A refreshing and simple dish, corn salad is perfect for summer gatherings. With sweet corn, fresh vegetables, and a tangy dressing, it’s both delicious and healthy.
Corn salad is a bright, crisp, and refreshing dish that captures the essence of summer in every bite. Whether you’re serving it at a backyard barbecue, bringing it to a picnic, or enjoying it as a light side dish on a warm day, corn salad is always a hit. Bursting with sweet corn, crunchy vegetables, and zesty flavors, it’s a simple yet satisfying way to make the most of seasonal ingredients.
At the heart of the salad is fresh corn, which brings natural sweetness and a juicy crunch. Whether grilled, boiled, or cut straight from the cob, corn adds a sunny, golden pop to the bowl and pairs well with a wide range of ingredients. Red bell peppers and cherry tomatoes bring color and a mild sweetness, while red onions or scallions add a bit of sharpness and depth. For creaminess, you can mix in avocado or crumbled cheese like feta or cotija, which adds richness and a slight tang.
What ties it all together is the dressing, often a blend of olive oil, lime or lemon juice, and a touch of honey or vinegar. This simple vinaigrette enhances the freshness of the vegetables without overpowering them. Fresh herbs like cilantro, basil, or parsley add a final layer of flavor and brightness, making each bite feel light and balanced.
Corn salad is incredibly versatile. You can serve it chilled or at room temperature, on its own or as a topping for grilled meats, tacos, or even mixed into greens. It’s easy to make ahead of time, and the flavors only get better as they sit and mingle. With its vibrant colors, fresh taste, and simple ingredients, corn salad is a summertime staple that’s both easy to love and endlessly adaptable.
Ingredients
- 2 cups corn kernels fresh or canned
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cup cucumber diced
- 1/4 cup red onion finely chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lime juice freshly squeezed
- 1/4 cup cilantro chopped
- to taste Salt and pepper
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the corn kernels, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
- Drizzle the olive oil and lime juice over the vegetables.
- Add the chopped cilantro and toss everything together until evenly mixed.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Nutrition
Corn salad it not a salad if it don’t have lettuce bro. Just saying.
I get what you’re saying, but salads can be more than just lettuce! This corn salad looks refreshing.
But why does it need lettuce? This recipe sounds yum and veggie-packed! Who needs lettuce anyway?
I made this last night but forgot the lime juice. Still tasted good.
Quick and easy! Perfect for my lunch box! Keep it coming!
This salad is super refreshing! Perfect for hot days. Thanks for sharing!
It was okay, but I think it needs something. Maybe some feta cheese next time?
Feta? Really? That seems kinda weird for a corn salad. I think it’s fine as is.
I totally agree! Feta would add a nice tang to it. Great suggestion!
I used frozen corn and it ended up tasting weird. Fresh is def the way to go!
Totally agree! Fresh veggies make a huge difference. Plus, I always find that frozen can sometimes taste a bit bland.
I dunno, I actually think frozen corn is pretty good. Maybe it was just the brand you used?
For me, too much cilantro. I dont like the taste. What can I use instead?
You can try parsley instead! It has a milder taste and works well in salads.
Yum! Fresh and delicious! I added some feta for an extra kick.
Isn’t corn high in calories? I don’t trust this recipe. Gonna stick with my kale.
Easy and delicious! Just how I like my salads. Thanks for sharing!
Bless my heart, I forgot the olive oil! 😅 Still turned out great though, but I wouldn’t recommend skipping it!
Loved this recipe! So fresh and easy to make. Perfect for summer BBQs!
This is just a mixture of stuff in a bowl. Not impressed.
Corn salad? Is that even a meal? I prefer mine with meat! 🍗
Yum! I added black beans too and it turned out great!
Sounds delicious! Black beans are a great addition. I’ll have to try that next time!
Black beans? Is that even supposed to go in a corn salad? Seems weird to me…
Easy to make but my kids didn’t like it. They said too many veggies.
Quick, easy, and healthy! Just the way I like it!
Whats the point of this dish? You just mix stuff in a bowl!
This salad is so fresh and easy to make! Perfect for summer!
Looks yummy! Can I use frozen corn? Don’t wanna buy fresh, too much work! 😜
This was just ok, didn’t blow my mind or anything. Might try adding some avocado next time.
Just ok? I loved it! It’s refreshing for summer. Maybe try some jalapeños for a kick!
I think avocado would be a great addition! It adds creaminess and flavor. Give it a shot! 😋
I thought it was too bland. Added some chili powder and it was better, but still needs more seasoning.
I added some feta cheese and it made it even better! Yummy!
Isn’t corn just like, sweet and not savory? Not sure how this will go.
I used frozen corn and it was still good. Super easy to make.
Frozen corn is a great idea! I didn’t think about that. Gonna try it next time! Thanks for sharing!
5 stars! Perfect for summer BBQs. My guests loved it!
Corn in salad? Isn’t that gonna be too sweet? I prefer my salads more savory.
This sounds delicious! I can’t wait to try it at my next family dinner.
Not sure what all the hype is about. It’s just corn and tomatoes. Needs more flavor.
Wasn’t sure about the red onion, but it really added a nice flavor. Thanks for the recipe!
Glad to hear you liked the red onion! It really does make a difference. Enjoy your salad!
Cilantro??? Yuck! I left that out. Still, it was fresh.
It was real nice flavor but i burnt my toast while trying to make this salad.
Corn salad? More like corn mush… 😛
My sister makes a version with jalapenos and it’s way better. Just my opinion. 🤷♂️
Fantastic! So refreshing for summer BBQs!
I’m not a fan of raw veggies, so idk why I tried this. But my husband loved it.
Corn salad? Sounds weird. Who wants to eat raw stuff? But if he liked it, maybe it’s worth a try but I wouldn’t bet on it. 🤷♂️
Hey, that’s great your husband loved it! Maybe you could try roasting the veggies next time? Might change your mind about raw!
This corn salad is amazing! So fresh and delicious. Definitely making it again!
Simple and fresh! Perfect for summer! I’ll think about adding avocados next time!
Adding avocados sounds great! They’d make it even creamier. I love this salad! 🍅🥑
Simple? I dunno, seems kinda bland. Maybe it’s better with more spices or something.
This corn salad is sooo good! Made it for a picnic and everyone loved it! Will definitely make it again!
Sounds delicious! I’m glad everyone enjoyed it, I might try this for my next family gathering!
Simple and delish! I added avocado for creaminess!
Eh, my kids didn’t even touch it. Guess they’re just not into salad? Gave it a try tho! 🌽
Maybe they just prefer cooked veggies? My kids love corn but not in salad form. 🤷♀️
Can you use vinegar instead of lime?? I don’t have any lime juice.
I don’t know why I added eggs, but now I have a weird salad. No one else liked it 🙁
I made this for a picnic and everyone loved it! Will definitely make again.
Too much lime for my liking. I think I would skip it next time.
Looks easy but tasted bland. Salt and pepper didn’t help much.
Maybe try adding some garlic or a sprinkle of cheese next time? Those could really kick it up a notch!
Great recipe! Used lemon instead of lime ’cause I was out. Still yum!
Lemon sounds like a fun twist! I’ll have to try that next time.
I don’t like coriander, can I just leave it out? Will it still taste good?
This corn salad is a game changer! My family loved it. Will make again!