Corn salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that's perfect for summer barbecues, picnics, or as a light side for any meal. Packed with fresh corn, colorful vegetables, and a tangy dressing, this salad is both nutritious and delicious. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, corn salad is a great way to make use of seasonal produce. Here’s a detailed recipe to make your own irresistible corn salad.
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh corn kernels (about 6 ears of corn)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup diced cucumber
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- ½ red onion, finely chopped
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation
Step 1:
Start by preparing the corn. If using fresh corn, shuck the ears and remove the kernels by cutting them off with a sharp knife. If using frozen corn, thaw it completely, and if using canned corn, drain and rinse it.
Step 2:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the corn kernels, cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, and chopped cilantro. Mix everything together until well combined.
Step 3:
In a small bowl, prepare the dressing by whisking together the olive oil, fresh lime juice, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, honey, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Step 4:
Pour the dressing over the corn and vegetable mixture. Toss everything together to ensure the vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.
Step 5:
If using, gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese. This adds a creamy, tangy element to the salad that complements the sweetness of the corn.
Cooking Note
This salad doesn’t require any cooking if you’re using canned or frozen corn, making it a quick and easy recipe. If using fresh corn, you can either use it raw for a crisp texture or briefly blanch it in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then cool it in ice water before adding it to the salad. Ensure all ingredients are well-chilled for the best flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve corn salad chilled as a side dish with grilled meats, fish, or burgers. It’s also great as a light lunch on its own or served with tortilla chips for a crunchy appetizer. Garnish with additional cilantro or a sprinkle of chili powder for an extra kick.
Tips
- For a different flavor profile, substitute the feta cheese with crumbled cotija or goat cheese.
- Add a diced avocado for extra creaminess and flavor.
- For a spicier version, include diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper in the dressing.
- Make the salad a few hours ahead of time and let it sit in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to meld.
Prep Time
- 15 minutes
Cooking Time
- 0 minutes (additional time if cooking fresh corn)
Total Time
- 15-20 minutes (depending on if you need to cook any ingredients)
Nutritional Information
- (Approximate values per serving)
- Calories: 180-220
- Protein: 4-6 grams
- Sodium: 150-200 mg
Conclusion
Corn salad is a versatile and delicious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Its combination of fresh vegetables, sweet corn, and tangy dressing makes it a refreshing and satisfying option. Easy to prepare and full of vibrant flavors, this salad is sure to become a favorite at your table. Whether you're hosting a barbecue, packing a picnic, or looking for a simple side dish, corn salad is a go-to recipe that everyone will love.
PrintCorn Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Corn Salad recipe is a refreshing and colorful mix of sweet corn, vibrant veggies, and a tangy dressing. Ideal for picnics, barbecues, or as a light side dish, it’s quick to prepare and bursting with flavor.
Ingredients
- Corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Red bell pepper, diced
- Cucumber, diced
- Red onion, finely chopped
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime juice
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
- Optional: avocado, diced; feta cheese, crumbled
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine corn kernels, halved cherry tomatoes, diced red bell pepper, diced cucumber, and finely chopped red onion.
- Add chopped fresh cilantro and mix well.
- In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.
- If using, gently fold in diced avocado and crumbled feta cheese.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.
Notes
- For extra flavor, grill the corn before cutting the kernels off the cob.
- Adjust the lime juice and salt to taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
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