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?
This corn salad was a hit at our picnic! Fresh and tasty! 🌽🍅
I made this last night but forgot the lime juice. Still tasted good.
Meh. Too much chopping. Also, I let it sit longer than 30 minutes and the cucumber got watery. Would not do that again.
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.
Is it really that fresh if you use canned corn? I prefer frozen.
You forgot to mention how much salt! I added too much and ruined it 😩
Corn salad 🤔 sounds weird but it’s actually good! I was hesitant but now I’m a fan!
I tried using a different onion because I didn’t have red. Still worked out.
Wow, flavors melded perfectly after chilling 30 minutes. I brought it to a BBQ and it got eaten way faster than the chips.
This corn salad is super refreshing! I added some black beans for extra protein and it was a hit at the BBQ!
Sounds delicious! I love adding beans to salads, gonna try it next time!
Black beans in a corn salad? Uhh, that doesn’t seem right. Stick to the recipe!
Honestly, I don’t get what’s so special about this. Just corn and veggies. It’s bland!
Made this for lunch and it was super refreshing. The lime + cilantro combo is chef’s kiss. I used canned corn and it still tasted great.
Love how fresh and crunchy this is. The lime + cilantro combo is perfect, and it tastes even better after a short chill.
Yes!! That lime + cilantro really makes it pop, and chilling it for a bit does wonders. So crunchy and fresh. ☺️
Too much lime for my taste. Might reduce it next time. But overall, a decent salad.
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!
Love this recipe! So fresh and easy to make. Perfect for summer BBQs!
I agree! It’s super easy and so refreshing. Great for parties!
Wow this is so good. 10/10 would make again! 😋
Ahh love to hear that! 😋 The lime + cilantro combo really makes it pop. I’m glad you’d make it again!
2 cups corn? That’s like a whole can! Am I suppose to use one can or two cups from fresh corn?
Yum! Just made this and I’m obsessed. The lime juice makes it pop!
5 stars! I make this almost every week. So easy and delicious!
Pretty solid, but I think 1/4 cup red onion is a little much for my taste. Next time I’ll go lighter or soak it in cold water briefly.
I think 1/4 cup is about right tbh. If it’s too strong, maybe use sweet onion? Also, I usually don’t soak it—I just rinse the chopped onion and it helps a lot.
Totally fair—red onion can be a bit punchy in corn salad. Soaking it briefly or using a lighter amount is a great tweak. I’ll try that next time!
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! 🍗
Honestly, I was skeptical about this. Does corn really need a salad? But it turned out to be surprisingly good!
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…
Why do you need so many ingredients? Just corn is fine. So complicated!
Corn and tomatoes make everything better! 5 stars for sure! 🌽🍅
I dunno… I like corn but tomatoes? Not so much. What if I just leave them out? Will it still be good?
Totally agree! Corn and tomatoes are the bomb! 😍 This salad looks so fresh and tasty. Can’t wait to try it!
Sounds nice but I don’t own a bowl, how am I supposed to mix? Haha!
Easy to make but my kids didn’t like it. They said too many veggies.
Not bad, but red onion was a bit strong for my taste. Next time I’ll use less or rinse it first.
Pretty good, but I think it needs more lime juice. Mine tasted a little flat until I added extra salt too.
Is it really that easy? I might try but not sure about fresh corn. What if I use frozen?
Quick, easy, and healthy! Just the way I like it!
Yummy! I never liked cilantro before, but it works in this! 🥗
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! 😋
Super refreshing! Perfect for summer BBQs. 👏
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!
yum! this is a hit with my family. We love corn!
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!
Honestly, it was just okay. Thought it would be more flavorful. 😕
Cilantro??? Yuck! I left that out. Still, it was fresh.
This corn salad is amazing! So fresh and light. I added some avocado too for creaminess. Yum!
Quick and easy! Made it in 10 min. Good for summer dinners!
I followed the recipe but added a jalapeño for some heat. So good! 🌶️
It was real nice flavor but i burnt my toast while trying to make this salad.
Simple and quick! I added black beans for extra protein. Yum!
I dunno, adding beans might change the flavor too much? Just corn salad and beans? Sounds weird, doesn’t it?
Adding black beans is a great idea! I never thought of that. I usually just stick to the recipe. Thanks for the tip!
Fresh and delicious! My kids even liked it and they are very picky eaters.
Cilantro tastes like soap to me, so I swapped in parsley. Still good, but the vibe is different—just sayin’.
I don’t see how corn and tomatoes go together. Corn is for soups. Sorry, not my thing.
Corn salad? More like corn mush… 😛
I don’t get why people put cilantro in everything. It’s not that good, but the rest is ok.
Whatever, I think it’s fine. Just don’t put it in if you don’t like it, no biggie!
Cilantro adds a fresh taste! I love it, but I get that it’s not for everyone. Maybe just skip it next time?
My sister makes a version with jalapenos and it’s way better. Just my opinion. 🤷♂️
Mmmm, love corn salad! But I think you forgot to mention salt, I put tons more – yum!
I love corn salad too! But I think you gotta be careful with salt, it can ruin the whole dish. Less is more sometimes!
Nah, man. I think it’s perfect without added salt. You just gotta taste it right! But if you like it salty, go for it!
Honestly, I don’t get why this is a recipe—sounds like chopped veggies with dressing. But… I did eat it, so it’s actually decent.
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!
My kids didn’t like it. They found the chunks too big and messy. Maybe use smaller pieces?
I think the chunks are fine! But I guess kids sometimes like things differently? Mine loved it!
Maybe try cutting them smaller next time? Kids can be picky!
I followed the steps exactly and the flavors did meld after chilling. However, mine got watery—cucumber was probably too wet.
Yep, that tracks—cucumber can add a lot of extra water, especially if it’s not patted dry. Next time you might salt-dice it for 10 min and squeeze out the liquid (or use less cucumber). Your chilling time sounds right though!
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 so refreshing! Perfect for summer BBQs! 🌽
My mom makes a corn salad too but with mayo. This is healthier I guess.
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!
Too many ingredients for a simple salad. I just like corn and mayo. 🤷♂️
Corn salad? I dunno, sounds boring to me. But some folks love it, I guess… 🤷♂️
I’m not the best cook but even I could make this! Easy and quick to prepare.
This salad sounds super easy! I love that you can just mix everything together. 🌽🍅
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. 🤷♀️
I’m skeptical about using olive oil in a salad like this, but it surprisingly worked. Texture is nice and crunchy.
Can you use vinegar instead of lime?? I don’t have any lime juice.
Corn Salad? More like corn mess. Doesn’t even look like the picture.
I think it looks great! Maybe you just need to give it a try before judging. Corn salad can be delicious!
This corn salad is so refreshing! Perfect for summer barbecues. I added some avocado too!
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.
Corn salad? Kinda boring, right? But surprisingly tasty! Who knew?
I totally agree! Who would have thought corn could be so good? I loved it! 😍
Boring? Nah, you just gotta spice it up! Add some chili flakes next time.
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!
Yummy!!! I added some feta cheese, made it even better! 😍
3 stars. Cilantro is overpowering if you’re not into it. Salt and pepper helped but I’d maybe add avocado next time.
This is too simple. How can it be delicious with just a few ingredients? I don’t trust it.
I added some feta cheese and avocado. So good! 😍
That sounds amazing! Feta and avocado would definitely add a nice creaminess. Can’t wait to try it! 😊
Cucumber? Really?! Isn’t that a waste of space? Just use corn. Also, where’s the dressing? LOL
I love cucumbers in salads! They add a nice crunch! But corn is good too. 🥗
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?
Corn salad without bacon is a bold choice 😅. I know it’s probably not meant to be heavy, but I think it needs some crunch/umami. Otherwise solid.
This salad is so fresh! The lime juice gives it a nice kick. Definitely making it for the BBQ!
This salad is so refreshing! I made it for a picnic and everyone loved it. Will definitely make again!
The measurements are clear, but “to taste” salt/pepper always leaves me guessing. I added about 1/2 tsp salt and it was fine.
Ugh, way too bland! I added some chili flakes but it still lacked flavor. Not worth it.
I followed the steps exactly and somehow it tasted bland? Maybe my limes weren’t juicy enough. Still, the texture is nice and crunchy.
I don’t get why people like lime in salads. But I tried it anyway and… okay it’s actually good. My family went back for seconds.
This corn salad is a game changer! My family loved it. Will make again!
