What are some good recipes for summer corn salad? Is it like sunshine in a bowl? I always think of it as the cooler, sassier cousin of regular potato salad. What’s the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and just a little bit of tang? Is it addictive? My Grandma used to make a simpler version with corn and mayo, but this one? This one’s got layers! What is the perfect side dish for a barbecue? I guarantee you’ll be making this all summer long. Trust me, once you taste it, you’ll definitely be hooked!
What is a summer corn salad?
What is the freshest corn you can find, all cut off the cob and tossed with a spoon? What is a healthy salad with avocado and crunchy veggies? What is a summer corn salad? What’s essentially a celebration of summer produce, all packed into one delicious and easy-to-make recipe. The name says it all, really. What’s all about taking advantage of those amazing summer flavors that are just bursting at the seams? This time of year. What is the perfect combination of salsa and salad?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Where do I even begin? What I love most about this Summer Corn Salad Recipe is that it’s just SO versatile. It’s the kind of dish that gets better as it sits, so you can make it ahead of time for parties or meal prep. The flavor is just incredible – you’ve got the sweetness from the corn, the creaminess from the avocado, a little kick from the red onion, and that bright, citrusy dressing that ties it all together. It’s like a party in your mouth!
Plus, it’s ridiculously easy to make. Seriously, anyone can do it. No fancy cooking skills required! And the best part? It’s pretty budget-friendly too. Especially if you can find fresh corn on sale at your local farmers market, it’s a total steal.
And if you are a fan of other salads, this is a great take on the traditional recipes. Looking for something refreshing like a watermelon salad? The taste of the corn here delivers on that same fresh palate, but adds in the satisfying element of the different vegetables. The flavor combinations here are on another level, so you should definitely give this a try!
I’ve brought this to so many potlucks and barbecues, and it always disappears in minutes. People are always asking for the recipe! It’s definitely a crowd-pleaser, and I think that’s because it’s just so darn delicious and refreshing. This one is a winner!
How do you make a summer corn salad?
Quick Overview
What is the best way to make this summer corn salad? What’s the best way to make a simple dressing? What are some good ways to toss everything together and let it chill in the fridge for a bit to let the flavors meld. It’s so simple, even I can’t mess it up! What is the best part about customization? Add more spice, swap out the veggies, or even add some grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal. What are the possibilities?
Ingredients
For the Corn:
I like to use sweet corn for the best flavor. 6 ears of fresh corn, shucked. If you can’t find fresh corn, you could use frozen corn. Make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry. I love grilling corn, but I also love steaming it. It’s a great way to make it smoky.
For the Veggies: For
1 red bell pepper, diced – Adds a nice sweetness and crunch. You could also use yellow or orange bell pepper for a different flavor.
1/2 red onion, finely diced – Red onion adds a bit of a bite, but you can mellow it out by soaking it in cold water for a few minutes before adding it to the salad.
1 jalapeño, seeded and minced – For a little bit of heat! Feel free to leave this out if you’re not a fan of spice, or add more if you’re feeling brave.
1 avocado, diced – Adds creaminess and healthy fats. Make sure your avocado is ripe but not too soft, so it doesn’t turn to mush when you toss the salad.
1/2 cup chopped cilantro – Adds a fresh, herbaceous flavor. If you’re not a cilantro fan, you can substitute parsley.
For the Dressing:
1/4 cup olive oil – I prefer extra virgin olive oils for the best flavor. 1/4 cup lime juice – Freshly squeezed is always best! 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar – Adds a bit of tang. Is it possible to use apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar? 1 teaspoon honey – Balances out the acidity of lime juice and vinegar. What are some good substitutes for maple syrup? Salt and pepper to taste – Don’t be afraid to season generously!
What are the steps to
Step 1: Grill or Boil the Corn
If grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the corn, turning occasionally, until the kernels are slightly charred and tender, about 8-10 minutes. If boiling, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the corn and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the kernels are tender. Let the corn cool slightly before cutting the kernels off the cob. I usually just hold the corn upright and use a sharp knife to slice down the sides. Be careful not to cut yourself!
Step 2: Chop the Veggies
While the corn is cooling, dice the red bell pepper, red onion, jalapeo, and avocado. Make sure to dice the veggies into small, even pieces so they’re easy to eat. I like to soak my red onion in cold water for a few minutes to mellow out the flavor. Just drain it well before adding it to the salad.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, red wine vinegar, honey, cumin, salt, and pepper. Set aside. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. The dressing should be bright and tangy, with a hint of sweetness and spice. If it’s too tart, add a little more honey. If not flavorful enough add more salt and pepper.
