Corn Salad

When the weather warms up, I take every chance I can get to enjoy sweet corn at all my summer picnics, potlucks, and BBQs. While I love celebrating the versatile ingredient in all its forms, a fresh corn salad has to be one of our favorite ways to enjoy sweet summer corn. Not only is it completely adaptable to what you have on hand, it’s so easy to prepare—simply toss to combine, season to taste, and serve! If you’re looking for the most refreshing addition to your meal, read on for all my top tips on how to prepare this summer dish.

What People Are Saying:
"So good, so easy! It's become my go to summer salad recipe. Everyone loves it and can be made ahead. I've made it without the onion and it is just as good." - bet8826

"Great salad! Full of flavor. Easy to make! Winner, winner, corn salad dinner!!!" - RedProcessor

How To Make Corn Salad

INGREDIENTS

• Corn: You can use either fresh or frozen corn in this recipe! During the summer months I love taking advantage of fresh corn, but if you’re making this in the off-season, you can use frozen corn. If using fresh, you can steam, boil or grill it (if you want a smoky flavor). If using frozen, defrost, rinse, and drain before using.
• Tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes add that fresh and juicy summer flavor that makes this salad so refreshing.
• Feta: Feta adds a sharp, salty flavor to this salad. If you’re not a fan, you can swap it out for crumbled cotija or cubed avocado to switch up the creamy component.
• Red Onion: Make sure to finely chop your red onion so that the flavor isn’t too overpowering. If raw red onion has too much of a sharp bite, try soaking them in cold water for around 10 minutes before using. Looking for a different kind of crunch? Toasted nuts or seeds would add a great textural contrast.
• Basil: Fresh herbs are always a welcome addition to a summer salad in my book, but fresh basil truly adds the perfect finishing touch here. If you’re not feeling basil, cilantro would also be great.
• Dressing: Extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lime juice, kosher salt, and pepper combine to create the simple dressing. Use your favorite olive oil, or checkout our list of the best (& worst!) olive oil brands.

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

The best thing about this salad? It couldn't be easier to create. Combine all of your ingredients in the bowl, add your dressing, then toss everything to combine.

Give it a taste, then adjust with any more seasonings or additions as needed. From salt and pepper to more lime juice or feta, feel free to taste and adjust based on your personal preferences!

Full list of ingredients and directions can be found in the recipe below.

Make Ahead

This salad is a great make-ahead dish to get ahead of your summer party. Make it the day before, refrigerate it in an airtight container, and let the flavors meld with each other while it sits. Hold off adding the feta until ready to serve, though!

Storage

Once tossed with the feta this dish is best served fresh, but if you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.

What To Serve With Corn Salad

This salad is delicious on its own or served alongside crackers or chips, but also pairs well alongside countless summer dinners:

• Brown Sugar Salmon: Corn salad goes especially well alongside (or on top of!) salmon, but this classic brown sugar recipe is one of my favorites.
• Steak Kebab Bowls: With orzo, a salmon salad, and veggie steak kebabs, this bowl isn't lacking in flavor, but this corn salad would be a welcome addition.
• Blackened Shrimp Bowls: If you want even more flavor, swap out the fire-roasted corn in this shrimp bowl recipe for this flavorful corn salad.