Dude, this is super easy! I made it while watching TV. Perfect summer snack! 🌞
Wait, is that all there is? I thought corn salad was more complex. 🤔
Totally agree! It’s super refreshing. I just added some feta cheese for extra flavor! 🧀
My kids loved it, but they don’t eat anything green, lol. What do they know anyway?
Sounds like a fun challenge! You could try adding some sweet dressing to the green stuff. Maybe they’ll eat it then!
Is cilantro really necessary?? I’m not a fan of that herb. 😒
Cilantro is important for flavor! But if you don’t like it, just leave it out. Just saying, it’s not a must-have.
I totally get you! You can skip the cilantro and it’ll still be delish. Just add some extra lime or maybe a bit of parsley instead! 😊
Had to make some adjustments. Didn’t have cilantro, so I used parsley. Still turned out good!
Glad to hear it turned out good! I’ve done the same with parsley before. Works great in a pinch!
Corn peas are my fav, but where’s the cheese? I don’t understand how people eat salad without it.
Made this for a BBQ and everyone went back for seconds. I used canned corn and it still worked great—just rinsed it first.
Is this really as good as everyone says? I tried it and thought it was kinda bland. Maybe I didn’t add enough salt?
This is the easiest thing ever. “Corn salad” sounds boring but it tastes like summer lol.
I doubled the lime juice and added a pinch of chili powder. Now it’s spicy like restaurant corn salad—hits every time!
That sounds amazing! I love when a little chili powder bumps it up—restaurant-style. 🌽🌶️
Not the best salad. Lacked flavor and I couldn’t taste the lime. Will not make again.
I made this for my family BBQ, and it was gone in minutes! Everyone loved it. Thanks for sharing.
I only used canned corn and it still tasted good! Easy peasy.
5 stars, easy. I made it with what I had: green onion instead of red onion and it still worked. Next time I’ll buy real cilantro.
5 stars is generous 😅 I feel like using green onion changes the whole vibe though. Also “serve immediately” vs “refrigerate 30 minutes” is kinda a tug-of-war—what do you prefer?
Love that it still worked with green onion! Honestly cilantro can be picky—your swap makes sense. 🌽🥒
I didn’t have cherry tomatoes, so I used normal ones. Still tasted great! Also added some corn chips for crunch 😋
This is pretty good, but I’d add a little more lime juice next time. Also I skipped the red onion only because I’m not a big fan, still turned out fine though.
Real talk: canned corn tastes kinda tinny sometimes. If you can, use fresh corn. But the recipe is easy and clean.
Totally agree—canned corn can taste a little tinny. Fresh corn makes it pop. I tried letting it sit 30 min like the instructions say and the lime + cilantro really mellow everything out.
I mean canned corn works tho—just rinse it? Also I used lemon instead of lime once and it was still good. My only thing: 2 tbsp olive oil feels like a lot for 4 cups of stuff but maybe I’m measuring wrong 😅
Why put cilantro? It tastes like soap! I replaced with parsley instead.
Quick and easy! Made a big batch and my kids ate it all. Will make again for sure!
I don’t think I’ll ever make this again. Too many veggies for my liking. I prefer my corn on the cob, thank you very much!
The recipe is super simple, but I somehow ended up with watery salad—maybe my cucumbers were too juicy. Still tasty though.
Watery salad usually means you used too much lime juice? I’d try cutting the lime in half, maybe add a little mayo to thicken it up 😅. Also, canned corn can be wetter—drain it good. Good job tho!
That makes sense—cucumber can get really watery, especially if it’s not seeded well. Next time, I usually scoop out the seeds (or pat the cubes dry with a paper towel) before mixing. You can also chill it briefly and drain any extra liquid.
I used frozen corn and it turned out fine. Just make sure to thaw it first. Great recipe!
I tried this but added avocado and it turned out mushy. Not a fan, but I can see how others might like it.
Cilantro overpowers everything for me—maybe I overdid it. I’ll try half next time and add more cucumber.
Made this for lunch and it was super refreshing—lime + cilantro combo is perfect. I used canned corn and still turned out great.
Love that! I’m always nervous about canned corn but good to know it works. Lime + cilantro is such a win 😋
Not gonna lie, I’m skeptical about “serve immediately” vs “refrigerate 30 minutes.” I did 30 min and it got even better, so I’m convinced.