This refreshing corn salad recipe is the ultimate summer side dish! Packed with sweet corn, crisp veggies, fresh herbs, and a zesty dressing, it’s perfect for BBQs, picnics, or family dinners. You can make it classic, grilled, or creamy—totally customizable to your taste!
📋 Ingredients
(Serves 4–6)
- 4 cups corn kernels (fresh, grilled, or frozen & thawed)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 small red onion, finely diced
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- ½ cup fresh herbs (cilantro, parsley, or basil)
- ½ cup feta or cotija cheese (optional)
- 1 avocado, diced (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lime or lemon juice
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
🥗 Instructions
- Prepare the Corn:
- Boiled: Cook corn in boiling water for 2–3 minutes, then drain and cool.
- Grilled: Grill whole corn cobs until lightly charred, then cut off kernels.
- Raw: If using fresh, sweet corn, simply cut kernels off the cob.
- Mix the Vegetables:
In a large bowl, combine corn, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and bell pepper. - Add Dressing:
Whisk together olive oil, lime/lemon juice, red wine vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. Pour over the salad and toss to coat. - Enhance with Extras:
Gently fold in fresh herbs, cheese, and avocado if using. - Chill & Serve:
Let the salad sit for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. Serve cold or at room temperature.
⏱ Recipe Notes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes (if boiling/grilling corn)
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4–6
💡 Variations
- Creamy Corn Salad: Use ¼ cup mayo + ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt instead of vinaigrette.
- Mexican Street Corn Style: Add cotija cheese, chili powder, lime juice, and a touch of mayo.
- Protein Boost: Mix in black beans or grilled chicken for a heartier meal.
🌿 Nutrition (per serving, approx.)
- Calories: 210
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 9g
- Fiber: 5g
👉 This corn salad isn’t just delicious—it’s also healthy, colorful, and super easy to whip up. Perfect for making ahead of time and bringing to a summer gathering!