Maize Craze: The 5-Minute Salad That’s Sparking Veggie Revolts

Summer’s here, and with it comes the sweetest, juiciest corn of the year! It’s time to ditch the hot stove and embrace the cool, refreshing goodness of this easy summer corn salad. Trust me, this isn’t just any salad – it’s a celebration of summer on a plate.

This image shows a large mixing bowl filled with corn, cherry tomatoes, diced green pepper, red onions, cilantro, and lime zest. A wooden spoon is gently tossing the ingredients together, coating them with a tangy lime and olive oil dressing. The mixture is colorful, fresh, and ready to chill before serving.

I stumbled upon this recipe during a scorching heatwave when the thought of turning on the oven made me break into a sweat. Little did I know, I was about to discover my new go-to summer side dish that would become a staple at every backyard barbecue and picnic.

What makes this corn salad truly special is its simplicity. Fresh, crisp corn kernels are the star, complemented by a medley of colorful veggies and a light, zesty dressing. The key is to use the freshest corn possible – farmers market corn if you can get it!

Every bite is a burst of summer flavors. The sweet pop of corn, the crunch of bell peppers, and the tangy bite of red onion all dance together in perfect harmony. And that dressing? It’s like sunshine in a jar.

This salad pairs beautifully with a cold glass of Raspberry Lemonade or a trendy Dirty Soda for the ultimate summer refreshment.

So grab those ears of corn and let’s create some summer magic! I can’t wait to hear how you put your own spin on this versatile salad.

Why I Love This Recipe?

  • I’ve found this salad to be a total lifesaver for potlucks; it’s always a hit, and I never have to worry about it spoiling in the heat.
  • It’s become my go-to for meal prep; I make a big batch on Sundays and enjoy it throughout the week as a light lunch or side dish.
  • I love how adaptable this recipe is; I’ve added avocado for creaminess, feta for tang, and even grilled chicken to make it a complete meal.
  • Unexpectedly, this salad has helped me reduce food waste; it’s a great way to use up any veggies lingering in the crisper drawer.
This image shows the fully prepared summer corn salad in a large serving bowl, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges on the side. The salad features a beautiful mix of corn, tomatoes, cucumbers, green peppers, and onions, tossed in a zesty lime dressing, ready to be served at a summer barbecue or family gathering.

Easy Summer Corn Salad

Bright, fresh, and bursting with flavor, this Easy Summer Corn Salad combines sweet corn, juicy tomatoes, and crisp cucumbers, all tossed in a tangy lime dressing. It’s the perfect side dish for barbecues or light summer meals.
Prep Time 8 minutes
Cook Time 1 minute
Total Time 9 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine African
Servings 8 people
Calories 130 kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Knife
  • plastic bag

Ingredients
  

  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 cups sweet corn off the cob or frozen
  • Salt & pepper
  • 1 cup sliced cherry tomatoes
  • Zest of 1 lime
  • 1 green pepper diced
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 1/2 cup red onions sliced
  • 1/3 cup chopped cilantro

Instructions
 

  • In a medium bowl, combine all the ingredients and mix well.
    This image shows a cutting board filled with fresh ingredients for the summer corn salad. There are sweet corn kernels, sliced cherry tomatoes, diced green pepper, and finely chopped red onions, all arranged neatly on the board. A small bowl of lime zest and a cilantro bunch are ready to be added, highlighting the freshness and vibrant colors of the ingredients before mixing.
  • Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour before serving.
    This image shows a large mixing bowl filled with corn, cherry tomatoes, diced green pepper, red onions, cilantro, and lime zest. A wooden spoon is gently tossing the ingredients together, coating them with a tangy lime and olive oil dressing. The mixture is colorful, fresh, and ready to chill before serving.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, try grilling the corn before adding it to the salad—this adds a smoky, charred sweetness that elevates the dish.

Nutrition Info:

NutritionValue
Calories130 kcal
Carbohydrates18 g
Protein3 g
Vitamin A395 IU
 Vitamin C21.4 mg
Iron0.6 mg
Sugar4 g
Calcium8 mg

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Archie Johnson

Hi! I’m Archie Johnson

Archie Johnson is a San Diego-born home cook who turns her kitchen into a playground of flavors. With a passion for California's vibrant food scene and a knack for creating delicious, approachable recipes, she's on a mission to show that great cooking is about joy, not perfection.

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