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Refreshing corn salad with corn, tomatoes, cucumber, feta, and herbs in a white bowl

Refreshing Corn Salad: A Simple and Flavorful Delight

A vibrant and easy-to-make corn salad bursting with fresh vegetables, herbs, and a tangy lemon-vinegar dressing. Perfect as a side dish or a light meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Lunch, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine American, Mediterranean
Servings 6 servings
Calories 800 kcal

Equipment

  • large pot
  • bowl
  • whisk
  • knife
  • Ice water bath
  • Large mixing bowl
  • airtight container

Ingredients
  

  • 3 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil
  • cup chopped red onion
  • 4 large ears fresh corn approx. 20 oz kernels
  • 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
  • cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1 cup chopped English cucumber

Dressing

  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 ½ tsp honey
  • 1 ½ tbsp red wine vinegar
  • ½ tsp minced garlic
  • ¼ cup olive oil

Instructions
 

  • Whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Refrigerate the dressing while you prepare the salad ingredients.
  • Boil a large pot of water, add the corn, and cook for 3 minutes (or 2 minutes for a crisper texture). Immediately plunge the corn into an ice water bath to cool, then drain well.
  • Carefully remove the corn kernels from the cob using a sharp knife.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the corn kernels with cherry tomatoes, English cucumber, red onion, feta cheese, fresh parsley, and fresh basil.
  • Whisk the chilled dressing again and pour it over the salad. Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly. Serve immediately or chill for later.

Notes

  • For best results, ensure the corn is completely cooled before adding it to the salad to prevent wilting other ingredients. You can also seed the cucumber and drain the tomatoes to reduce excess water.
  • This salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For make-ahead convenience, prepare the vegetables and dressing separately and combine them with the feta and herbs just before serving.
  • If serving the salad chilled, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving for optimal flavor and texture.

Substitutions

  • Feel free to use thawed and dried frozen corn or drained canned corn. Cherry tomatoes can be swapped with regular tomatoes, and cucumber with bell peppers or celery. Goat cheese, cotija, or avocado can substitute feta cheese. Apple cider or white wine vinegar can replace red wine vinegar, and dried herbs can be used instead of fresh.

Serving Suggestions

  • This corn salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats like chicken, steak, or burgers. It's also delicious served with crusty bread or garlic toast, or as a light lunch option alongside grilled shrimp.

Notes

Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make-ahead: Prepare vegetables and dressing separately. Combine everything and add feta cheese and herbs just before serving to maintain texture. Serving: Let the salad sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving if taken from the refrigerator. Substitutions: Use frozen corn (thawed and dried) or canned corn (drained). Regular tomatoes, bell peppers, or celery can replace cherry tomatoes or cucumber. Goat cheese, cotija, or avocado can replace feta. Apple cider or white wine vinegar can replace red wine vinegar. Dried herbs can substitute fresh herbs. Texture: Ensure corn is cooled completely before mixing to prevent wilting other ingredients. Seed cucumber and drain tomatoes to avoid excess water.
Keyword corn salad recipe, easy corn salad, refreshing salad, summer salad