Summer corn salad is a fresh, vibrant side dish made with sweet corn, crisp peppers, cucumbers, and juicy tomatoes. Tossed in a bright lime-honey vinaigrette with basil, cilantro, and creamy avocado, every bite is light, colorful, and refreshing. Easy to make and full of seasonal flavor, summer corn salad is perfect for picnics, barbecues, or any warm-weather meal.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This summer corn salad
- Bright, fresh flavors that scream summer.
- Quick and easy to whip up for any occasion.
- Packed with nutrients and wholesome ingredients.
- Perfect as a side dish or a light main course.
- Customizable with your favorite veggies and herbs.
summer corn salad
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Grill or Boil the Corn – Start by grilling or boiling the corn ears until they are tender. This usually takes about 10 minutes. Once done, let them cool for a bit.
- Step 2: Cut the Kernels – Once the corn is cool enough to handle, carefully cut the kernels off the cob. Make sure to get all that sweet corn goodness!
- Step 3: Combine the Veggies – In a large bowl, combine the corn kernels with halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, finely chopped red onion, creamy avocado, and fresh cilantro. It’s a colorful mix!
- Step 4: Make the Dressing – In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. This zesty dressing will bring everything together.
- Step 5: Toss and Chill – Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine all the ingredients. Let it chill in the fridge for 15 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors.
Notes
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 |
| Fat | 8g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Carbohydrates | 18g |
Ingredients
Here are the fresh and vibrant ingredients you’ll need for your summer corn salad!
- 4 ears fresh corn – husked and kernels removed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes – halved
- 1 cucumber – diced
- 1/2 red onion – finely chopped
- 1 avocado – diced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro – chopped
- juice of 2 limes – freshly squeezed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – for dressing
- salt and pepper – to taste
How to Make Summer Corn Salad
This vibrant summer corn salad is a breeze to prepare! With a prep time of just 10 minutes and a cooking time of 10 minutes, you’ll have a fresh, zesty dish ready in no time. Plus, chilling it for 15 minutes allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 1: Grill or Boil the Corn
Start by grilling or boiling the corn ears until they are tender. This usually takes about 10 minutes. Once done, let them cool for a bit.
Step 2: Cut the Kernels
Once the corn is cool enough to handle, carefully cut the kernels off the cob. Make sure to get all that sweet corn goodness!
Step 3: Combine the Veggies
In a large bowl, combine the corn kernels with halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, finely chopped red onion, creamy avocado, and fresh cilantro. It’s a colorful mix!
Step 4: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. This zesty dressing will bring everything together.
Step 5: Toss and Chill
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine all the ingredients. Let it chill in the fridge for 15 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors.
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Salad |
| Cuisine | American |
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 10 minutes |
| Extra Time | 15 minutes (chilling) |
| Total Time | 35 minutes |
| Dietary | Vegetarian |
| Serves | 4 |
| Best Served | Chilled and fresh |
Pro Tips for Making summer corn salad
- Use fresh, sweet corn for the best flavor.
- Chill your salad for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Add diced avocado for creaminess and healthy fats.
- Experiment with herbs like cilantro or basil for a fresh twist.
- Drizzle with lime juice just before serving for a zesty kick.
How to Serve this summer corn salad
- Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish at barbecues.
- Pair with grilled chicken or fish for a light meal.
- Top with avocado slices for extra creaminess.
- Mix in black beans for added protein and texture.
- Use as a filling for tacos or wraps for a zesty twist.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro or basil for a burst of flavor.
- Enjoy it as a topping on a bed of greens for a healthy salad.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing and enjoying your summer corn salad is easy:
Storing Leftovers
- Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
- Refrigerate within two hours of serving.
- Consume within 3-4 days for best freshness.
Freezing
- Place salad in a freezer-safe container.
- Leave some space for expansion as it freezes.
- Use within 2-3 months for optimal quality.
Reheating
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Gently warm in a skillet over low heat.
- Add a splash of lemon juice to refresh flavors.
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FAQs
Here’s a helpful FAQ about this recipe:
1. What ingredients do I need to make a summer corn salad?
To make a delicious summer corn salad, you’ll need fresh corn (either on the cob or frozen), diced bell peppers, red onion, cherry tomatoes, cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Feel free to customize with your favorite veggies or herbs!
2. How do I prepare fresh corn for summer corn salad?
To prepare fresh corn, start by shucking the corn to remove the husks and silk. Then, you can either boil the corn for about 5-7 minutes or grill it for a smoky flavor. Once cooked, let it cool slightly before cutting the kernels off the cob with a sharp knife. This will give you the freshest taste for your salad!
3. Can I make summer corn salad ahead of time and store it?
Yes, you can make summer corn salad ahead of time! Just prepare the salad and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 1-2 days for optimal freshness, but the flavors will meld beautifully if you let it sit for a few hours before serving!
4. What are some popular variations or add-ins for summer corn salad?
There are so many fun variations for summer corn salad! You can add black beans for protein, avocado for creaminess, or even diced jalapeños for a spicy kick. Some people love to include feta cheese or a splash of balsamic vinegar for extra flavor. Get creative and make it your own!
Final Thoughts
As summer rolls in, this vibrant summer corn salad is your ticket to sunshine on a plate! Bursting with fresh flavors and colors, it’s a breeze to whip up and perfect for any gathering. So grab your ingredients, toss them together, and savor the joy of this delightful dish. You’ll be smiling with every crunchy bite!