flavor, healthy fats, and satisfying texture.
Breakfast Scrambles: A surprising but delicious addition to scrambled eggs or breakfast burritos for a fresh morning kick.

close up corn and avocado salsa for pinterest

More Easy & Delicious Dip Recipes to Try

If you’re a fan of flavorful dips and salsas, you’re in the right place! Here are some other fantastic recipes from our collection that are just as easy to make and perfect for sharing:

Baked Mexican Cheese Dip
White Queso Dip
Homemade Guacamole
Roasted Chile Corn Salsa
Restaurant Style Salsa
Pico De Gallo

close up bowl of avocado corn salsa with tortilla chips

5 from 1 vote

Roasted Corn & Avocado Salsa

By
Erin Sellin

Sweet and crispy roasted corn gives a unique twist to an avocado salsa.

Prep:
5 minutes

Cook:
20 minutes

Total:
25 minutes

Servings:
8

Pin Recipe
Rate Recipe
Print Recipe

Ingredients

▢ 3 ears fresh corn kernels, or about 2 cups
▢ 1 Tablespoon olive oil
▢ salt and pepper to taste
▢ 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
▢ 3 Tablespoons cilantro, chopped
▢ 1 lime zested and juiced
▢ 1 small jalapeno, finely chopped
▢ 2 avocados. peeled and diced
▢ 1 roma tomato, diced

Instructions

Preheat oven for 450 degrees.
Toss corn with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Place corn on a baking sheet, spreading in a single layer.
Roast for 20-25 minutes, until corn starts to turn golden brown. Remove from the oven and let corn cool.
In a large bowl combine the rest of the ingredients. Add roasted corn, stirring to combine.
Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.

Notes

Slightly adapted from Simply Mexican

Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Author:
Erin Sellin

Prep Time:
5 minutes

Cook Time:
20 minutes

Total Time:
25 minutes

Course:
Appetizer Recipes

Cuisine:
American

Servings:
8

Calories:
137

Keyword:
avocado salsa

Like this recipe? Leave a comment below!

I’ve created a fun and engaging community group on Facebook, and I would absolutely love for you to join us! It’s a fantastic place where you can share YOUR favorite culinary creations, ask any cooking questions you might have, and stay up-to-date with all the exciting new recipes and content from Dinners, Dishes, and Desserts. Never miss out on a delicious new idea again!

Be sure to follow me on Instagram and tag #dinnersdishes so I can see all the wonderful DINNERS, DISHES, AND DESSERTS recipes YOU make! I love seeing your creations and connecting with fellow food enthusiasts.

Don’t forget to connect with me across my social media platforms, so you never miss a post, update, or delicious recipe inspiration!

Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram