Toasted Corn and Aji Amarillo Salsa with Fresh Cheese
A vibrant Bolivian-inspired salsa made from toasted corn kernels and aji amarillo peppers, paired with fresh crumbly cheese for a bright appetizer. This Latin American-inspired recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 20 minutes, turns aji amarillo paste, red onion, fresh lime juice into a satisfying snack for between meals, packed lunches, or game-day spreads — minimal active time and easy to scale up for a crowd. Each serving lands at about 150 calories and feeds 4, so it fits into lunchboxes, road trips, or an afternoon-energy gap without derailing the day. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup dried corn kernels (cancha or large corn)
- 1 tbsp aji amarillo paste
- 1 small, finely diced red onion
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 cup crumbled fresh queso fresco
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- to taste salt
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a dry skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1/2 cup dried corn kernels and toast, stirring frequently, for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and popping; remove from heat.
- Step 2: In a bowl, mix 1 tbsp aji amarillo paste with 2 tbsp fresh lime juice until smooth.
- Step 3: Add the toasted corn kernels and 1 small finely diced red onion to the aji amarillo-lime mixture; stir well.
- Step 4: Fold in 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro and 1/2 cup crumbled fresh queso fresco gently to keep texture.
- Step 5: Season with salt to taste, let sit for 10 minutes to meld flavors, and serve at room temperature as a vibrant salsa or topping.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Toasted Corn and Aji Amarillo Salsa with Fresh Cheese take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Toasted Corn and Aji Amarillo Salsa with Fresh Cheese?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for crisp items, or in the fridge for anything dairy- or produce-based, for up to 3–5 days. Re-crisp baked snacks in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes if they soften.
Can I substitute ingredients in Toasted Corn and Aji Amarillo Salsa with Fresh Cheese?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Toasted Corn and Aji Amarillo Salsa with Fresh Cheese for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Toasted Corn and Aji Amarillo Salsa with Fresh Cheese vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
