A Corn Salad is the perfect side dish for any summer barbecue, picnic, or even just a light, fresh meal. It’s sweet, savory, and full of vibrant flavors. Here’s a recipe for the best corn salad that combines sweet corn, crunchy veggies, and a creamy dressing:
Best Corn Salad Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 cups fresh corn kernels (about 4-5 ears of corn) or 2 cans of sweet corn, drained and rinsed
- 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
- 1 small red onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
- 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped (optional)
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for a little sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (or smoked paprika for a smokier flavor)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional, for extra creaminess and tang)
- Crushed tortilla chips or jalapeños for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Corn:
- If using fresh corn, cook the corn on the cob. Boil the corn for 5-7 minutes until tender. Once cooked, let it cool slightly, then cut the kernels off the cob.
- If using canned corn, just drain and rinse the corn well to remove excess salt.
2. Chop the Veggies:
- Dice the red bell pepper and red onion into small pieces.
- Halve the cherry tomatoes (if using).
- Chop the cilantro (optional, but it adds a nice fresh flavor).
3. Make the Dressing:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, honey (if using), chili powder, and a pinch of salt and black pepper.
- Mix until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
4. Combine the Salad:
- Add the corn, red bell pepper, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and cilantro (if using) into the bowl with the dressing. Stir until everything is well coated in the dressing.
5. Add the Cheese:
- If desired, fold in the crumbled feta cheese for added creaminess and a tangy flavor.
6. Chill and Serve:
- For the best flavor, refrigerate the corn salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.
- Before serving, give it a quick stir and taste, adding more salt, pepper, or lime juice as needed.
7. Optional Garnish:
- Garnish with a sprinkle of crushed tortilla chips or jalapeños for added crunch and a bit of heat.
Tips:
- Grilled Corn: For an extra smoky flavor, grill the corn before cutting it off the cob. The char from the grill will add depth to the salad.
- Customize with Other Veggies: You can add diced avocado, cucumber, or jalapeños to spice things up.
- Dairy-Free Version: Use a dairy-free yogurt or vegan mayo for a dairy-free version of this salad.
This Best Corn Salad is sweet, creamy, and tangy, with just the right amount of crunch and freshness. It’s a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion!
