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 is super refreshing! The lime + cilantro combo really makes the corn taste brighter. I also let it chill a bit and it honestly got better.
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!
WOW! I added a little jalapeño and it became my new BBQ side. The lime is perfect.
Wait… jalapeño in corn salad? 😅 I tried once with lime but I think I used too much onion and it was kinda overpowering. Still sounds good though—maybe just a little!
Love this! A jalapeño sounds like the perfect kick for the limey freshness. I’m stealing that idea for sure 🌶️
Bless my heart, I forgot the olive oil! 😅 Still turned out great though, but I wouldn’t recommend skipping it!