This corn and tomato salad has become a favorite summer side dish that is ready in 20 minutes. Made with corn, juicy cherry tomatoes, red onion, basil and a simple vinaigrette.
Fresh corn makes a great side dish recipe. From street corn salad to corn salsa and elote dip, our family can’t get enough!
Table of Contents
Fresh Corn Salad Recipe
One of our favorite vegetables is sweet corn. During the summer, it’s peak season and tastes so sweet and delicious. If we’re not enjoying it on the cob, then we’re making this corn and tomato salad recipe, Mexican street corn or black bean and corn salsa.
This corn salad recipe is light, fresh and ready in 20 minutes! I love to grill my corn to add a charred flavor that pairs well with the tomatoes, red onion, basil and a simple dressing with red wine vinegar. Serve chilled or at room temperature!
Corn and Tomato Salad Ingredients
Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.
- Corn: I love using fresh corn on the cob and cooking it on the grill. It makes the best corn and tomato salad with a charred flavor that goes well with the fresh ingredients.
- Tomatoes: Cut cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes add the perfect flavor to this corn and tomato salad.
- Basil: Fresh basil is a must for this salad. It makes the flavor pop.
- Dressing: A simple mix of olive oil, apple cider vinegar(or red wine vinegar), and salt & pepper is all you need.
How to Make Corn Salad
- Veggies. Combine the corn, onion, tomatoes, and basil in a medium size bowl.
- Dressing. Combine the vinegar and olive oil. Then pour over top and season with salt and pepper. Toss to combine. Mix together until the dressing has evenly coated the veggies.
- Chill. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Cooking Corn
There are lots of different ways to cook corn. My favorite method for this recipe is on the grill. You can also boil or microwave it if preferred.
- Grilling: Simply wrap in foil and cook for 10 minutes, turning occasionally.
- Cooking corn in the microwave: Place a wet paper towel around the corn and cook in the microwave for 5-7 minutes.
- Boiling: Place corn in a large pot of boiling water. Cover with a lid and continue boiling for about 5-7 minutes.
- Frozen corn: You could also use frozen corn kernels. Simply warm in a skillet with a little butter. This honey butter corn skillet is a family favorite!
Tips and Variations
- Cheese: Crumbled goat cheese, feta cheese, or mozzarella would be a great addition to this corn tomato salad.
- Protein: Feel free to add diced avocado or grilled chicken to bulk up the salad a little.
- Vegetables: Try adding in other summer vegetables, like cucumber, bell peppers, or grilled zucchini.
- Sweeten the dressing: To make it a little sweeter mix in a little bit of honey with the dressing.
- Herbs: You can mix up the fresh herbs and add in parsley, cilantro, and/or green onion.
This is the best summer salad recipe along with my broccoli bacon salad and cucumber tomato salad and both are on rotation in my house all season long!
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Corn and Tomato Salad
Video
Ingredients
- 4 ears cooked corn , about 2 1/2 cups
- ¼ cup chopped red onion
- 1-2 cups cherry tomatoes , sliced in half
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves , julienned
- 2 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar , or red wine vinegar
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon salt (more to taste)
- ⅛ teaspoon pepper (more to taste)
Instructions
- Cut kernels from corn and place in a large bowl.
- Add the tomatoes, onion, and basil to the bowl. Pour the vinegar and olive oil over the top. Season with salt and pepper and stir until combined. Add more to taste.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Crumbled goat cheese, feta or mozzarella would be a great addition.
- Feel free to add diced avocado to bulk up the salad.
- Try adding in other summer vegetables, like cucumber or bell peppers.
- Substitute with balsamic or red wine vinegar instead.
- To make it a little sweeter mix in a little bit of honey with the dressing.
Nutrition
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!
Recipe FAQs
This corn salad is made with fresh corn on the cob, tomatoes, onions, basil, and a simple dressing. You can add in avocado and feta if desired.
This corn salad tastes like grilled corn with tomatoes. It is crisp and has a nice crunch to it. It has all the flavors of summer.
Yes! Raw corn in a salad is actually a normal ingredient. You can mix raw corn with other fresh vegetables or even fruit.
This salad tastes best if eaten 2-3 days after making it. Simply cover the bowl with a lid (or plastic wrap) and store it in the fridge. Try adding leftovers to a chopped salad or even serve on a piece of crusty French bread. So delicious!
Categorized as: Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free, Salads, Side Dishes, Vegan, Vegetables, Vegetarian, Vegetarian
Jamielyn Nye is the founder and recipe creator at I Heart Naptime. She is the author of the I Heart Naptime Cookbook and shares easy family-friendly recipes and desserts for every occasion.
A perfect summer salad! I used your suggestion and added a diced avocado. I could just be happy having this for my entire meal. So fresh and delicious!
this is one of the best summertime side dishes and my whole family agrees! thank you so much for sharing this recipe
If you’re using frozen corn, do you just let it thaw in the fridge before cooking or do you need to cook it in a skillet first (like with butter)? Thank you for all your wonderful recipes!
Hi Abbie! I would probably cook on the stove or in the microwave first and then use in the salad recipe. :)
I love corn salad! The colors of this dish are absolutely gorgeous!
Thanks for your comment and review! Hope you enjoy! :)
I added feta cheese. The salty cheese with the sweet corn really had a nice flavor. Will be keeping this recipe handy. Thank you.
This looks perfect for summer dinners!
This is a great recipe! Love pairing this salad with almost anything! New favorite for sure
This is the perfect summer side dish! A great way to use those tomatoes from my garden too!
Garden tomatoes are the best! Hope you enjoy! :)
Ooooh, totally loving this awesome summer side dish! Love that it is more than just corn on the cob – such great flavors here, and all perfect for summer!
Hope you enjoy! :)
I love a corn salad in the Summer! This one was delish!
This looks so healthy and tasty I cannot wait to try !
This look great for BBQs!
YES. I love a good corn salad… this is so perfect for summer!
One of my favorite summer side dishes!
I love the combination of flavors in this delicious summer salad.
Love when I can use up summer veggies in one tasty dish!
This is a summer must have side dish! Love all the fresh veggies in it!
I just bought some corn from a local farmer and can’t wait to make this!
YUM! That will be so delicious with local corn!
This is a great salad for a hot summer day! Thank you for sharing!