If you’re in search of a show-stopping dish that’s as refreshing as it is vibrant, look no further than Fresh Corn Salad. This easy, sunshine-packed salad is an absolute celebration of summer’s best flavors — crisp corn, juicy tomatoes, crunchy bell peppers and cool herbs all tossed together in a simple vinaigrette. Perfect for backyard picnics, BBQs, or lazy weeknight dinners, this Fresh Corn Salad bursts with color and healthful goodness in every bite. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to share (and make on repeat) all season long!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Part of the beauty of Fresh Corn Salad is just how simple the ingredient list is. Each one plays a vital role in shaping the overall flavor, texture, and color, proving that you don’t need much to make a dish that wows.

Fresh Corn (4 ears, husked): The undeniable star, delivering juicy pops of sweetness and irresistible crunch in every forkful.
Cherry Tomatoes (1 cup, halved): Add a burst of juiciness and lovely acidity, balancing the sweetness of the corn.
Red Bell Pepper (1/2 cup, diced): Infuses a sweet, slightly peppery flavor and a gorgeous pop of red color.
Red Onion (1/4 cup, finely chopped): Brings a welcome sharpness and just a hint of bite to round out the veggies.
Fresh Basil (1/4 cup, chopped): Offers that fragrant, summery aroma that is simply irresistible with corn.
Fresh Parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): Lends freshness and a gentle, herby lift that brightens up each bite.
Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Acts as the silky base for the vinaigrette, uniting every element perfectly.
Apple Cider Vinegar or Fresh Lime Juice (1 tablespoon): Gives the salad a lively zing; choose your favorite for a personal twist.
Salt & Black Pepper (to taste): Essential for making all those summer flavors truly sing.

How to Make Fresh Corn Salad

Step 1: Cook the Corn

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Gently add in the husked cobs and cook for 3-4 minutes, just until tender-crisp. This method keeps the corn sweet and snappy — overcooking can zap that lovely crunch. If you’re a fan of smoky flavor, try grilling the ears instead; it adds irresistible depth!

Step 2: Cut the Corn Kernels

Once the corn is cool enough to handle, carefully cut the kernels off the cob. The easiest way is to stand the cob upright on a cutting board and slice downward with a sharp knife. You’ll end up with golden kernels that tumble off, ready to take center stage in your Fresh Corn Salad.

Step 3: Combine the Veggies and Herbs

Transfer the kernels to a large mixing bowl. Add the halved cherry tomatoes, diced red bell pepper, chopped red onion, chopped basil, and parsley. The moment all those colors come together is when you realize just how gorgeous this dish is going to be.

Step 4: Dress the Salad

Drizzle the olive oil and apple cider vinegar (or lime juice) over the salad. Sprinkle with salt and black pepper to taste. Use a big spoon or your hands to gently toss everything together, making sure each bite will be loaded with flavor and texture.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

You can serve your Fresh Corn Salad immediately if you can’t wait, or cover and refrigerate for up to 4 hours. Letting it chill melds all the flavors together for an extra-special result. Give it one last toss before serving, and get ready to watch it disappear!

How to Serve Fresh Corn Salad

Garnishes

To make your Fresh Corn Salad look even more festive, sprinkle a few extra torn basil leaves over the top, or add a crumble of feta cheese for a creamy finish. A squeeze of fresh lime just before serving adds another layer of brightness that really wakes up the whole bowl.

Side Dishes

This salad is a match made in heaven alongside classic summer mains like grilled chicken, burgers, or even roasted salmon. It also pairs beautifully with dishes like black bean tacos or lemony couscous, balancing out rich flavors with its fresh crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For casual gatherings, scoop Fresh Corn Salad into lettuce cups or stuff it in pita pockets for a fun twist. Serve it in small glasses or layered in mason jars for picnics, or top crostini with a spoonful for an easy party appetizer. You can even toss in diced avocado or drizzle with chili oil to wow your guests!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, simply store your Fresh Corn Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to two days and actually tastes even more flavorful after some time as the ingredients mingle.

Freezing

While freezing is not recommended for this salad, as the raw veggies and herbs tend to lose their texture and brightness, you can freeze just the cooked corn kernels. When craving Fresh Corn Salad out of season, thaw the corn and toss with fresh veggies and dressing for a taste of summer.

Reheating

This is a salad that truly shines cold or at room temperature, so no reheating is required! If you’ve made it ahead and it’s chilled, just give it a quick toss before serving, and let it sit out for a few minutes to take the chill off if you prefer.

FAQs

Can I use frozen or canned corn instead of fresh?

Fresh corn truly makes Fresh Corn Salad sing, but in a pinch, you can use thawed frozen corn. Avoid canned if possible, as it’s often quite soft. Just be sure to pat the kernels dry and consider giving them a quick sauté to add flavor.

What’s the best way to add protein?

For a heartier spin, try tossing in a can of drained black beans, chickpeas, or even diced cooked chicken or shrimp. Feta or cotija cheese is also fantastic for a boost in both protein and flavor!

How do I make it vegan or dairy free?

This Fresh Corn Salad is naturally vegan and dairy free as written. Just skip any dairy-based toppings for garnishes, and you’re set!

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, the flavors develop and get even better after a few hours in the fridge. For maximum freshness, add delicate herbs like basil just before serving, or reserve a handful for tossing in at the end.

What other herbs can I use?

If you’re out of basil or parsley, try chopped cilantro, dill, or even fresh mint. Each brings its own unique flair to Fresh Corn Salad, so don’t hesitate to experiment based on your garden or what you have on hand.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about sharing a big bowl of Fresh Corn Salad with family and friends, especially when the corn is at its peak. If you haven’t tried this recipe yet, now’s your moment — it’s easy, beautiful, and guaranteed to brighten up any meal. Give it a spot at your next gathering and prepare for requests to make it again and again!

Fresh Corn Salad Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 27 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Print Recipe

Description

This fresh corn salad is a delightful and colorful side dish that’s perfect for summer gatherings. With sweet corn kernels, juicy cherry tomatoes, and flavorful herbs tossed in a light vinaigrette, it’s a refreshing addition to any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Fresh Corn Salad:

4 ears fresh corn, husked
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or fresh lime juice
Salt and black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

Boil the Corn: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the corn and cook for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp. Remove, cool slightly, and cut the kernels off the cob.
Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the corn kernels, cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, red onion, basil, and parsley.
Dress the Salad: Drizzle with olive oil and apple cider vinegar or lime juice. Season with salt and pepper, then toss gently to combine.
Serve: Enjoy the salad immediately or refrigerate for up to 4 hours to enhance the flavors.