Some recipes just show up and steal the spotlight at every party—and this Creamy Corn Salsa is one of those. I first made it on a whim for a backyard barbecue, and I swear, it barely made it 15 minutes on the table. Creamy, cheesy, crunchy, with just the right kick… it’s the dip that disappears fast and gets asked about even faster.
In This Guide
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Corn Salsa
Creamy Corn Salsa (aka Fiesta Corn Salsa) brings together the best parts of a great dip—sweet corn, zesty seasonings, tangy creaminess, and a little crunch from onions and peppers. It’s a no-cook, mix-and-go kind of dish that’s perfect when you need something fast but flavorful. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving something snacky, this recipe delivers every single time. Plus, it’s fridge-friendly, so you can make it ahead and let those bold flavors mingle.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what makes this dip a must-have:
- 2 (15.5-oz) cans Fiesta Corn (Mexicorn) – be sure to drain well
- 1 cup sour cream – or swap with Greek yogurt for a tangy twist
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise – adds richness
- 1 tsp cumin – brings a warm, earthy flavor
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder – for depth
- 1/2 tsp salt – adjust to taste
- 2 cups finely shredded cheese – Mexican blend is perfect, but cheddar or pepper jack work too
- 1 cup diced red onion – adds crunch and color
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro – fresh and citrusy
Optional Mix-ins:
- Diced jalapeños for heat
- Chopped bell peppers for extra crunch
- A dash of hot sauce for a spicy edge
- Swap sour cream for a mayo-yogurt blend if you like it lighter
- Use frozen or fresh corn, fully cooked and drained, if you prefer over canned
How to Make Creamy Corn Salsa

Step-by-Step Instructions
- Drain the corn thoroughly—excess liquid will make your dip watery. Pat dry with paper towels for best results.
- In a large mixing bowl, stir together sour cream, mayo, cumin, garlic powder, and salt until smooth.
- Add shredded cheese, red onion, and chopped cilantro, mixing gently.
- Fold in the drained corn, being careful not to crush it.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (though 2 hours is better!) to let flavors come together.
Tips for Best Flavor & Texture
- Use pre-shredded cheese—it releases less moisture, keeping the dip thick.
- Chop ingredients finely so every bite has that perfect mix.
- Customize the heat with jalapeños, hot sauce, or chili flakes.
- For gatherings, make it a few hours in advance—it just gets better in the fridge.
Serving Suggestions
Scoop it up with tortilla chips, corn chips, or even pita crisps.
Add a dollop to tacos, grilled meats, or baked potatoes.
Stuff it into wraps or layered salads for a creamy, zesty surprise.
And if you’re into bold pairings, serve this alongside our Black Bean and Corn Salsa for a flavor-packed duo, or try our Mexican Street Corn Salad with bold seasoning to keep the corn love going strong.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
- This salsa tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge
- Store it in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days
- Give it a quick stir before serving—some separation is totally normal
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make Creamy Corn Salsa ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, it’s better after a few hours in the fridge—the flavors really come together.
What can I use instead of sour cream?
You can swap in Greek yogurt or a mayo-yogurt blend for a lighter or tangier twist.
Can I use frozen or fresh corn instead of canned?
Yes! Just make sure it’s fully thawed or cooked and well-drained so the dip doesn’t get soggy.
Final Thoughts
Creamy Corn Salsa is that rare mix of ridiculously easy and seriously addictive. It’s perfect for parties, but just as good for movie nights or casual snacks. This recipe is a keeper—quick, reliable, and absolutely crammed with flavor. I’d love to hear how you make it your own—add a spicy kick? Go all veggie? Tag me or share it at your next get-together!
And for a sweet and spicy twist, you’ve got to check out our Canned Peach Salsa—it’s another party favorite.
Don’t forget to save this recipe and follow us on Pinterest or Facebook for more crowd-pleasing, real-life deliciousness.
Print
Creamy Corn Salsa – Easy, Crowd-Pleasing & Delicious Dip
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamy Corn Salsa is a quick, no-cook dip packed with sweet corn, cheese, and spice—perfect for parties, game day, or casual snacking. It’s creamy, zesty, and always a crowd favorite!
Ingredients
2 (15.5-oz) cans Fiesta Corn (aka Mexicorn), well drained
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups finely shredded cheese (Mexican blend, cheddar, or pepper jack)
1 cup diced red onion
1/2 cup chopped cilantro
Optional: diced jalapeño, chopped bell peppers, or hot sauce
Instructions
1. Drain the corn thoroughly. Pat dry with paper towels if needed.
2. In a large bowl, stir together sour cream, mayo, cumin, garlic powder, and salt until smooth.
3. Add the shredded cheese, diced red onion, and chopped cilantro. Mix to combine.
4. Gently fold in the drained corn.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving (2+ hours preferred).
Notes
Drain the corn well to avoid a watery dip.
You can use 3 (11-oz) cans of corn if that’s what you have.
Feel free to adjust the amount of cilantro—or leave it out completely.
Pre-shredded cheese is best for this recipe as it helps reduce moisture.
Add diced jalapeños or chili flakes to increase the spice level.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dip / Salsa / Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg