Bask in the flavors of summer with this Corn Salad Recipe featuring juicy kernels mixed with cherry tomatoes, onions, and cucumber.
Whenever I’m invited to a barbecue or picnic, there’s only one dish I even think about bringing: this refreshing corn salad. That’s because it ticks so many boxes: it tastes great, it’s healthy (more on that below), and it’s easy to make for just my family or for a larger group. I also like that its simplicity means it can cater to myriad diets.
The flavors of this salad are what make it truly special. Sweet corn mingles with juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, and sharp red onion, all tied together with a medley of fresh herbs like parsley, dill, and basil. A splash of apple cider vinegar adds the perfect tangy brightness, balancing the crisp flavors of the vegetables. Each bite is vibrant, light, and full of summer’s essence.
There’s also something totally satisfying about doing all your shopping in the produce section of the grocery store. Processed ingredients? No, thank you. Just wholesome food as nature intended. This is the taste of the garden, of farming, and of gathering with loved ones in the sweet summer air.
Is This Corn Salad Healthy?
This is a completely healthy and wholesome recipe. Most of the ingredients can be found in a garden, which is a good sign your body will appreciate a serving or two. The corn and other veggies are full of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber, with few calories to boot. Olive oil is the fat component here, but it’s a healthy fat with anti-inflammatory and heart-protective properties. Unsurprisingly, this recipe also lends itself to several diets, including gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan.
Which Other Ingredients Can I Add?
This is a salad, and as such, it’s open to so many different ingredients. In other words, there’s no one way to make a corn salad. I like using the list below as a good place to begin; then I add/subtract depending on my mood, the availability of the ingredients, who I’m cooking for, and what I’m serving alongside it. If I’m making fajitas, for example, I’ll add cilantro, black beans, jalapeño, and avocado for a Mexican-inspired side dish. If I’m feeling playful, I’ll add yellow cherry tomatoes and yellow bell peppers to match the yellow corn. For a wide range of textures, I’ll go with creamy feta cheese and crunchy celery.
How To Make Ahead And Store
Store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge. If you’ve already added the oil and vinegar, you should eat it within 1 day; otherwise, it will turn to mush. If you had the forethought to hold off on dressing the salad, you can store the salad for up to 4 days.
Serving Suggestions
This corn salad goes well with pretty much anything you would think to serve at a barbecue or picnic. So the sky’s the limit: chicken wings, spare ribs, hamburgers, hot dogs, you name it. One salad you might want to serve it with is this Sweet Potato Salad With Avocado Pesto. It’s super simple, despite its lengthy name. If you want to pursue that Tex-Mex theme, serve up some Chicken Quesadillas or Mexican Rice Casserole to go along with it. Your family will love it.
Ingredients
- 3 cups corn kernels about 4 cobs of corn
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes quartered
- 1 cup cucumbers diced
- 1/4 cup red onion diced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
- Fresh basil or dill chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the corn and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the kernels are bright yellow. You can also grill the corn for a smoky flavor.
- Drain the corn and let it cool completely. Then, cut the kernels off the cob with a sharp knife.
- In a large bowl, mix together the corn kernels, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onion.
- Pour the olive oil and vinegar over the salad ingredients, and gently toss to coat evenly.
- Season the salad with a sprinkle of salt and pepper, to taste. Mix well.
- Just before serving, add the fresh parsley and optional basil or dill, and give it a final toss.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
Leave a Comment