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Summer’s Zesty Corn Salsa: Recipe and Giveaway

Zesty Corn Salsa Recipe: Your Go-To Dish for Vibrant Summer Gatherings

There’s something truly special about the rhythm of family life, and for my loved ones, that rhythm often revolves around food and our cherished monthly “family day.” This past weekend, the tradition continued as we gathered at my sister’s house, not just for our usual reunion, but to celebrate my brother-in-law’s birthday. While I can’t pinpoint the exact moment this beautiful tradition officially began, I’m endlessly grateful that it did. Our family has always been incredibly close, spending considerable time together, yet in recent years, as careers blossomed, families expanded, and life simply became busier, those spontaneous, whole-family get-togethers grew less frequent.

My amazing mom, ever the orchestrator of family harmony, took the initiative to ensure we stayed connected. She diligently reaches out to each of us, finding a date that works for everyone to come together each month. We rotate houses, sharing the hosting duties, and it genuinely feels like there’s always a wonderful reason to celebrate. Whether it’s a milestone birthday, a festive holiday, or simply the joy of each other’s company, these days are marked by laughter, shared stories, and, most importantly, an abundance of delicious food. Food, in our family, is not just sustenance; it’s a language of love, a centerpiece of connection, and an integral part of every memorable occasion.

(My Nonna enjoyed playing my assistant while I took photos 🙂 )

The Inspiration Behind This Irresistible Zesty Corn Salsa

Last summer, during another one of our delightful family days at my sister’s home – a day where I also whipped up some amazing cheesy corn stuffed jalapeños – she served a corn and tomato salsa that was absolutely out of this world. Its vibrant flavors and refreshing simplicity left a lasting impression on me. Fast forward to this month, when I had the fantastic opportunity to partner with RO*TEL to host a “Spring into Summer” party and giveaway. The moment the idea was presented, I immediately knew what I wanted to create: a recreation of that unforgettable salsa, incorporating the fantastic convenience and flavor of RO*TEL tomatoes.

My sister graciously shared her recipe with me, which served as the perfect guide for putting together this incredibly simple yet flavorful Zesty Corn Salsa. Her original recipe actually included black beans, but on the day she first made it for us, she had run out. Surprisingly, I found myself preferring it without the beans; it felt lighter, crisper, and even more refreshing, making it an ideal summer appetizer. Since I was already bringing a second dish that incorporated beans (a recipe I’ll be sharing soon!), I opted to keep this version bean-free once again, allowing the sweet corn and tangy RO*TEL flavors to truly shine. This flexibility highlights the beauty of homemade salsa – it’s easily adaptable to personal preferences and whatever ingredients you have on hand.

A Feast for the Senses: What We Served

Our family day, as always, was a culinary celebration. The table was laden with an array of delectable dishes, each one contributing to the festive atmosphere. There were classic deviled eggs, so creamy and perfectly seasoned that I simply couldn’t stop eating them. A few flavorful dips accompanied fresh vegetables, and vibrant salads added a healthy balance to the spread. My sister also grilled up a batch of juicy hot dogs, a timeless crowd-pleaser, and had a crock-pot filled with tender, pulled barbecue turkey breast, perfect for easy-to-assemble sandwiches.

My mom, ever the gracious host, took on the role of bartender, ensuring that Ina Garten’s fresh whiskey sours flowed freely. These cocktails were absolutely divine – a must-try for anyone looking for a refreshing, perfectly balanced drink. And of course, no birthday celebration is complete without dessert. A rich, decadent birthday cheesecake was enjoyed by all, a sweet ending to a day filled with savory delights and cherished moments. The Zesty Corn Salsa, with its bright and fresh profile, served as a perfect complement to all these hearty offerings, adding a burst of flavor that truly encapsulated the “Spring into Summer” theme.

Whip Up This Zesty Corn Salsa in Minutes

One of the best qualities of this Zesty Corn Salsa is its incredible ease of preparation. I literally put it together in mere minutes! Most of the ingredients are pantry staples or easily found in the freezer, making it a spontaneous yet impressive appetizer. The recipe yields a generous amount, which is absolutely perfect for entertaining a crowd, like our big family gatherings. But its utility doesn’t end there. Any leftovers store beautifully in the fridge, proving to be incredibly versatile for other meals throughout the week. Imagine scooping it over a hearty taco salad, using it as a vibrant topping for grilled chicken or fish, or even folding it into scrambled eggs for a zesty breakfast kick. Its fresh, bright flavors make it a fantastic addition to almost any meal, transforming simple dishes into something special.

