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This Summer Corn Salad definitely can (and should be!) enjoyed all year round! It is a fresh corn salad made with onion, bell pepper, avocado, and corn! Fresh or frozen corn will work!
My favorite part of a good summer BBQ is the fresh fruit and amazing side dishes to serve with whatever we’re grilling. Some of my favorites include this Pasta, Cornbread, and Pineapple!
Super Summer Corn Salad
Corn on the cob is one of those foods that just has me feeling all the summer vibes. I love it when I start seeing fresh corn available at the grocery store. it gives me permission to believe that summer is finally here! So, in celebration, I decided a fresh summer salad recipe was the perfect thing to share. This summer corn salad is so light and refreshing, it is the perfect side dish on a hot day or any day! The flavors are amazing and your whole family is going to love this summer corn salad.
Fresh corn season is one of my favorite seasons. I love making Corn Casserole, Mexican Corn, and even this Hot Corn Dip with the fresh stuff. It’s absolutely exquisite. Even the frozen corn can taste amazing, but the fresh is just better. The avocado creates a creaminess that blends beautifully with the vinaigrette dressing. This corn salad zippy and good for you! You have to try this impeccable summer corn salad with your family and friends.
Ingredients in Corn Salad
Use fresh ingredients from the store or your local farmers market for a summer taste that is sure to delight! This summer corn salad is so quick and easy to come together you will be making it all summer long. For all the ingredient measurements, see the recipe card below.
- Corn: you can use fresh corn on the cob, or frozen corn that has been thawed. If using frozen corn, pat it dry after it has thawed and sauté it with a little bit of oil in a hot skillet, until golden.
- Olive oil: Olive oil adds a bit of incredible flavor that keeps everything loose and easier to mix.
- Purple onion: Or also known as red onion, it adds a bit of heat and a ton of flavor.
- Red bell pepper: This a nice sweet pepper that adds a nice crunch to the salad.
- Avocado: Look for ripe avocado that gives just slightly to pressure, but is still firm. Avocado will add creaminess and the best flavor.
Corn Salad Dressing
This corn salad dressing is a the perfect combination to creating the best summertime salad. It is light and fresh with just the sweetness you will love!
- Olive oil: A nice mild oil that goes perfectly with vinegar and spice.
- Apple cider vinegar: You will love the way the apple cider vinegar adds a bit of tang.
- Sugar: This will counter act the vinegar and balance it out, but still leave it yummy.
- Dijon mustard: The dijon adds a bit of spice along with the spice of mustard.
- Juice from 1 lime: Use fresh lime if you can. It will taste better than the bottle.
- Salt and pepper: Add to taste.
How to Make Summer Corn Salad
Super easy, whip this summer corn salad together for a side dish that is sure to impress! It is a side dish that is loved by all ages!
- Make the dressing. Whisk together the dressing ingredients. Set aside.
- Cook corn. Add 1-2 inches of water to a large skillet and bring it to a boil. Add the corn cobs and cook them for 3-4 minutes, rotating to cook on all sides.
- Grill corn. Brush the partially cooked corn cobs lightly with olive oil and grill them on high heat for a few minutes, rotating it as they cook, until golden on all sides.
- Toss salad ingredients. Cut the corn off of the cob and add it to a bowl. Add the remaining salad ingredients and drizzle with the desired amount of dressing. Toss to combine.
Summer Corn Salad Tips and Variations
Take this to your next BBQ and you will be the hit of the party! Summer corn salad uses fresh or frozen corn. See how to make the best summer corn salad for your next get together.
- Variations: I wanted to keep this salad simple, and really let the corn be the ingredient to shine, but you can definitely add more vegetables and adapt it to your liking. Some ideas include adding black beans, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, feta cheese, edamame, fresh basil, or grilled zucchini.
- Can I use Frozen Corn? Yes! If fresh corn on the cob is not available, frozen corn is a great substitute. Thaw the corn in your fridge overnight, or warm in the microwave just until thawed. Add the corn and a little bit of oil to a very hot skillet and cook it for a few minutes, tossing occasionally, until many kernels are lightly browned.
What to Serve Corn Salad with
Just about anything goes with Corn Salad. It can be eaten year-round thanks to using frozen corn. It will taste yummy with everything from tacos to sandwiches to grilled meat, even fish. It’s light and fresh and incredibly tempting. Be prepared to maybe make a double batch, because it will disappear fast. Serve this up at your next BBQ, potluck, or family dinner for a side everyone is going to love.
More Summertime Salads
Salad in the summertime is the perfect light and tasty side dish or even meal. Try these delicious salads for lunch or at your next get together and see how good these salads really are.
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Summer Corn Salad
Ingredients
- 6-8 ears corn
- 2 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 red onion , diced
- 1/2 red bell pepper , diced
- 1 avocado , seeded, peeled and chopped
Dressing:
- 4 Tablespoon olive oil
- 6 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
- juice from 1 lime
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- Whisk dressing ingredients together and set aside.
- Add 1-2 inches of water to a large skillet. Bring to a boil. Add shucked corn ears and cook for 3-4 minutes, rotating to cook on all sides. Drain water.
- Heat grill on medium-high heat. Brush corn lightly with olive oil and grill for a few minutes, rotating it as it cooks, until golden on all sides.
- Allow the corn to cool and then cut corn off of the cob and add to a bowl. Add remaining salad ingredients and drizzle with desired amount of dressing (you may not use it all). Toss to combine. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Leave out the avocado and substitute a can of black beans (rinsed) instead. Salt liberally with Kosher salt.
This sounds great! How far in advance can I make this dish?
You could make it the day before but I would add the avocado in just before serving so that it doesn’t turn brown.
The absolute most perfect summertime salad! I put everything together except the avocado the day before to let the vinegar do its job with the onion and it paid off in dividends! Everybody wanted some leftovers to take home. Did not deviate from the recipe exactly as it was done. Well done! I’ll be back to the Recipe Critic for more!
This salad is amazing and refreshing!! Everytime I make it I have to give out the recipe because people love it. Perfect for the summertime and when you have leftover corn.
Love this for summer! Fresh corn on off the cob.
it’s about a cup, per ear. (frozen)
Can I make this dish ahead of time and wait until the day I serve it to add the dressing?
Yes, that will work great!
Can you please tell me how big a bag of corn?
Thanks for the response …. how much corn? How big a bag?
If you are using frozen corn, what would the equivalent amount be?
If fresh corn on the cob is not available, frozen corn is a great substitute. Thaw the corn in your fridge overnight, or warm in the microwave just until thawed. Add the corn and a little bit of oil to a very hot skillet and cook it for a few minutes, tossing occasionally, until many kernels are lightly browned.
Great recipe – can adapt to your liking! I used 2 avocados and the entire red bell pepper but other than that followed the recipe! It’s a keeper!
I love this salad!! BUT… I also make this as a hot side dish. I omit the avocado then I add zucchini (quartered along the length, then diced) and black beans. Add the dressing last when everything else is cooked together and heat until it’s warmed through.
Love this salad and so does my family
Delicious and very easy to adjust the amounts to serve less people.