Easy Corn and Tomato Salad Recipe: Summer’s Brightest Side Dish

Summer’s bounty shines in this vibrant corn and tomato salad that bursts with fresh, colorful ingredients.

Crisp kernels dance alongside juicy red tomatoes, creating a symphony of flavors.

Sweet corn brings a delightful crunch to every bite.

Local farmers’ markets inspire this simple yet spectacular dish.

Herbs plucked straight from the garden add an aromatic touch.

Each forkful promises a refreshing escape from heavy meals.

Let’s dive into this easy, mouthwatering salad that celebrates seasonal produce.

Why Easy Corn And Tomato Salad Just Works

• Celebrate Fresh Summer Flavors: Burst with vibrant, sun-ripened corn and juicy tomatoes that capture the essence of seasonal produce perfectly.
• Master Simple Culinary Techniques: Learn professional knife skills like chiffonade and kernel removal while creating a restaurant-quality dish with minimal cooking.
• Customize Your Salad Adventure: Easily adapt ingredients by swapping cheeses, adding proteins, or adjusting herbs to match personal taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Quick No-Cook Delight: Prepare a delicious, nutritious side dish without turning on the stove, making it ideal for hot days and busy schedules.

What You’ll Need For Corn And Tomato Salad

• Corn: Sweet summer corn that provides a crunchy base for the salad.
• Tomatoes: Ripe, juicy tomatoes that add vibrant color and fresh flavor.
• Red Onion: Sharp and crisp onion that brings a zesty punch to the dish.
• Fresh Basil: Aromatic herb that contributes a bright, herbaceous note.

• Olive Oil, Red Wine Vinegar: Creates a light, tangy dressing that enhances the salad's overall taste.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the flavors.

• Feta Cheese: Creamy and tangy cheese that adds a rich, salty finish to the salad.

Simple Steps To Make Corn And Tomato Salad

Step 1: Harvest Corn Kernels

Remove fresh corn kernels by standing each ear vertically on a cutting board. Slice downward carefully with a sharp knife, catching the kernels in a large mixing bowl. Ensure you capture all the sweet, juicy kernels from each cob.

Step 2: Chop Fresh Vegetables

Dice ripe tomatoes into uniform, bite-sized cubes. Slice red onion into paper-thin, translucent rings that will add a gentle crunch and mild sharpness to the salad.

Step 3: Prepare Fragrant Basil

Stack fresh basil leaves, roll them tightly like a cigar, then slice into delicate ribbons using a chiffonade technique. This method releases the herb’s aromatic oils and creates beautiful green strips.

Step 4: Whip Up Zesty Dressing

• Olive oil
• Red wine vinegar
• Salt
• Black pepper

Blend until the ingredients are fully incorporated and create a smooth, tangy mixture.

Step 5: Combine Salad Components

Gently mix the corn kernels, diced tomatoes, sliced onions, and basil ribbons in the mixing bowl. Use a light touch to preserve the vegetables’ delicate texture.

Step 6: Dress And Marinate

Pour the prepared dressing over the vegetable mixture. Toss delicately to ensure every ingredient gets evenly coated with the zesty seasoning. Let the salad rest at room temperature for 10-15 minutes, allowing flavors to mingle and intensify.

Step 7: Add Optional Finishing Touch

Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top for a creamy, tangy dimension that complements the fresh vegetables.

Step 8: Serve And Enjoy

Present immediately as a refreshing side dish or light summer meal. The salad is best enjoyed fresh and at room temperature, capturing the essence of seasonal produce.

Tips To Nail Your Corn And Tomato Salad

• Select Fresh Ingredients: Choose ripe, in-season corn and tomatoes for maximum flavor and sweetness.
• Slice Kernels Safely: Use a steady cutting board and sharp knife when removing corn kernels to prevent slipping and ensure clean cuts.
• Marinate for Maximum Taste: Let the salad sit for 10-15 minutes to allow ingredients to blend and develop deeper flavor profiles.
• Balance Acid and Oil: Adjust vinegar and olive oil ratio to suit personal taste preferences while maintaining a harmonious dressing.
• Serve Chilled or Room Temperature: Enjoy the salad within a few hours of preparation for optimal texture and freshness.

Tasty Ideas For Corn And Tomato Salad Variations

• Grilled Summer Corn Salad: Char corn kernels on a hot grill for smoky flavor, add diced bell peppers, and replace red wine vinegar with lime juice for a zesty kick.
• Mediterranean Corn Medley: Incorporate diced cucumber, kalamata olives, and swap feta with crumbled goat cheese, drizzle with oregano-infused olive oil.
• Spicy Mexican Street Corn Salad: Mix in chopped jalapeños, sprinkle chili powder, replace basil with cilantro, and add crumbled cotija cheese for authentic street food flair.
• Herb Garden Corn Salad: Blend multiple fresh herbs like parsley, mint, and chives, use white balsamic vinegar, and add toasted pine nuts for extra crunch and depth.

What Goes Well With Corn And Tomato Salad

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a bright, acidic sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio that complements the salad's fresh tomato and corn flavors, cutting through the richness of feta and enhancing the zesty vinaigrette.
• Match with Grilled Protein: Serve alongside barbecued chicken, grilled salmon, or herb-crusted pork tenderloin to create a balanced meal where the light, summery salad acts as a vibrant accompaniment.
• Create Mediterranean Mezze Plate: Combine the corn and tomato salad with hummus, olives, grilled pita bread, and tzatziki to build a colorful, texture-rich plate that celebrates fresh ingredients and Mediterranean culinary traditions.

How To Store Corn And Tomato Salad Right

• Store the corn and tomato salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the feta cheese separate and add just before serving to maintain its freshness and prevent sogginess.
• Do not freeze this salad, as tomatoes and fresh herbs will become mushy and lose their crisp texture and vibrant flavor when thawed.
• Let the salad sit at room temperature for no more than 2 hours to prevent bacterial growth and maintain food safety. Discard if left out longer.
• If liquid accumulates at the bottom of the container after refrigeration, gently drain it before serving to keep the salad's texture crisp and prevent wateriness.

Corn And Tomato Salad Questions, Solved

• Are the corn kernels raw or cooked?

Fresh corn kernels are used raw in this recipe, which provides a crisp, sweet texture and maintains maximum nutritional value.

• Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh corn?

Yes, you can substitute fresh corn with thawed frozen corn kernels if fresh corn is not available, but fresh corn will deliver the best flavor and crunch.

• How do I prevent the salad from becoming watery?

Remove seeds from tomatoes and drain excess liquid before mixing to prevent the salad from becoming too watery and maintain a perfect texture.

• Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this corn and tomato salad is completely vegetarian-friendly and can be made vegan by omitting the optional feta cheese.

Easy Corn And Tomato Salad Recipe

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4.5 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 30-35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Summer’s most refreshing corn and tomato salad brings Mediterranean charm to your table with crisp kernels and juicy heirloom tomatoes. Simple ingredients create a light, zesty side dish that will become your seasonal favorite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fresh Produce:

• 3 ears corn
• 2 large tomatoes
• 1/2 red onion
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves

Dressing:

• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Optional Garnish:

• 2 tbsp crumbled feta cheese

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Instructions

1. Remove corn kernels from cobs by standing each ear vertically and carefully slicing downward with a sharp knife, collecting kernels in a spacious mixing bowl.
2. Dice tomatoes into uniform, bite-sized cubes and thinly slice red onion into delicate, translucent rings.
3. Stack fresh basil leaves, roll them tightly, then slice into fine ribbons using a chiffonade technique.
4. Whisk olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and black pepper in a separate small bowl to create a vibrant, zesty dressing.
5. Gently combine corn kernels, diced tomatoes, sliced onions, and basil ribbons in the mixing bowl.
6. Pour prepared dressing over the vegetable mixture, tossing delicately to ensure every ingredient is evenly coated.
7. Allow salad to marinate at room temperature for 10-15 minutes, enabling flavors to meld and intensify.
8. Before serving, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top for an optional creamy, tangy finish.
9. Serve immediately as a refreshing side dish or light summer salad.

Notes

• Select fresh, ripe corn and tomatoes for the most vibrant, sweet flavor that elevates the entire salad.
• Use a sharp chef’s knife when removing corn kernels to prevent crushing or mashing the delicate kernels and ensure clean, precise cuts.
• For a gluten-free and vegan version, simply omit the feta cheese or replace with dairy-free alternatives like nutritional yeast or plant-based cheese crumbles.
• Experiment with herb variations by substituting basil with fresh cilantro, mint, or parsley to create unique flavor profiles that complement different meals.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 5 mg