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When asked to bring a side dish to share for a summer BBQ, we LOVE bringing this simple, flavorful corn salad. It doesn’t get soggy and can be made ahead of time!
While it doesn’t need to be summer, it’s especially perfect for summertime. It’s light, flavorful, and delicious and usually gone in minutes!!
One of the main reasons we love this salad is that it takes less than 15 minutes to make. It’s full of corn, basil, cucumber, feta, and tomatoes – some of our FAVORITE ingredients.
If you love this salad, you will also enjoy our Frito Corn Salad or Mexican Corn Salad.
Why we think you’ll love it:
- Make ahead! This easy salad can be chilled until you’re ready to serve it – great for planning in advance.
- Just minutes of prep. It’s ready to serve in under 15 minutes, then just chill until you need it! Asparagus Salad and Tomato Cucumber Salad are just as simple.
- Packed with veggies! This salad is full of vegetables and lightly dressed for a hearty, healthy option.
Corn Salad Ingredients And Substitutions
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 tablespoon lime juice – fresh squeezed or from a bottle
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1½ cups corn fresh or thawed frozen corn – We prefer fresh for the flavor, but frozen works as well. If you’re in a pinch, drain 2 cans of corn.
- 1½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved – or grape tomatoes
- ½ cup cucumber, finely chopped – Peel and chop a regular cucumber or slice up an English cucumber.
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, minced – You can also add fresh parsley.
- ⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese – Substitute the feta for a cheese with a similar crumbly texture: Ricotta, Halloumi, Queso Fresco, or Goat Cheese.
- 2 tablespoons Italian dressing (optional) – or toss with apple cider vinegar
- optional veggies – bell peppers, avocado, red onion or green onion, or grilled zucchini
How to Make Corn Salad
- DRESSING. Whisk 2 tablespoons of olive oil, lime juice, and salt in a small bowl and set aside.
- VEGGIES. Cook corn in a skillet with remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil until tender.
- Pour corn into a large bowl and cool slightly. Add tomatoes, cucumber, and basil. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- SERVE. Just before serving, drizzle with the homemade dressing, Italian dressing (optional), and add feta cheese (if desired). ENJOY!
Kristyn’s Recipe Tips
- For added flavor grill the corn cobs before removing the kernels. If you do this, skip cooking the kernels in step 2.
- When we don’t have fresh herbs, we use dried herbs; 1 tablespoon of fresh herbs = 1 teaspoon of dried herbs.
- We prefer using yellow corn because the colors look amazing, but white corn can be used as well.
Corn Salad
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil divided
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1½ cups corn, fresh or thawed frozen corn
- 1½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup cucumber, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, minced
- ⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons Italian dressing, (optional)
Instructions
- Whisk 2 tablespoons of olive oil, lime juice, and salt in a small bowl and set aside.
- Cook corn in a skillet with remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil until tender.
- Pour corn into a large bowl and cool slightly. Add tomatoes, cucumber, and basil. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Right before serving, drizzle on the homemade dressing, Italian dressing (optional), and add feta cheese (if desired). ENJOY!
Video
Notes
- While fresh corn is so delicious, drained canned corn can also be used.
- For added flavor, grill corn cobs before removing the kernels. If you do this, skip cooking the kernels in step 2.
- When we don’t have fresh herbs, we use dried herbs; 1 tablespoon of fresh herbs = 1 teaspoon of dried herbs.
- The color of yellow corn looks amazing, but white corn can be used as well.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Recipe FAQ
Cook up the corn the day before, slice the veggies, and keep them in separate containers in the fridge. Toss everything together and refrigerate for 30-60 minutes before serving.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days.
Hold the cob perpendicular to a cutting board.
Using a paring knife, slice downward, cutting the corn kernels off in a long strip.
Rotate the cob and slice again.
Continue until all the kernels have been removed.
Complete The Meal
Main Dishes
Corn Sides
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This recipe was originally published May 2017.
