Ah, garden season—when the sun shines just a little too bright, the days stretch on forever, and everything in the garden is ripening at once. It’s a time of abundance, but also of… well, *panic*. You know the feeling, right?
You’ve planted a few tomato vines with the hopeful anticipation of a few summer salads, but before you know it, those vines have exploded into a wild, fragrant jungle. The harvest comes in waves, and suddenly, you have more tomatoes than you could ever use.
That’s when recipes like this Fresh Corn Salsa come in handy. It’s quick, it’s versatile, and it uses up a lot of those extra tomatoes in a way that still makes your taste buds feel like they’re at a summer fiesta. Plus, it’s the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy—a great way to highlight the vibrant flavors of fresh garden produce.
Ingredients:
- 2 ears raw corn on the cob
- 4 cups diced fresh tomatoes (about 2-3 large tomatoes)
- 2 cups diced bell pepper (1 large or 2 medium peppers)
- 1 cup diced onion (1 medium or ½ large onion)
- 1 diced jalapeno pepper
- 2 cloves crushed garlic
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
*Heat can be dialed up or down to taste by using more or less jalapeno or any hotter peppers if you choose.*
Instructions:
- **Prep the Corn**: Begin by cutting the kernels of corn off the cob. Spread the kernels evenly on a greased or non-stick cookie sheet. Place the sheet in the oven set to broil on high. Stir frequently to avoid burning. Broil until the kernels are golden brown, then remove from the oven and set aside to cool. The toasty corn adds such a depth of flavor—don’t skip this step!
- **Dice Your Veggies**: While the corn cools, dice your tomatoes, bell peppers, and onions into ¼-½” pieces. Add them to a large mixing bowl. These garden-fresh veggies are the heart of your salsa, so use the ripest, juiciest tomatoes you can find.
- **Add the Heat**: Next, dice the jalapeno. If you prefer a mild salsa, remove the seeds and ribs; for a bit more of a kick, keep them in. Add it to the bowl along with your crushed garlic.
- **Combine**: Add the cooled corn kernels to the veggie mix. Pour in the apple cider vinegar and toss everything together. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- **Taste and Enjoy**: Give your salsa a good stir and taste-test. If it needs a little more tang, add another splash of vinegar. If you want more heat, toss in a little extra jalapeno. Once you’re satisfied, dig in! This salsa pairs perfectly with tortilla chips, tacos, scrambled eggs, or any number of dishes that need a fresh, zesty boost.
The Story Behind the Salsa
As I mentioned, the garden season always leaves me with a bounty—sometimes *too* much of a good thing! One summer, after what seemed like an endless harvest of tomatoes, I found myself staring at piles of overripe, juicy tomatoes, wondering what to do with them all. I’d already made enough pasta sauces, soups, and salsas to feed a small army. It was then that I remembered a recipe I had tried years ago at a local farmer’s market—a fresh corn salsa that was a total crowd-pleaser.
The recipe was simple, but the flavors were so vibrant and balanced, it felt like summer in a bowl. I started experimenting in my own kitchen, using up those ripe tomatoes in a new way that felt both light and satisfying. The sweet corn, crunchy peppers, and tangy vinegar were the perfect foil to the richness of the tomatoes.
Now, I make this salsa every summer, often as a way to use up an abundance of tomatoes and corn. Whether we’re serving it at a family gathering, tossing it on top of tacos, or just snacking on it with chips, this recipe never fails to bring that taste of homegrown goodness to our table.
Versatility at Its Best
What I love most about this salsa is how flexible it is. You can tweak the ingredients to suit your tastes or whatever you have on hand. Too many tomatoes? Perfect. Not enough peppers? No problem! It’s easy to adapt, and the end result is always a refreshing, crowd-pleasing dish.
So, the next time you find yourself overwhelmed by a tomato bounty (or any garden surplus), give this Fresh Corn Salsa a try. It’s a simple way to celebrate the flavors of the season while turning an abundance of produce into something truly delicious.