Sunny Corn and Tomato Salad Recipe: A Fresh Summer Delight

Whipping up a delightful corn and tomato salad brings summer’s freshest flavors right to your plate.

Sweet kernels dance with juicy red chunks, creating a vibrant medley of textures.

Local farmers’ markets offer the most incredible seasonal produce for this simple dish.

Each crisp bite bursts with natural sweetness and garden-fresh goodness.

Minimal ingredients guarantee maximum enjoyment without complicated preparation steps.

Colorful and light, this salad promises to become your go-to summer side dish.

You’ll love how quickly it comes together, making it perfect for spontaneous gatherings or quick meals.

Corn and Tomato Salad Bursting with Fresh Flavors

• Whip Up Summer Freshness: This vibrant salad bursts with garden-fresh ingredients that capture the essence of seasonal eating, making every bite a delightful celebration of summer's bounty.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows quick modifications by swapping herbs, adding protein like grilled chicken, or adjusting spice levels to suit personal taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: With just a few simple steps and basic ingredients, you can create a delicious side dish that looks and tastes like it took hours to prepare, perfect for busy home cooks seeking quick, impressive meals.
• No-Fuss Entertaining Companion: Versatile salad works beautifully as a potluck contribution, barbecue side, or light lunch, impressing guests without requiring complex cooking techniques or extensive kitchen skills.

Ingredients for Corn and Tomato Salad

• Fresh Corn Kernels: Crisp and sweet corn that provides the primary texture and flavor of the salad.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Juicy and vibrant tomatoes that add bright color and fresh taste.
• Red Onion: Sharp and zesty onion that contributes a tangy bite to the salad.

• Basil, Cilantro: Aromatic herbs that enhance the overall flavor profile with their distinctive and refreshing notes.

• Olive Oil, Apple Cider Vinegar: Smooth and tangy liquid base that helps blend and carry the dressing flavors.
• Lime Juice: Citrusy and bright juice that adds a fresh and acidic element to the dressing.
• Honey: Sweet liquid that balances the tangy and sharp flavors in the salad.
• Salt, Black Pepper, Cumin: Seasonings that provide depth, warmth, and complexity to the overall taste of the salad.

How to Toss Corn and Tomato Salad

Step 1: Prep Fresh Ingredients

Grab your cutting board and slice cherry tomatoes in half.

Strip fresh corn kernels from the cob by standing the corn vertically and running a sharp knife downward.

Finely chop red onion into delicate pieces.

Roughly tear basil and cilantro leaves into small fragments.

Step 2: Create Zesty Dressing

• Extra virgin olive oil
• Fresh lime juice
• Apple cider vinegar
• Honey
• Salt
• Ground black pepper
• Ground cumin (optional)

Blend ingredients until smoothly combined and slightly emulsified.

Step 3: Combine Salad Elements

Transfer all chopped vegetables into a spacious bowl.

Pour prepared dressing over the corn and tomato mixture.

Use a gentle folding motion to ensure every ingredient gets evenly coated with the tangy liquid.

Step 4: Chill and Marinate

Cover the salad bowl with plastic wrap.

Place inside refrigerator for minimum 30 minutes.

This resting time allows flavors to mingle and develop a deeper, more complex taste profile.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Remove salad from refrigerator.

Give a quick toss before serving.

Can be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature as a refreshing side dish perfect for summer gatherings or quick meals.

Pro Tips for Crisp and Flavorful Corn and Tomato Salad

• Use freshly cut corn kernels for the most vibrant, sweet flavor and crisp texture.
• Experiment with different herb combinations like mint or parsley to add unique flavor profiles.
• Drain excess liquid from tomatoes and corn to maintain a crisp, non-soggy consistency.
• Adjust honey and lime juice quantities to perfect the sweet-tangy ratio according to your taste preference.
• Prepare the salad up to 4 hours in advance and store in the refrigerator to let flavors develop fully.