Recipe adapted from Taste of Home.
Getting ready to make a double batch. Just wondering, should the olive oil be doubled?
Yes, I would double all of the ingredients if making a double batch.
Don’t like feta. What can I use in its place?
You could do parmesan, goat cheese, or even queso fresco for more of a Mexican spin on the dish.
I have brought this to 4 BBQs this summer and everyone loves it!! It is so light – when everyone else is bring heavy macaroni or potato salad this stands out! It is so easy and quick yet impressive!
Thank you! I’m so happy to hear this salad has been a hit!
Going to make it tomorrow
Made this for Father’s Day it was an absolute hit!!!!
I made this for a family reunion and everyone loved it! Family favorite now.
I made the summer corn salad for Easter weekend lunch. It was a big hit! I made a double batch so that everybody could take home leftovers. I will definitely use this recipe again!
Yay! So happy to hear the salad was a success!
This is delicious. It tastes great the next day too. The amounts of veggies and feta are very flexible. I used a can of corn. Also the store was out of basil.
Amazing!! Soo flavorful! Our fam loved it!
This tasted so amazing! Thanks a lot for sharing this super easy to make summer corn salad recipe! Fam really loves it! Will surely have this again! Highly recommended!
We loved this salad! The feta cheese adds so much flavor!!
I used a can of corn. didn’t have the cucumber and skipped the italian dressing. it was fabulous and got so many raves. My only complaint is there wasn’t enough of it!
That’s a good complaint to have 🙂 Glad it was a hit! Thank you!
I can’t ✋ wait to try your recipes
I can’t wait for you to try them! Hope you like them!
Tates like summer!!! I forgot how mucH i love feta!! We added chicKen and ate it for lunch… but no basil- i really don’t like it. Used italian dressing and it was great! Will definitely be part of our summer Rotation!
That sounds yum! Thank you for trying it & for sharing what you did!
I’ve made it twice in one week! I used fresh corn and homegrown cherry tomatoes. So much flavor for so few ingredients. Thank you for sharing this recipe as it’s now one of my favorites! Teri
You are so welcome! I am glad to share 🙂 So happy you like it that much!
We LOved this Recipe. We added shrimp and it was amazing. We had leftovers and it was a little soggy the next day, so we will either make less or refrain from mixing it all the next time we make it.
Yay! I am so glad to hear that! Thank you!
YOU DO NOT HAVE TO COOK THE CORN
One of our favorite salads!! Delicious! Kids eat it too. Sometimes we switch feta for goat, sometimes we add avocado, sometimes we stiCk to the original recipe. NeVer have added italian dressing— peRfect flavor with just the oil, lime and salt. Love it!! Thank you!
You are welcome! Those are all great options & I am glad your kids like it, too!
Made this and even roasted corn in skillet with some diced bell peppers and added black beans to salad, great recipe and easy to follow!
Thank you for sharing that! That sounds yum!
WHat a delicious salad! The ingredients go so well together! It’s perfect as a side or a meal!
This is the PERFECT summer salad. So many yummy foods in one delicious salad.
THE SALAD RECIPE YOU SHARED IS EASY TO UNDERSTAND AND DELICIOUS. I WILL LEARN TO MAKE THIS DISH.
Thank you for saying that! I hope you will!
I love this salad. I ate the whole thing all by myself.
Glad you do! Thank you for trying it!
Wonderful combination of favorite flavors! Easy to make in advance, with fresh seasonal ingredients
I am so glad you think so 🙂 Thank you for sharing that!
I’m a little confused on oil and how much to use. There is two different measures.
It is 3 Tablespoons divided. Use 2 T in step 1, then you will cook the corn with the last 1 T. Hope you like it!
Any reason I couldn’t swap out the feta for goat cheese crumbles? We’re all trying to cut back on the salt, and we all like the goat cheese…
You sure could 🙂 That would be tasty!
