This Easy Corn Salad is the perfect light side dish with fresh corn, crunchy cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and basil. It's tossed with an apple cider vinaigrette for a salad you will make again and again.

Corm salad with fresh corn, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and red onion in a bowl with vinaigrette and basil.
Corn Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish loaded with fresh corn, tomatoes, cucumbers, and fresh basil, all tossed in a simple homemade vinaigrette. Perfect for the summertime, serve this tasty dish at your next family dinner or backyard barbecue.

I try to stick to seasonal produce as often as I can, as that’s the best way to find the freshest-tasting and most affordable foods. When the summertime hits, corn season comes with it, so I find myself making all sorts of healthy corn dishes. From refreshing dips like Corn Salsa to savory meals like Spicy Chicken and Corn Tacos, my family simply can’t get enough of this delicious veggie.

If you’re looking for a dish that is incredibly easy to make, packed with nutrients, and bursting with fresh flavors, this is the one. This Easy Corn Salad is a staple in my home during the summer months when corn is in season. I’ve served it at family dinners, pool parties, neighborhood potlucks, and barbecues; and it’s been a crowd-pleaser every time. It tends to go quickly, so I always make sure to make a big batch.

This dish holds up well in the fridge and can be served in a ton of different ways. You can serve it as a chunky salsa for baked tortilla chips, use it as a topping for steak tacos, or add your favorite grilled chicken to make it a complete meal. It’s fresh, vibrant, and beyond flavorful—all the things that a healthy summer recipe should be.

Whether you’re looking for healthy summer side dishes or quick and easy dinner recipes, this simple salad does not disappoint. Save the leftovers to enjoy for later; it tastes even better the next day!

Ingredients for corn salad including fresh corn, tomatoes, cucumbers, basil, and dressing.

Key Ingredients

To whip up this delicious salad, you will need the following key ingredients:

  • Corn: I’ve found that fresh corn yields the best-tasting results, but you can also use frozen or canned corn in a pinch. Grilled corn is delicious in this dish.
  • Fresh veggies: In addition to corn, you will need Persian cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and red onions. These veggies add a really nice crunch, plenty of nutrients, and tons of fresh flavors.
  • Basil: Fresh basil adds a ton of beautiful flavor to the salad. If you want to use a different herb, fresh parsley or cilantro would also work well.
  • Olive oil: This adds heart-healthy fats and makes up the base of our simple vinaigrette dressing.
  • Apple cider vinegar: The acidity in this ingredient balances out the rich olive oil and enhances the flavors of our fresh veggies and herbs.

Recipe Variations and Ideas

Here are some of my favorite ways to get switch up this dish:

  • For a cheesy twist, try adding crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese. Mexican queso fresco is also delicious.
  • To make this salad even more filling, try adding a fiber-rich food like quinoa, black beans, or chickpeas.
  • Try adding fresh avocado for a creamy component and healthy fats.
  • If corn isn’t in season or you want to cut back on prep time, you can swap out the fresh corn for canned or frozen corn.
  • To add a touch of heat, try adding freshly chopped jalapenos or red chilies.
  • If you’re looking to use up some veggies you have in the fridge, feel free to toss in whatever you want. Good options include arugula, green onions, radishes, and bell peppers.
  • Try adding a lean source of protein to make this dish a complete meal. Some of my favorite choices include grilled chicken breast, steak, shrimp, and salmon.
  • If you want to swap out the basil for another fresh herb, parsley, cilantro, and chives would all work as well.