5 Delicious Corn Salad Recipes You'll Love

Whether you are a fan of sweet corn or looking for a new, healthy dish to add to your summer menu, corn salads are a delightful choice. Not only are they versatile and easy to prepare, but they also offer a variety of flavors and textures that can complement any meal. In this blog post, we'll explore five delectable corn salad recipes that you can enjoy throughout the warmer months or anytime you crave something fresh and vibrant.

1. Classic Summer Corn Salad

This simple yet flavorful salad is a staple at summer barbecues:

• Ingredients:
  • 6 ears of fresh corn, shucked and kernels cut off
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 small red onion, finely chopped
  • ¹⁄₄ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional for a bit of heat)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Preparation:
  1. In a large bowl, combine the corn, bell pepper, onion, cilantro, and jalapeño.
  2. Whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper, then drizzle over the salad and mix well.
  3. Chill for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld before serving.

🌟 Note: This salad tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to deepen.

2. Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites)

Bring the flavors of Mexico to your table:

• Ingredients:
  • 4 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
  • ¹⁄₄ cup mayonnaise or Mexican crema
  • ¹⁄₄ cup crumbled cotija cheese
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ¹⁄₄ cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • Salt to taste
• Preparation:
  1. Grill or roast the corn until lightly charred, or if using frozen, you can thaw it.
  2. In a bowl, combine the corn with mayonnaise, cotija cheese, chili powder, cilantro, and lime juice.
  3. Season with salt and mix thoroughly.

3. Corn and Avocado Salad

This salad offers a creamy texture with the richness of avocado:

• Ingredients:
  • 4 ears of corn, shucked
  • 2 avocados, diced
  • ¹⁄₂ small red onion, finely sliced
  • ¹⁄₂ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ¹⁄₄ cup fresh basil leaves, torn
  • 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Preparation:
  1. Grill the corn until slightly charred, let it cool, then cut the kernels off the cob.
  2. In a serving bowl, gently combine corn, avocado, red onion, tomatoes, and basil.
  3. In another small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Pour over the salad and toss gently to combine.

4. Corn and Black Bean Salad

A hearty and healthy salad perfect for picnics:

• Ingredients:
  • 2 cups fresh corn kernels
  • 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • ¹⁄₄ cup chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
  • ¹⁄₂ teaspoon cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Preparation:
  1. In a large bowl, combine the corn, black beans, bell pepper, and parsley.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the garlic, olive oil, vinegar, cumin, salt, and pepper.
  3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well to coat.

5. Spicy Corn and Cucumber Salad

A refreshing dish with a slight kick:

• Ingredients:
  • 3 cups fresh corn kernels
  • 1 large cucumber, peeled, seeded, and diced
  • 1 serrano or jalapeño pepper, finely chopped
  • ¹⁄₂ red onion, thinly sliced
  • ¹⁄₄ cup chopped fresh mint
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon honey or agave syrup
• Preparation:
  1. In a bowl, mix the corn, cucumber, pepper, onion, and mint.
  2. Whisk together the lemon juice, rice vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, and honey. Pour over the salad and toss to mix well.

Each of these corn salad recipes offers its unique twist on the classic ingredient, proving that corn can be the star of a healthy, delicious, and diverse array of dishes. Whether you're hosting a dinner party, attending a potluck, or just looking to enrich your regular meals with something fresh and flavorful, these salads can be made ahead of time, making meal prep even easier.

Can corn salads be made with frozen corn?

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Yes, frozen corn can be used in these recipes. Just thaw it before use, or use it directly if the recipe calls for roasting or grilling to achieve a similar effect to fresh corn.

What are good substitutes for fresh herbs if they aren’t available?

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If fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley aren’t available, you can substitute with dried herbs. Use about one-third the amount called for in the recipe since dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.

How long will these corn salads last in the fridge?

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These salads can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to keep them in an airtight container to preserve the freshness of the ingredients.

Can these salads be made vegan?

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Yes, all these recipes can be easily adapted to be vegan. Substitute mayonnaise or cheese with vegan alternatives, and omit or use agave syrup instead of honey where listed.

What’s the best way to store leftover salads?

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Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container. If the salad has avocado, try to eat it within a day to avoid browning or consider adding avocado freshly when serving the salad again.