Corn Salad

This Corn Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish that brings together the sweetness of corn with crisp vegetables and creamy feta. Perfect for summer gatherings, BBQs, or as a simple side dish to complement your meals, this recipe will quickly become a favorite. With its colorful presentation and delightful flavors, this easy-to-make corn salad is sure to impress your family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This Corn Salad comes together in just 10 minutes, making it an ideal dish for last-minute gatherings.
• Fresh Ingredients: The combination of fresh corn, cucumbers, and tomatoes creates a burst of flavor that’s hard to resist.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as a side dish at picnics, BBQs, or alongside your favorite grilled meats; it’s always a hit!
• Healthy Choice: Packed with vitamins and nutrients, this salad is not only delicious but also good for you.
• Easy to Customize: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or herbs to make this corn salad uniquely yours.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Corn Salad effortlessly, having the right tools can make all the difference. Ensure you have everything you need before you begin preparing your ingredients.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for boiling the corn quickly and evenly.
• Sharp knife: A must-have for cutting vegetables cleanly and safely.
• Mixing bowl: Helps in combining all ingredients without any mess.

Ingredients

This easy Corn Salad recipe comes together with just a few ingredients and is absolutely delicious. Your family will love this on the side of burgers and this is great to bring to picnics and BBQs!

For the Salad Base

• 4 cups corn (see note)
• 1 cup English cucumber (quartered)
• 1/4 large red onion (diced)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes (cut in half)
• 1/4 cup basil leaves (cut into small strips)
• 1/4 cup feta cheese (crumbled)

For the Dressing

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons white vinegar
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Corn Salad

Step 1: Cook the Corn

To cook fresh corn, bring a large pot of water to a boil while lightly salting it. After shucking the corn completely, place it in the boiling water. Bring the water back to a boil and cook for five minutes. Once done, remove the corn from the water and let it cool before cutting it off the cob using a sharp knife.

Step 2: Prepare Vegetables

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked corn, quartered cucumber, diced red onion, halved cherry tomatoes, cut basil leaves, and crumbled feta cheese.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, white vinegar, lime juice, kosher salt, and black pepper until well combined.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients in the mixing bowl. Toss gently to ensure everything is well coated.

Step 5: Serve or Store

Serve immediately for maximum freshness. If preparing ahead of time, add fresh basil just before serving. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

How to Serve Corn Salad

Corn Salad is a versatile dish that complements many meals. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or enjoying a family dinner, here are some delightful serving suggestions.

With Grilled Meats

• Burgers: The fresh flavors of Corn Salad pair perfectly with juicy grilled burgers.
• Chicken: Serve alongside grilled or roasted chicken for a colorful and tasty meal.
• Steak: A robust steak benefits from the light and refreshing taste of this salad.

As a Picnic Delight

• Potluck: Bring Corn Salad to share at potlucks; it’s sure to be a hit among guests.
• Beach Days: Pack it in a cooler for sunny beach outings—easy to serve and refreshing.

In Wraps and Sandwiches

• Tortilla Wraps: Add it to tortilla wraps for an extra crunch and flavor boost.
• Sandwiches: Use as a topping in sandwiches for added freshness.

How to Perfect Corn Salad

To make your Corn Salad truly shine, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Corn: Fresh corn enhances the sweetness and texture of the salad. If unavailable, opt for high-quality canned or frozen corn.
• Chill Before Serving: Allowing the salad to chill for about 30 minutes can deepen the flavors and make it even more refreshing.
• Balance Flavors: Taste and adjust seasonings like salt or lime juice to achieve your desired flavor profile.
• Add Variety: Feel free to incorporate other vegetables like bell peppers or avocados for added color and nutrition.

Best Side Dishes for Corn Salad

Corn Salad pairs beautifully with various side dishes. Here are some delicious options to enhance your meal.

1. Grilled Vegetables: A mix of zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus adds great flavor and complements the freshness of Corn Salad.
2. Coleslaw: This crunchy side provides another layer of texture that contrasts nicely with the softness of the salad.
3. Potato Salad: A classic option that brings heartiness to the table, perfect alongside lighter dishes like Corn Salad.
4. Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread offers a savory element that balances the sweet corn flavors well.
5. Baked Beans: Sweet and smoky baked beans provide rich flavor, making them an excellent pairing.
6. Quinoa Salad: This healthy option adds protein and nutty taste, creating a wholesome meal experience.
7. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad can cleanse the palate between bites of savory dishes.
8. Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf can serve as a hearty base that complements the lightness of Corn Salad.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Corn Salad is simple, but there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are some mistakes to avoid:

• Overcooking the corn: Cooking corn for too long can make it mushy. Aim for five minutes of boiling to keep it crisp and fresh.
• Using too much dressing: Adding excessive dressing can drown the flavors. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste.
• Neglecting to chill: Serving Corn Salad right after making it may not allow flavors to meld. Letting it rest in the fridge for about 30 minutes enhances the taste.
• Skipping fresh herbs: Fresh herbs like basil elevate the dish. Always include them for added flavor and freshness.
• Ignoring seasoning: Under-seasoning can lead to bland salad. Adjust salt and pepper according to your preference for optimal flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Duration: Store in the refrigerator for up to four days.
• Containers: Use an airtight container to keep it fresh.

Freezing Corn Salad

• Freezing Duration: Not recommended for freezing due to texture changes in the vegetables.
• Containers: If you must, use a freezer-safe container, but consume within a month.

Reheating Corn Salad

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm it in a covered dish until heated through, about 10–15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds, stirring in between until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over low heat, stirring gently until warmed, about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen corn for Corn Salad?

Yes, frozen corn is a great alternative. Just thaw it before mixing with the other ingredients.

How do I make Corn Salad more flavorful?

Adding more herbs or spices can enhance flavor. Consider adding cilantro or chili flakes for a twist on this Corn Salad recipe.

Can Corn Salad be made ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare it up to a day in advance. Just add fresh basil right before serving.

What should I serve with Corn Salad?

Corn Salad pairs well with grilled meats like burgers or chicken. It’s also a great side for picnics and BBQs!

Final Thoughts

This easy Corn Salad recipe is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or proteins. Perfect as a side dish or a light meal on its own, it’s sure to become a family favorite! Enjoy preparing this refreshing dish at your next gathering!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Print

Corn Salad

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: Serves about 6 people 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

This vibrant Corn Salad is a delightful blend of sweet corn, fresh vegetables, and creamy feta cheese, making it the perfect addition to summer barbecues or family gatherings. With its colorful presentation and refreshing taste, this dish is not only easy to prepare but also packed with nutrients.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 cups fresh corn (cooked)
• 1 cup English cucumber (quartered)
• 1/4 large red onion (diced)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
• 1/4 cup basil leaves (sliced)
• 1/4 cup feta cheese (crumbled)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons white vinegar
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• kosher salt and black pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Cook the corn in boiling salted water for five minutes. Let cool and cut off the cob.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine cooked corn, cucumber, red onion, cherry tomatoes, basil, and feta cheese.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, white vinegar, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to combine.
5. Serve immediately or chill for about 30 minutes before serving.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 250mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 10mg