🌽 Easy & Bright Corn Salad for Every Table 🌽
Every summer, there’s one dish that keeps popping up at our gatherings like that beloved old friend you just can’t wait to see—the vibrant, fresh, and absolutely unbeatable corn salad! I’m talking about sweet juicy corn, ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumber, zesty basil, and creamy feta, all mingling together in a tangy lime dressing. Honestly, if summer had a flavor, it would taste just like this corn salad. Whether I’m grilling burgers, packing a picnic basket, or just craving a refreshing side dish, this corn salad never fails me. Trust me—you’ll be making this on repeat all season long!
My First Bite: A Corn Salad Love Story ❤️
It’s funny, isn’t it—how food can take you back in time and jog your memory? I clearly remember when I first stumbled upon this fresh corn salad recipe. It was a sun-soaked afternoon during a family cookout, and though the tabletop was filled with mouthwatering eats, the corn salad was hands-down the star of the show. I loaded up my plate—twice!—and immediately hunted down the chef (my Aunt Lydia, if you’re curious) demanding the recipe.
Aunt Lydia laughed warmly, jotting the recipe on an old napkin. Ever since, I’ve been tweaking and sharing it proudly with everyone who asks. This corn salad has a history in our family now, and I’m so excited to pass it along to yours. So, let’s get cooking, friends!
🛒 What You’ll Need:
The freshest ingredients bring the brightest flavors—here’s your shopping list!
– 4 cups corn (from about 5 fresh ears, or you can use canned corn, about 41 oz., just make sure it’s drained)
– ¼ large red onion, diced (for a pop of color and crisp bite!)
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (sweetness overload!)
– 1 cup cucumber, quartered (about half of an English cucumber)
– ¼ cup fresh basil, sliced (the secret to summer freshness!)
– ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese (the creamy surprise!)
– 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
– 2 tablespoons white vinegar
– 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
– 1 teaspoon kosher salt
– ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Simple enough, right? 😄 Let’s move on to the fun part—putting all these flavors together!
👩🍳 Step-by-Step: How to Make This Bright & Easy Corn Salad
Step 1: Prep the Corn 🌽
Starting with fresh corn? Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add your shucked ears of corn, and boil for only about 5 minutes. Then let them cool and use a sharp knife to slice those sweet corn kernels off the cob. (Quick tip: skip cooking altogether if you have super fresh corn. Yep—crisp, juicy, and delicious!)
If using canned corn, just make sure it’s drained well.
Step 2: Let’s Toss It Up 🥗
In a large bowl, combine your corn kernels, sweet cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, crunchy cucumber, crumbled feta, and fragrant basil. Bright and beautiful!
Step 3: Whisk & Dress 🍋
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, white vinegar, lime juice, salt, and pepper until it’s emulsified and lightly tangy.
Step 4: Combine & Smile 😊
Drizzle your homemade dressing over the salad ingredients, then gently toss to combine everything. Seriously, that’s it—you’re already done!
Serving Suggestions: Let’s Eat! 🍽️
The great thing about this corn salad? It’s versatile—like summer in a bowl! Here are some of the fantastic ways to enjoy it:
– Serve as a side to grilled steaks, burgers, or barbecued chicken.
– Spoon over crispy taco bowls or soft tortillas for a colorful topping.
– Pair alongside grilled seafood like shrimp or salmon.
– Enjoy solo for lunch with crunchy bread—this salad shines as the main dish, too!
🌿 Pro Tips & Storage Secrets:
Make Ahead Magic:
This salad is perfect for preparing in advance—just keep the basil separate until you’re ready to serve. Toss it in at the last minute to keep that flavorful freshness!
Keeping it Fresh:
Got leftovers? Great! Pop them into an airtight container in the fridge—it will stay tasty and fresh up to about four days, perfect for easy lunches and healthy snacking.
Flavor Variations:
Feeling creative? Add some diced avocado right before serving for added creaminess, or sprinkle lightly toasted pine nuts for a subtle crunch. Yum!
🥣 Prep & Nutrition Overview:
– Prep Time: Just about 10 minutes!
– Total Time: Yep, still 10 minutes—it’s seriously that easy.
– Servings: Perfect for a gathering—this recipe serves up to 10.
– Nutritional Benefits: Light, refreshing, vegetarian-friendly, packed full of flavors, vitamins, and garden-fresh goodness. Delicious and guilt-free? Yes, please!
Some Corny (but Fun!) Facts:
– Did you know corn is technically a cereal grain, and it’s packed full of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants? Delicious AND nutritious—you’re welcome!
In Conclusion – Keep Your Summers Sunny and Delicious ☀️
When it comes to summer traditions, this corn salad is firmly planted in my family’s recipe hall-of-fame. Juicy corn kernels, bright tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and flavorful feta blended together in a lime-infused dressing—it’s pure, sunny magic. I genuinely can’t wait for you and your family to taste it, share smiles around the picnic table, and make it part of YOUR summer traditions, too!
Happy cooking, my friends! 🌽❤️
Let’s Keep Cooking Together – Share Your Salad Snaps! 📸
I can’t wait to see your vibrant corn salad creations! Tag me in your photos—I love hearing from you and seeing your kitchen masterpieces. Until next time, stay cool, cook happy, and enjoy the magic of fresh summer salads!
With culinary hugs,
Your Chef Friend ✌️👩🍳💚
Print
Easy & Bright Corn Salad for Every Table
- Total Time: 10 mins
- Yield: 10
Ingredients
• 4 cups corn (5 fresh ears, or 41 oz canned, drained)
• ¼ large red onion, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup cucumber, quartered (about ½ an English cucumber)
• ¼ cup fresh basil, sliced
• ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp white vinegar
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
For fresh corn: Boil shucked corn for 5 minutes, then cut off the kernels. (Fresh corn can also be used raw!)
Combine corn, cucumber, red onion, tomatoes, basil, and feta in a large bowl.
In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, vinegar, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently. Serve fresh.
Notes
🌿 Tips & Storage:
• Make ahead: Mix everything except the basil—add that right before serving.
• Keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Light, fresh, vegetarian, and full of garden goodness
- Prep Time: 10 mins