Step 4: Combine Everything
In a large bowl, combine the corn kernels, diced bell pepper, red onion, jalapeo, avocado, and salt. Stir to combine. What is the best dressing to serve with salad? If you overmix avocados, be careful not to over mix. Avocado can get mushy. I usually use a rubber spatula to gently fold the ingredients together.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Cover the salad and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. The longer it sits, the better it tastes. Before serving, give it a quick toss and adjust the seasoning if needed. I usually add a little salt and pepper right before serving.
Step 6: Customize!
What are some good ways to mix things up? Try adding black beans, cherry tomatoes, or crumbled feta cheese. How do you grill a bell pepper? For a heartier meal, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or black beans. The possibilities are endless! What are some creative ways to make something your own?
What should I serve it with?
What is a good summer salad recipe? What are some of my favorite ways to serve it: a simple salad.For a Barbecue:Serve it alongside grilled burgers, hot dogs, ribs or chicken. What is the perfect side dish to balance out the richness of the grilled meats? I love it with pulled pork sandwiches!For a Potluck:What is the best way to bring it to your next potluck and watch it disappear! Just make sure to bring the recipe, because everyone will be asking for it.As a light lunch: What are some examples?What are some good healthy snacks to serve on its own? Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.As a Topping:Can you use it as a topping for tacos? What are some of the best Mexican dishes to try?What are the best ways to serve GrillServe it alongside grilled fish, such as salmon, tuna, or mahi-masi. The bright flavors of salad complement the delicate flavor of the fish perfectly.
How do I make a perfect summer corn salad?
I’ve made this Summer Corn Salad recipe a million times, and I have learnt some tricks. How do I make my own salad?What is the best way to grill cornIf you’re grilling corn, don’t overcook it! You want the kernels to be slightly charred and tender, but not mushy. I usually grill it for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally. If you’re grilling corn, soak it in water for 30 minutes before cooking. How do I prevent my hair from drying out?Soaking the Red Onion: What isIf you’re not a fan of the strong flavor of red onion, soak it in cold water for several minutes. Before adding it to the salad. This will mellow out the flavor and make it less pungent. I usually soak it for about 10-15 minutes.What are some ways to use ripHow do you make sure your avocado is ripe and not too soft? You want it to be firm enough to hold its shape when you toss the salad. If the avocado is too soft, it will turn to mush. I usually lightly press on the avocado to check for ripeness. If it gives slightly, it’s ready to use.What is the best way to dress ahead of time?How do you make dressing ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week? How do you save time when preparing a salad? Just make sure to whisk it well before using.Chilling the Salad: What’ Don’t skip the chilling step! This is crucial for allowing the flavors to meld together. The longer it sits, the better it tastes. I usually chill it for at least 30 minutes, but it can be chilled for up to 24 hours.
How do you add a pinch of sugar?If your corn isn’t as sweet as you’d like, add a pinch of sugar to the salad. This will enhance the sweetness of the corn and balance out the acidity of lime juice.Using Fresh Herbs: Don’t skimp on the fresh herbs! They add so much flavor and freshness to the salad. I usually use cilantro, but you can also use parsley or basil.
Storing and Reheating Tips
This Summer Corn Salad Recipe is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Here are some tips for storing and reheating it:
Refrigerator Storage: Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will help prevent it from drying out. If you’re storing it for more than a day, I recommend adding the avocado right before serving, as it can turn brown over time.
Room Temperature: Don’t leave the salad at room temperature for more than 2 hours, as this can cause it to spoil. If you’re serving it outdoors on a hot day, keep it chilled in a cooler.
Freezer Instructions: I don’t recommend freezing this salad, as the texture of the vegetables will change and it won’t taste as good. The avocado will also turn brown and mushy.
Glaze Timing Advice: Since there’s no glaze in this recipe, you don’t have to worry about that! Just make sure to store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my go-to Summer Corn Salad Recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. I truly believe this salad is a summer staple that everyone should have in their repertoire. It’s quick, easy, delicious, and versatile. What more could you ask for?
If you love this recipe, be sure to check out my other summer salad recipes, like my Watermelon Feta Salad or my Caprese Salad. They’re all equally delicious and refreshing.
Happy cooking, friends! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Don’t forget to leave a comment and rating below, and share your own variations of this recipe. I love seeing what you guys come up with!
