Corn Salad
This easy Corn Salad recipe is a vibrant mix of fresh ingredients, perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or as a healthy snack. Bursting with Mexican flavors, this dish features sweet corn and colorful veggies drizzled in a tangy dressing that brings everything together. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or looking for a refreshing side dish, this Corn Salad will impress your guests with its bold taste and appealing presentation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fresh Ingredients: This Corn Salad uses seasonal produce, making it a delightful addition to any meal.
- Quick Preparation: With minimal cooking time, it’s ready in just 30 minutes!
- Versatile Dish: Serve it as a side at barbecues, picnics, or enjoy it as a light lunch.
- Flavorful Dressing: The combination of lime juice, honey, and spices elevates the taste to another level.
- Healthy Choice: Packed with vitamins and low in calories, this salad is both nutritious and satisfying.
Tools and Preparation
To make your Corn Salad preparation seamless, having the right tools is key. With these essentials on hand, you’ll be able to whip up this dish effortlessly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk (or fork)
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Sharp knife: A sharp knife makes cutting vegetables easier and safer, ensuring clean cuts that enhance the salad’s presentation.
- Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl allows ample space to combine all ingredients without spilling.
- Whisk: Using a whisk helps achieve the perfect emulsification for your dressing, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
Ingredients
This easy Corn Salad recipe is loaded with fresh Mexican flavors and is tossed in the most flavorful dressing! It makes a perfect side dish for a potluck or healthy summer snack!
Fresh Produce
- 4 large ears of fresh corn (see notes)
- 1 ½ cups diced bell pepper (I use red and green)
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 cup English cucumber (diced)
- ½ cup red onions (finely diced)
- ⅓ cup fresh cilantro (roughly chopped)
Cheese & Oils
- ¾ cup fresh Cotija cheese (see notes for subs)
- 3 tablespoons avocado oil (or extra virgin olive oil)
Dressing Ingredients
- ¼ cup lime juice (can sub lemon juice)
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Spices & Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon EACH: salt, dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon EACH: cumin, garlic powder, chili powder
How to Make Corn Salad
Step 1: Prepare the Corn
Start by removing the kernels from the corn cobs. You can do this by standing the ear upright on a cutting board and slicing downwards.
Step 2: Chop the Vegetables
In your mixing bowl, add:
1. Diced bell peppers
2. Halved cherry tomatoes
3. Diced cucumber
4. Finely diced red onions
5. Roughly chopped cilantro
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a separate bowl:
1. Combine avocado oil, lime juice, red wine vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard.
2. Whisk until well blended.
3. Add salt, dried parsley, black pepper, cumin, garlic powder, and chili powder to the mixture.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Pour the dressing over your mixed vegetables:
1. Add fresh corn kernels.
2. Gently toss everything until well coated.
Step 5: Add Cheese & Serve
Just before serving:
1. Sprinkle Cotija cheese on top.
2. Toss lightly again to combine.
Enjoy your refreshing Corn Salad as a delightful side dish or snack!
How to Serve Corn Salad
Corn Salad is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re serving it at a picnic or as a side for dinner, there are numerous options to enhance your meal.
As a Side Dish
- Pair it with grilled chicken for a healthy and flavorful meal.
- Serve alongside tacos for a refreshing complement to spicy dishes.
In a Wrap
- Use it as a filling in tortilla wraps with your choice of protein for a quick lunch.
- Add some avocado and greens for extra texture and flavor.
On Top of Greens
- Serve Corn Salad over mixed greens for a light and nutritious salad option.
- Drizzle with extra lime juice or dressing for added zest.
As a Snack
- Enjoy it on its own as a healthy snack during the day.
- Scoop it with tortilla chips for a fun appetizer.
How to Perfect Corn Salad
To make your Corn Salad even better, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh corn and ripe vegetables enhance the flavor significantly.
- Chill Before Serving: Allowing the salad to chill for at least an hour lets the flavors meld beautifully.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and tweak the seasoning before serving to suit your preference.