The secret to its simple brilliance lies in the quality of ingredients, particularly the RO*TEL diced tomatoes and green chilies. These provide a fantastic foundational flavor with just the right amount of zest and a subtle kick, eliminating the need for extensive chopping of fresh chilies. Coupled with sweet corn, tangy lime, and aromatic cumin, this salsa strikes a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy. It’s a testament to how easily you can create something truly delicious and memorable with minimal effort, making it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or impromptu get-togethers.

Print Recipe

Zesty Corn Salsa

Small image of Zesty Corn Salsa, a quick visual reference for the recipe.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cans RO*TEL diced tomatoes and green chilies, well-drained
  • 2 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels (if using fresh, lightly steam corn first then remove from cob. If using frozen, defrost by running under cool water and drain well)
  • Juice from one large lime (about 2 tablespoons), freshly squeezed for best flavor
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin, or a little more if you prefer a richer flavor
  • 1 small sweet onion, finely chopped for a delicate crunch
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil (optional, but adds a lovely silkiness)

 

Directions:

  1. In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the well-drained RO*TEL diced tomatoes and green chilies, prepared corn kernels, fresh lime juice, ground cumin, and finely chopped sweet onion. Stir everything together until evenly distributed.
  2. Taste the salsa and season generously with salt and pepper. Adjust to your preference, adding more lime juice or cumin if desired. If using olive oil, drizzle it in now and give it another gentle stir.
  3. For best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled with your favorite tortilla chips.
  4. Optional add-ins for customization: For a heartier salsa, stir in one can of rinsed and drained black beans. For an extra layer of freshness, add 1/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro just before serving. A finely diced jalapeño (seeds removed for less heat) can also be added for an extra kick!





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Win a “Spring into Summer” Party Pack from RO*TEL and ConAgra Foods!

Giveaway Alert! As part of our exciting “Spring into Summer” celebration, I’m thrilled to announce a fantastic giveaway courtesy of ConAgra Foods and RO*TEL! We’re giving away two incredible prize packs to help you kick off your own summer gatherings in style.

Each “Spring into Summer” prize pack is designed to bring joy and flavor to your home. It includes two cans of delicious RO*TEL Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilies, perfect for making this Zesty Corn Salsa or any other zesty dish. You’ll also receive handy recipe cards for more inspiration, a stylish chip and dip serving bowl to present your creations, festive party lights to set the mood, and a fun outdoor game set to entertain your guests. It’s everything you need for an unforgettable summer bash!

The giveaway officially starts today, Monday, May 21st, and will run until Tuesday, May 29th, at 12 noon (EST). Please note, this giveaway is open to our wonderful US readers only. Winners will be chosen completely at random using a reliable Pick Giveaway Winner plugin application. If you’re one of the lucky winners, you’ll be notified by email and will have 48 hours to claim your prize. Should a prize remain unclaimed, another winner will be selected to ensure these fantastic packs find a loving home.

How to Enter for Your Chance to Win:

To enter this exciting giveaway, simply follow the steps below. The more ways you enter, the higher your chances of winning one of these awesome party packs!

Main Entry:

Leave a comment on this post telling me if you make your own salsa at home, and/or what your favorite way to prepare it is. Share your salsa secrets!

Additional Entries (earn more chances to win!):

For each additional entry, please leave a separate comment after you complete the item. Each unique comment will count as an extra entry:

1. “Like” Aggie’s Kitchen on Facebook: Visit our Facebook page here and give us a like! If you’re already a fan (thank you!), just let me know in a comment, and that counts as an entry!

2. Follow @AggiesKitchen on Twitter: Connect with me on Twitter by following @AggiesKitchen. Already following? Just drop a comment to let me know, and it’s an entry!

3. Share on Twitter: Spread the word about this fantastic giveaway! Tweet the following message: “I want to win a #FiestaROTEL party pack from @aggieskitchen http://su.pr/1muEeA #giveaway”. Then, come back and leave a comment with a link to your tweet.

4. Share on Facebook: Share this giveaway post on your Facebook timeline! Make sure to include a direct link back to this blog post so your friends can enter too. Leave a comment with a link to your shared post.

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6. Follow Aggie’s Kitchen on Pinterest: Find more recipe inspiration by following Aggie’s Kitchen on Pinterest. Once you’re following, leave a comment to confirm.

(Disclosure: I am in a working relationship with RO*TEL and ConAgra Foods. I have received compensation and product for the creation of this post and the facilitation of this giveaway. All opinions expressed are my own and reflect my genuine enjoyment of their products.)

For more delicious recipes and creative ways to incorporate RO*TEL into your cooking, be sure to visit their official website, check out their vibrant Facebook page, explore their inspiring Pinterest board, or follow them for daily updates on Twitter. Get ready to add some zest to your meals!