Summer Corn Salad is light and flavorful, dressed simply with Italian dressing. It’s easy, quick + perfect for summer!
Corn Salad is a perfect side salad for get-togethers and BBQs! Asparagus Salad and Tomato Cucumber Salad are just as simple to prepare as this Corn Tomato Salad!
Corn and Tomato Salad
When asked to bring a side to share for a summer BBQ, I’m often stumped as to what to bring!
I love regular green salads, but feel they get soggy quickly. Recently, I went on the search for another recipe that could be my go-to side dish salad.
I think I found that recipe in this Summer Corn Salad. While it doesn’t need to be summer, it’s especially perfect for summertime. It’s light, flavorful and delicious!!
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 my favorite ingredients.
It’s usually gone in minutes, and will definitely be a new favorite – especially if you love corn.
How to Make It
Putting Corn Salad together is as simple as you’d think!
VEGGIES. Start by cooking the corn until it’s slightly tender. Let the corn cool completely (you can chill it in the fridge). Add the tomatoes, cucumber and basil.
TOSS + ENJOY! Right before serving, add the oil mixture, feta cheese, and Italian dressing and toss!
Variations
Add additional garden veggies:
- bell peppers
- avocado
- onion
- grilled zucchini
Substitute the feta for a cheese that has a similar crumbly texture: Ricotta, Halloumi, Queso Fresco, or Goat Cheese.
Recipe Tips
Make ahead of time. This recipe is perfect for making ahead! Especially if you’re planning a BBQ or gathering, and don’t want to worry about making a fresh salad right beforehand. Combine all the veggies ahead of time, and add the dressing when you’re ready to serve it at your party!
Corn. Using fresh corn makes the salad absolutely delicious. Frozen corn works well too. I do not recommend using canned corn.
Corn on the Cob. The easiest way I have found to cut the corn from the cob:
- Hold the cob perpendicular to a cutting board.
- Using a paring knife, slice downward, cutting the corn off in a long strip.
- Rotate the cob and slice again.
- Continue until all the kernels have been removed.
Grill. Grilling the corn beforehand will give it a delicious, charred flavor. If you’d rather not have the charcoal spots, wrap the corn in tin foil first.
- Place the cobs directly on the grill over medium-hot heat.
- Rotate every 2-3 minutes until the corn is cooked evenly all around.
- Cut the kernels off the cob, and follow the salad recipe as written.
I love the flavor of this Corn Salad recipe!! Even more, I love just how simple it is. It’s perfect as is, but adding beans might be a great addition for next time!
Complete your bbq
Here are some of our favorite entrees and other sides that pair really well with this corn salad:
- Dr. Pepper Ribs
- Easy Fruit Salad
- Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Sandwich
- Baked Beans
- Pineapple Pink Lemonade Soda
- Grilled Corn On The Cob
For more summer salad recipes, check out:
- Tomato Cucumber Salad
- Caprese Pesto Pasta Salad
- Favorite Broccoli Salad
- Brussel Sprout Salad
- Frito Corn Salad
- Broccoli Slaw
Summer Corn Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil divided
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups corn fresh or thawed frozen corn
- 1 ½ 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 together 2 tablespoons of oil, lime juice, and salt in a small bowl and set aside.
- Cooking corn in a skillet with remaining oil until tender.
- Pour corn into a large bowl, cool slightly and add tomatoes, cucumber, and basil. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Right before serving, drizzle with dressing, feta cheese and Italian dressing (if desired). ENJOY!
Video
Recipe adapted from Taste of Home.
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!
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!!
Great corn salad recipe! Gotta try it!
Thank you! Let me know what you think 🙂
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!
Can you please check the recipe amounts of oil? It says teaspoons in one place, and tablespoons (of oil) in another. HELP!
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.
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 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!
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!
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!!
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!
I am making this salad today. It looks really good.
I hope you like it!! Thanks so much!! Have fun!
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!
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!
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 🙂
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!
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 🙂
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!
Sounds delicious salads always a winner especially if you are alone and do not feel for cooking
Exactly!! Thanks so much!
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!
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!
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 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.
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!
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!
Looking forward to more great ideas
Thank you!! I look forward to you stopping by! Hope you find some to try 🙂
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!
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 🙂
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!
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 🙂
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!
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!
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!
Excellent!
Thank you!! I am glad you think so 😉
All of my favorites in one dish! I never thought to combine corn with feta & other ingredients & the dressing was delicious!!
I love corn on the cob. This salad is Full of corn, easy to put together and the perfect dish for any gathering.
this salad is truly perfect for the summer!
Thanks!
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 🙂
Fantastic job!! Great thinking with pineapples and chopped ginger! Thanks for sharing
Glad to share 🙂 Thank you!
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!
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!
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 love this salad. I ate the whole thing all by myself.
Glad you do! Thank you for trying it!
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!
This is the PERFECT summer salad. So many yummy foods in one delicious salad.
WHat a delicious salad! The ingredients go so well together! It’s perfect as a side or a meal!
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!
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!
YOU DO NOT HAVE TO COOK THE CORN
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!
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 can’t ✋ wait to try your recipes
I can’t wait for you to try them! Hope you like them!
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!
We loved this salad! The feta cheese adds so much flavor!!
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!
Amazing!! Soo flavorful! Our fam loved it!
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.
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!
I made this for a family reunion and everyone loved it! Family favorite now.