- Add Protein: Include black beans or grilled shrimp for added nutrition and variety.
- Try Alternative Dressings: Experiment with different dressings like ranch or vinaigrette for unique tastes.
Best Side Dishes for Corn Salad
If you’re looking to complement your Corn Salad, consider these delicious side dishes. They pair wonderfully and enhance any meal.
- Grilled Vegetables: A colorful medley of seasonal veggies adds flavor and texture.
- Quinoa Pilaf: A nutty quinoa dish gives an excellent protein boost alongside the salad.
- Roasted Potatoes: Crispy potatoes seasoned with herbs provide comfort and satisfaction.
- Black Bean Salsa: A zesty salsa made from black beans adds protein and pairs well with Mexican flavors.
- Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread is perfect for scooping up salad or enjoying on the side.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad can balance out the savory notes of the Corn Salad perfectly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common mistakes can elevate your Corn Salad from good to great. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Skipping Fresh Ingredients: Using canned or frozen corn can diminish the salad’s flavor. Always opt for fresh corn for the best taste and texture.
- Overdressing: Adding too much dressing can make the salad soggy. Start with less and add more as needed to achieve the perfect balance.
- Ignoring Flavor Balance: Forgetting to taste and adjust seasoning can lead to a bland salad. Always sample your Corn Salad before serving and tweak the flavors if necessary.
- Prepping Too Early: Making the salad too far in advance may cause it to lose its freshness. Prepare it close to serving time for optimal taste and crunch.
- Not Chilling Before Serving: Serving it warm can affect its refreshing quality. Chill your Corn Salad in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before enjoying it.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Corn Salad in an airtight container.
- It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing Corn Salad
- Freezing is not recommended as it affects texture, especially with fresh veggies and cheese.
- If necessary, freeze without dressing, then add it fresh when ready to serve.
Reheating Corn Salad
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat in 30-second intervals until warm.
- Stovetop: Heat on low in a pan, stirring occasionally until just warmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Corn Salad:
Can I use frozen corn for Corn Salad?
Yes, but fresh corn offers better flavor and texture. If using frozen corn, thaw it completely before mixing.
How do I customize my Corn Salad?
Feel free to add ingredients like avocado, black beans, or jalapeños for extra flavor and nutrition!
What should I serve with Corn Salad?
Corn Salad pairs perfectly with grilled meats, tacos, or as part of a picnic spread.
Is this Corn Salad healthy?
Absolutely! It’s packed with fresh vegetables and offers a balance of nutrients while being low in calories.
Final Thoughts
This easy Corn Salad recipe is not only delightful but also versatile enough for any occasion. You can customize it with your favorite ingredients or adjust the dressing to suit your taste. Enjoy this colorful dish at potlucks, barbecues, or simply as a refreshing snack on a hot day!
Corn Salad
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Description
This vibrant Corn Salad is a must-try for your summer gatherings! Bursting with fresh ingredients and zesty Mexican flavors, this colorful dish features sweet corn combined with crisp bell peppers, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a tangy dressing that ties it all together. Perfect as a side for barbecues, potlucks, or a healthy snack on its own, this easy corn salad is sure to impress and satisfy everyone at the table.
Ingredients
- 4 large ears of fresh corn
- 1 ½ cups diced bell pepper (red and green)
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 cup diced English cucumber
- ½ cup finely diced red onions
- ⅓ cup fresh cilantro (roughly chopped)
- ¾ cup Cotija cheese
- 3 tablespoons avocado oil
- ¼ cup lime juice
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cumin
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder
Instructions
- Remove kernels from the corn cobs and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine diced bell peppers, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, finely diced red onions, and chopped cilantro.
- In another bowl, whisk together avocado oil, lime juice, red wine vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, dried parsley, black pepper, cumin, garlic powder, and chili powder.
- Pour the dressing over the vegetables and add the corn. Gently toss until well coated.
- Just before serving, sprinkle Cotija cheese on top and toss lightly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
