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Easy Qdoba Corn Salsa Recipe

Qdoba Corn Salsa Recipe

Joe Williams
Let me share a moment that transformed how I view salsa entirely. I was at a summer barbecue, and someone introduced me to Qdoba corn salsa.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4 Servings
Calories 123 kcal

Equipment

  • medium pan

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 medium red onion finely chopped
  • 1 fresh jalapeño pepper sliced
  • 1 roasted poblano pepper diced
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro roughly chopped
  • 2 cans of whole kernel corn
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

  • Before you even think about chopping, gather all your ingredients. This makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions and Peppers

  • In a medium pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped red onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until it begins to soften.
  • Next, toss in the sliced jalapeño pepper and diced roasted poblano pepper. Sauté these together for another 2-3 minutes. You want the peppers to soften but remain vibrant.

Step 3: Combine Everything in a Bowl

  • In a large bowl, combine the sautéed peppers and onions with the drained corn. Make sure to scrape up any goodness from the pan into the bowl. Add in the fresh cilantro and squeeze in the lime juice. Sprinkle the cumin, salt, and black pepper over the mixture.

Step 4: Mix Gently

  • Using a spatula, gently fold everything together. Be careful not to mash up the corn. You want it intact for that crunch factor.

Step 5: Taste and Adjust

  • Taste your corn salsa. This is crucial! Adjust the seasoning as needed. A bit more lime juice can enhance that fresh taste, while a pinch of salt might bring out even more flavor.

Step 6: Chill and Serve

  • Let it sit for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. I always think it tastes better after a little chill time in the fridge.

Notes

  • Olive Oil: I always opt for extra virgin olive oil. It has a great flavor profile that enhances the dish.
  • Red Onion: The sweetness of red onion contrasts nicely with the spiciness of the jalapeño.
  • Fresh Jalapeño: Use gloves when cutting. If you prefer milder flavors, remove the seeds and ribs.
  • Roasted Poblano Pepper: Roasting brings out the sweetness. If you can’t find fresh, jarred ones work too.
  • Cilantro: If you’re not a fan, swapping for parsley offers a different, but still fresh, profile.
  • Cumin: This spice adds warmth. If you’re not familiar, start with a little and add more to your liking.

Nutrition

Serving: 195gCalories: 123kcalCarbohydrates: 27gProtein: 4gFat: 2.1gSodium: 279mgFiber: 4gSugar: 5g
Keyword Qdoba Corn Salsa Recipe
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