Fantastic job!! Great thinking with pineapples and chopped ginger! Thanks for sharing
Glad to share 🙂 Thank you!
This recipe was added to my family’s regular rotation months ago and we still love it. I add in chickpeas to make it a little more filling and we use it as lunch! Yum!
Sounds great! I am so glad you like it!! I will have to try adding the chickpeas 🙂
Thanks!
this salad is truly perfect for the summer!
I love corn on the cob. This salad is Full of corn, easy to put together and the perfect dish for any gathering.
All of my favorites in one dish! I never thought to combine corn with feta & other ingredients & the dressing was delicious!!
Excellent!
Thank you!! I am glad you think so 😉
This salad was so good! I’ve made it twice in one week! I used fresh corn and homegrown cherry tomatoes. So much flavor for so few ingredients. Thank you for sharing this recipe as it’s now one of my favorites! Teri
You are so welcome!! I am so glad you liked it!! Thank you for letting me know!
Have tried it at home and it’s so tasty. Thank you so much for that and keep up your great work!
Thanks so much!! You are so nice!
Going to make this for my BBQ tomorrow. I am thinking of doing a little Balsamic vinagrette instead of Italian dressing… Do you think this would be okay?
I bet that would taste great! Have fun!
Don’t have Italian dressing on hand, and am too lazy to go to the store. I know I could probably just omit it, but if I want to mimic its flavor, what would you suggest?
I haven’t tried making it from scratch. I would just look online homemade recipes for Italian dressing. I bet there are tons 🙂
Love love love love the ???? ???? salad super easy family loved it
I am so glad your family loved it! Thank you for letting me know & for giving it a try!
Sooo good! Strained black beans. Did not add extra dressing. Kept in fridge for a few hours. I also roasted the corn so it was browned and sweet.
I served this with grilled marinated shrimp. Very fresh and light!!! A real winner!!!
Sounds perfect!! Thank you for sharing that! I am glad you like it 🙂
I made the Summer Corn Salad for my neighborhood social and it was a big hit. Thanks.
I am so glad it was a hit 🙂 And, yes, it’s still great the next day! Thank you for letting me know!
Looking forward to more great ideas
Thank you!! I look forward to you stopping by! Hope you find some to try 🙂
Made the corn salad tonight… It was amazing.. Tomatoes and cucumbers from our garden.. Used fresh mozzarella instead of feta…. We will make this part of our Sunday night bbq sides..
Awesome!! Fresh ingredients..nothing better 🙂 Thank you for letting me know!
I use fresh corn and roast it on BBQ or in my broiler with butter and paprika
and let it cool. It multiplies the flaver by 100%. Cut off cob.
Sounds delish!! Thank you for sharing!
Can this be made a day in advance?
I haven’t made it a day in advance, only morning of, but it should be good 🙂
I had it leftover from yesterday afternoon and it’s still delicious.
Trader Jie’s Has frozen grilled corn!! Saves a lot of steps.
Thanks for sharing 🙂 Nice, when you don’t have a lot of time!
Can this be made a day or two in advance?
I’ve already made it and it was fantastic. Having a big BBQ and to save time I would like to make it ahead.
I haven’t tried. I’m not sure I would make it a couple days ahead, but maybe the night before..would be the earliest I make it. You could always try? I’m glad you like it 🙂 Thank you!
This looks amazing! I will definately give it a try!
I hope I will manage as I am not a great cook!
It’s hard to mess up 🙂 You can do it!! Let me know what you think!
Sounds delicious salads always a winner especially if you are alone and do not feel for cooking
Exactly!! Thanks so much!
This salad should be a part of your eating plan daily ! Anyway i would go for Fresh Corn rather than Frozen since now it’s available almost anywhere.
Thanks so much for stopping by!
Loved this recipe! Very light and refreshing on a summer night! And also very easy — a bonus!
Like the idea of adding black beans — may try that next time!
Yay..thank you so much!! Let me know if you add beans 🙂
How long will this last in the fridge/cooler? I want to take it camping as it sounds so refreshing!
I’m honestly not sure. It could probably last through a weekend camping. It’s usually gone the day I make it, so I can’t tell you for sure. One way to find out 🙂 Hope you like it!
I made the summer corn salad it was great…my family enjoyed it. I used goat cheese (my favorite) in place of the feta. : )
I am glad you liked it!! Thank you for letting me know 🙂
OMG. I love this salad. I ate the whole thing all by myself. Thanks so much
Haha!! That’s ok 🙂 It’s that good! Thanks so much!
This is the second time making this simple salad, it was such a hit at the last cookout I’m going to share once again!
So easy to make, and is soooo good, and very lite?
Tastes even better the next day!
I roast my corn
I totally agree with you! Haha..never anything left, to try the next day, so I may need to make a little more, so there’s leftovers! Thanks so much!
I am making this salad today. It looks really good.
I hope you like it!! Thanks so much!! Have fun!
Have you tried making this a day ahead of time? Just wondering if it’s still as good!
I’m actually in the process of making this delicious salad for tomorrow. I’m just going to wait until a couple hours before we eat it to add the dressing so it doesn’t get soggy. Anybody else done it this way?
I agree with Sierra! Hope you all like it!
Would black beans make it taste weird with the lime juice?
It shouldn’t! Those would be great in there!
What if I was to make it for 12 people? Would that be 4 1/2c of corn? I suk at math lol!!!
Yep 🙂 You got it!!
I love love this salad. Thanks so much. Now one of my favorites.
Thanks so much for letting me know! Isn’t it so yum?! Glad you like it!
I have made this/similar recipe from a magazine several times in the past but have been unable to find the recipe this spring. You are a lifesaver, and so right- best salad for bbq’s. The first time I made it, I forgot to cook the corn tasted ok, but second time what a difference to have if crisped up a bit. Thanks for sharing.
Awe, thank you!! I’m glad you found it. Thanks so much!
What is the purpose of cooking the corn if it is frozen? It would be partially cooked from the blanching, just checking to see if that step is necessary. The recipe sounds like it will be delicious and I’m looking forward to trying it. Thanks
It is delicious! Uncooked corn doesn’t taste the best, so cooking it will make it tender & just makes it better. Let me know what you think, if you give it a try 🙂
I’m a little confused on oil and how much to use. There is two different measures.
It’s 3 tablespoons total & in the first step it says to add 2, then later you’d add the remaining, which is 1 tablespoon. Hope that helps!!
The other 2 commenters are saying they are confused because the ingredient list has 3 teaspoons of oil, divided but the instructions mentioned tablespoons. I know you explained but think it would be helpful to all if ingredients were corrected. Not everybody takes the time to read through the comments. The salad looks delicious, I’m looking forward to trying it soon.
I changed it. Thanks! I didn’t even catch that one said tablespoons & the other teaspoon. My mind read the same thing. Hope that clears it up for everyone.
Can you please check the recipe amounts of oil? It says teaspoons in one place, and tablespoons (of oil) in another. HELP!
Thank you for the great recipes..
But so very envious of you clean garage.. Anytime you want to come and do ours ..
Oh, thank you so much! You are so sweet! LOL…once was enough for me!
Great corn salad recipe! Gotta try it!
Thank you! Let me know what you think 🙂
Any reason I couldn’t swap out the feta for goat cheese crumbles? We’re all trying to cut back on the salt, and we all like the goat cheese…
Also, what kind of beans were you thinking of adding?
I don’t see why not 🙂 Maybe black beans?? I guess you could add whatever bean you like. Enjoy!!
Summer is almost here and to be honest I love summer salads. I never did a recipe like this but doesn’t look too hard.
Not hard at all & perfect for summer!! I’d love to know what you think 🙂 Thank you!