Fresh Corn Salad is an easy summer side dish recipe that is perfect for potlucks. This easy corn salad recipe is loaded with flavor, color and crunch!
Corn is one of my favorite summer vegetables. I know it's not the most nutritious, but man does it taste good.
When corn is not in season, I almost always choose frozen or canned. There's nothing worse than "fresh" corn on the cob that isn't very good, and when it's not in season and has be be shipped in, I'd rather use frozen.
Summer time is the best time to make grilled corn salad from whole ears of corn!
Ingredients needed:
The salad is simply made up of four ingredients.
- Fresh corn - can use thawed frozen corn or drained canned corn
- Red onion - you can soak the diced onion in water to tame the flavor and shallots are a fantastic substitution
- Orange bell pepper - you can use yellow, green or red too
- Fresh basil - my favorite ingredient!
The dressing couldn't be easier.
- White balsamic vinegar - you can substitute apple cider vinegar or lemon juice, but I prefer the white balsamic
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper
How to make this recipe:
- First step is to cook the corn if using fresh. My preferred method is to grill it because I love the flavor of the little roasted bits. If using corn on the cob, you'll need to remove the corn. I used to use a paring knife but have since moved onto this handy dandy corn prep peeler (aka a game changer).
- Toss the corn with the onion, bell pepper, and basil.
- Add the oil and vinegar. No need to mix the dressing separately.
- Final step is to taste, season with salt and pepper, and taste again.
Make ahead directions:
Since this is a cold salad, just do all the prep and keep it refrigerated in an air tight container until you're ready to serve. I find that this salad is best on the day of, but still tastes great for the next few days.
If you're wanting to prep this salad a day or more in advance, don't add the basil until you're ready to serve.
Everyone loves this salad! It goes great with so many summer recipes like Dutch Oven Roasted Chicken or Stuffed Bacon Jalapeno Cheddar Burgers!
Fresh Corn Salad
Ingredients
- 6 ears corn (frozen or can corn can be substituted if fresh is not in season)
- 1/2 large red onion (diced)
- 1 orange bell pepper (or red bell pepper, stem and seeds removed, diced)
- 1/2 cup fresh basil (diced, packed)
- 3 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)
Instructions
- Cook corn using your preferred method. This can be done on the grill or griddle, steamed in a pot on the stove, or in an Instant Pot with about a cup of water for only a few minutes. When corn is cool enough to handle, remove the kernels and add to a large bowl.
- If the taste of raw onion is too strong for your liking, you can soak the diced onion in cold water for about a half an hour and drain. Otherwise, just add the onions along with the bell pepper and basil to the corn.
- No need to mix the salad dressing separately. Just add the vinegar, oil, salt and pepper to the salad ingredients and toss to combine. Taste and adjust salt and pepper, oil and vinegar, if needed.
NUTRITION INFORMATION
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J'Marinde
I am allergic to balsamic. What can I sub for this? Thank you.
Krissy
You can use apple cider vinegar or lemon or lime juice. Just need some acid to balance out the fat and salt.
Beth Pierce
Such a perfect side dish with a summer dinner! So light, easy and packed with flavor! Delicious!
Sarah Skaggs
Yummm, this is delicious! Having the leftovers for lunch!
Alli
Corn salad is our favorite go to summer side. This recipe was amazing. Will make again!
Jen
This is one of my favorite dishes to bring to a BBQ or potluck especially during the summer. Everyone loves it because I'm always bringing home an empty serving dish. Love it!
Becky Hardinbeck
So good. The perfect summer salad idea.
Becky Hardin
Such a delicious corn salad. I have to make this for our next family cookout.