Fresh Corn Salad

When warm weather arrives, along with irresistible seasonal produce, it’s only fitting to make these veggies and fruits the star of the show. This fresh corn salad fits the bill of dishes you should have on your summer bucket list. It’s sweet and spicy, adding flavor and color to any plate, and it will pair deliciously with practically any grilled meat or fish.

You can prepare this refreshing and tasty corn salad in under 20 minutes. While we have our veggie recommendations, feel free to customize the dish with whatever seasonal or available ingredients you have on hand.

Fresh Corn Salad Ingredients

• Corn: We boil the fresh corn to soften it before adding it to the salad. These tender kernels impart subtle sweet notes to the dish.
• Apple cider vinegar: We use apple cider vinegar as the base to make a sweet and tart dressing.
• Lemon juice: A spritz of lemon juice in the vinaigrette gives it a zesty flavor.
• Parsley: This herb adds a burst of fragrance and a pop of color to the fresh corn salad.
• Sugar: We add a few teaspoons of sugar to enhance the sweetness of the tangy vinaigrette, but you can substitute it with honey or agave if you like.
• Dried basil: To infuse the fresh corn salad with a fragrant aroma, we sprinkle it with dried basil.
• Cayenne pepper: We use a few dashes of cayenne pepper to add some heat to this salad.
• Tomatoes: Seeded and chopped tomatoes are added to this dish to provide moisture and sweetness to the fresh corn salad.
• Onion: To balance the sweetness of this salad, we incorporate diced raw onion for a savory and zesty kick.
• Green pepper: This fresh corn salad looks stunning on a plate, thanks in part to the color from the green peppers.
• Sweet red pepper: To enhance the sweetness of this salad, we add red pepper.

Directions

Step 1: Cook the corn

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Place the corn in a stockpot and cover it with water. Bring the water to a boil, then cover and cook until the corn is tender, three to five minutes. Drain the water, and set the corn aside to cool.

Step 2: Make the vinaigrette

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In a large bowl, combine the oil, vinegar, lemon juice, parsley, sugar, salt (if desired), basil and cayenne pepper. Whisk until the dressing comes together.

Step 3: Cut the corn kernels

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Cut the kernels off the cooled corn. You should retain about 4 cups.

Step 4: Assemble the corn salad

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Add the corn, tomatoes, onion and peppers to the vinaigrette, mixing everything well. Store your fresh corn salad, covered, in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight, until you’re ready to serve.

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Fresh Corn Salad Variations

• Grill the corn: Consider charring the corn on the grill instead of boiling it to infuse smoky flavors into your salad.
• Boost the heat: Slice up serrano or jalapeno peppers and add them to this fresh corn salad to give it a spicy kick.
• Toss in some cheese: To add creamy and savory flavors, sprinkle feta, cotija or burrata cheese over your corn salad.

How to Store Fresh Corn Salad

This vibrant corn salad can be packed into an airtight container and stored for up to four days in the refrigerator. If it becomes dry after chilling, add a few spoonfuls of olive oil to liven it back up.

Can you make fresh corn salad ahead of time?

You can prepare this salad ahead of time for special gatherings or meal prep. Just follow the recipe, store it in the fridge for up to four days and take it out when you’re ready to serve.

Can you freeze fresh corn salad?

We recommend not freezing this fresh corn salad recipe to maintain its quality. The high moisture content could result in a soggy texture when it’s thawed.

How long does fresh corn salad last?

If you plan to meal prep this salad or have lots of leftovers, store it in the fridge for up to four days. However, if you have a vacuum sealer, you can pack it up and keep it for up to five days in the refrigerator.

Fresh Corn Salad Tips

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Can you use frozen corn for this salad recipe?

To save even more time with this salad recipe, try using frozen corn. If you go this route, we recommend thawing the frozen corn in hot water using a strainer or letting it sit in the fridge overnight so it’s still tender when you add it to the dish.

Is this fresh corn salad recipe gluten-free?

Corn and all the other ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free. Therefore, if you have guests with a gluten intolerance, we can recommend this dish for your next gathering.

What can I serve with fresh corn salad?

This fresh corn salad is a versatile dish that can enhance a variety of meals. It complements grilled meats such as chicken, ribs and pork, as well as seafood like salmon, shrimp or cod fish. It can also serve as a delicious salsa, making it an excellent topping for tacos, salads or rice bowls.

What other vegetables can I add to fresh corn salad recipes?

You can add many other vegetables to corn salad, based on what you find at the farmers market or what you’ve harvested from your own garden. Try adding chopped raw zucchini, summer squash or some spicy hot peppers. If you have a bunch of green beans, blanch them to brighten their color and soften them up a bit before stirring them into the salad. Have a lot of fresh herbs? Grab a handful and toss them in too!

Can the corn be added raw?

A lot of people don’t realize you can eat corn raw. In fact, it’s better for you, since you won’t cook off any valuable nutrients and vitamins. You’ll be surprised at the fresh flavor and delicate crunch it has.