12 Fresh Corn Salad Recipes Summer

Nothing beats the taste of summer like fresh corn straight from the cob—crisp, sweet, and bursting with sunshine. I remember lazy childhood afternoons at my grandparents’ farm in Iowa, where we’d shuck endless ears of corn under the big oak tree, the kernels flying everywhere as we raced to see who could strip one fastest. Those ears would end up grilled over an open fire, slathered in butter, and we’d devour them until our faces were a sticky mess. That simple joy sparked my lifelong love for corn, and now as a food blogger, I can’t resist turning it into vibrant salads that capture that same essence.

Lately, I’ve been experimenting in my kitchen with the overflowing bounty from my local farmers’ market. With corn at its peak sweetness this season, I’ve whipped up batch after batch of refreshing salads—mixing it with heirloom tomatoes one day, tossing it with avocado and lime the next. These recipes are perfect for hot summer days because they’re no-cook or barely-cook wonders: light, hydrating, packed with fiber and nutrients, and ideal for picnics, potlucks, or weeknight dinners. They’re a healthy way to celebrate the season’s freshest produce while keeping things effortlessly delicious.

Classic Corn and Tomato Salad

This timeless salad highlights the pure flavors of summer corn and ripe tomatoes. Ingredients (serves 4): 4 ears fresh corn (kernels cut off), 2 cups cherry tomatoes (halved), 1/4 red onion (thinly sliced), 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, salt, pepper, fresh basil leaves.
Simply blanch the corn kernels in boiling water for 2 minutes, then drain and cool. Toss with tomatoes, onion, oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Let it marinate for 10 minutes. It’s incredibly refreshing, low-calorie (under 150 per serving), and loaded with vitamins A and C for immune-boosting benefits—perfect for a quick side.

Mexican Street Corn Salad (Elote-Style)

Inspired by elote vendors, this creamy, spicy twist is a crowd-pleaser. Ingredients (serves 4): 4 ears corn (kernels), 1/2 cup cotija cheese (crumbled), 1/4 cup mayo, 2 tbsp lime juice, 1 tsp chili powder, 1 jalapeño (diced), cilantro for garnish.
Cut kernels from grilled or boiled corn. Mix mayo, lime juice, chili powder, and jalapeño; fold in corn and top with cotija and cilantro. Serve chilled. The tangy lime and spice aid digestion, while corn’s fiber promotes gut health—this one’s a fiesta in a bowl!

Corn and Avocado Salad

Creamy avocado pairs perfectly with sweet corn for a luxurious yet simple dish. Ingredients (serves 4): 4 ears corn (kernels), 2 avocados (diced), 1 cucumber (sliced), 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp lemon juice, salt, fresh dill.
Raw or lightly steamed corn kernels tossed with avocado, cucumber, oil, lemon, salt, and dill—ready in 5 minutes. Rich in healthy fats from avocado and potassium from corn, it’s heart-healthy and keeps you full longer.

Grilled Corn Panzanella Salad

A summery take on Italian bread salad with smoky grilled corn. Ingredients (serves 4): 4 ears grilled corn (kernels), 4 cups crusty bread (cubed and toasted), 2 cups arugula, 1 cup heirloom tomatoes (chopped), balsamic vinaigrette.
Grill corn, cut kernels, and toss with toasted bread, arugula, tomatoes, and dressing. The grilling adds antioxidants, and whole grains from bread provide sustained energy—ideal for post-workout refreshment.

Corn and Black Bean Salad

Hearty and protein-packed, this is great for meal prep. Ingredients (serves 4): 4 ears corn (kernels), 1 can black beans (rinsed), 1 bell pepper (diced), 1/4 cup cilantro, 2 tbsp lime juice, 1 tsp cumin.
Combine raw or blanched corn, beans, pepper, cilantro, lime, and cumin; chill for 30 minutes. Beans add plant-based protein (15g per serving), making it a balanced, vegan-friendly option full of fiber.

Fresh Corn with Feta and Herbs

Bright and herby, this Greek-inspired salad is a flavor explosion. Ingredients (serves 4): 4 ears corn (kernels), 4 oz feta (crumbled), 1/4 cup mixed herbs (mint, parsley, basil), 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp red wine vinegar.
Blanch corn, mix with herbs, feta, oil, and vinegar. Feta’s calcium pairs with corn’s lutein for eye health benefits—light yet satisfying.

Corn, Bacon, and Blue Cheese Salad

Savory and indulgent for carnivores. Ingredients (serves 4): 4 ears corn (kernels), 6 slices bacon (crumbled), 4 oz blue cheese, 2 tbsp mayo, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, chives.
Cook bacon, blanch corn, and toss with cheese, mayo, mustard, and chives. Bacon’s protein and corn’s carbs make it energizing, with probiotics from blue cheese for gut support.

Asian-Inspired Corn Salad with Sesame

A fusion delight with umami vibes. Ingredients (serves 4): 4 ears corn (kernels), 2 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp ginger (grated), scallions, sesame seeds.
Toss raw corn with sesame oil, soy, ginger, scallions, and seeds. Sesame’s healthy fats reduce inflammation—exotic and quick!

Corn Quinoa Salad

Nutty quinoa elevates this superfood salad. Ingredients (serves 4): 4 ears corn (kernels), 1 cup cooked quinoa, 1 cup cherry tomatoes, lemon-tahini dressing.
Mix cooled quinoa with blanched corn, tomatoes, and dressing. Quinoa’s complete protein (8g per serving) boosts muscle repair—gluten-free perfection.

Sweet Corn and Cucumber Salad

Ultra-refreshing and hydrating. Ingredients (serves 4): 4 ears corn (kernels), 2 cucumbers (sliced), 2 tbsp rice vinegar, fresh mint, pinch of sugar.
Combine raw corn, cucumbers, vinegar, mint, and sugar; chill. Cucumbers’ water content (95%) hydrates, paired with corn’s electrolytes for summer survival.

Corn with Peaches and Burrata

Sweet and creamy stone fruit magic. Ingredients (serves 4): 4 ears corn (kernels), 2 peaches (sliced), 8 oz burrata, balsamic glaze, basil.
Blanch corn, arrange with peaches, torn burrata, glaze, and basil. Peaches add vitamin C; burrata’s protein makes it luxurious yet light.

Spicy Corn and Shrimp Salad

Seafood kick for a coastal feel. Ingredients (serves 4): 4 ears corn (kernels), 1/2 lb shrimp (cooked, chopped), 1 jalapeño, lime juice, cilantro, olive oil.
Sauté shrimp, blanch corn, toss with jalapeño, lime, cilantro, and oil. Shrimp’s omega-3s support heart health—spicy, protein-rich bliss.

These 12 fresh corn salads are your ticket to effortless summer entertaining—grab some ears from the market, mix it up, and savor the season. Which one will you try first? Share your twists in the comments!