Variations to Try on Corn and Tomato Salad

• Spicy Mexican Corn Salad: Replace cilantro with jalapeños, add crumbled queso fresco, and mix in chili powder for a zesty kick.
• Vegan Herb Corn Salad: Swap honey with agave nectar, use extra virgin olive oil, and add chopped mint for fresh flavor.
• Mediterranean Corn Salad: Substitute basil with oregano, add crumbled feta cheese, and include diced cucumber for a Greek-inspired version.
• Protein-Packed Corn Salad: Mix in black beans, grilled chicken, or quinoa to increase protein content and make the salad more substantial.

Serving Suggestions for Corn and Tomato Salad

• Summer Picnic Companion: Pack this vibrant salad in a mason jar for outdoor gatherings, creating a colorful and refreshing side dish perfect for barbecues and potlucks.
• Fresh Taco Topping: Spoon this zesty corn and tomato mix over grilled fish tacos or as a bright salsa-like accompaniment to enhance Mexican-inspired meals.
• Protein Power Booster: Add grilled chicken, black beans, or crumbled feta cheese to transform this light salad into a satisfying and nutritious main course with extra protein and texture.
• Bread Pairing Delight: Serve alongside crusty sourdough or as a topping for bruschetta, letting the salad's fresh flavors complement crispy, toasted bread slices.

Best Storage Tips for Corn and Tomato Salad

• Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the dressing separate if possible to prevent vegetables from becoming soggy.
• Before serving leftovers, drain any accumulated liquid and gently stir to redistribute the dressing and ingredients.
• Sprinkle fresh herbs or add a splash of lime juice just before serving to revive the salad's bright flavors and restore its original zesty taste.
• Do not freeze this salad, as the tomatoes and corn will lose their crisp texture and become watery when thawed.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh corn?

Yes, you can use frozen corn. Thaw and drain it completely before using to prevent excess moisture in the salad.

• Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! You can prepare this salad a day ahead. Just add the dressing right before serving to keep the vegetables crisp and fresh.

• How can I make this salad more protein-rich?

Add grilled chicken, black beans, or crumbled feta cheese to boost the protein content and make it a more substantial dish.

• What if I don't have apple cider vinegar?

You can substitute with white wine vinegar or lemon juice. The goal is to add a tangy flavor that complements the sweet corn and tomatoes.

Easy Corn And Tomato Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mexican-inspired corn and tomato salad delivers fresh summer flavors with crisp vegetables and zesty lime dressing. Sweet corn kernels and juicy tomatoes create a light, refreshing side dish perfect for backyard gatherings.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups fresh corn kernels
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes
• 1/2 cup red onion

Herbs:

• 1/4 cup fresh basil
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro

Dressing:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin

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Instructions

1. Extract sweet corn kernels and slice cherry tomatoes in half, creating a vibrant base for the salad.
2. Finely dice red onion and chop fresh basil and cilantro, ensuring even distribution of herbs throughout the mixture.
3. Create a zesty dressing by whisking together olive oil, tangy lime juice, apple cider vinegar, and a touch of honey for balanced sweetness.
4. Season the dressing with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and ground cumin, blending ingredients until smooth and well incorporated.
5. Gently fold the prepared dressing into the corn and tomato mixture, coating each ingredient with the aromatic vinaigrette.
6. Refrigerate the salad for 30 minutes at 40°F, allowing flavors to mingle and intensify.
7. Before serving, give the salad a quick toss to redistribute the dressing and herbs, presenting at cool room temperature or chilled.

Notes

• Swap corn with grilled or roasted kernels for a smoky depth of flavor that elevates the entire dish.
• Opt for seasonal, ripe tomatoes to ensure maximum sweetness and vibrant color in the salad.
• Add crumbled feta or queso fresco for a creamy, tangy element that complements the fresh ingredients.
• Make this salad gluten-free and vegan by using agave instead of honey and skipping any cheese additions.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 140 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 290 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg