10 Best Clean Corn Salad Recipes to Serve on the Side
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As the seasons change and summer’s warmth gives way to the crispness of autumn, our taste buds crave fresh, vibrant flavors that evoke the sunshine and simplicity of warmer days. One of the most beloved and refreshing summer staples that easily translates to the cooler months is the humble corn salad.
A symphony of textures and tastes, corn salad is the perfect canvas for showcasing the best of the season’s bounty, from succulent kernels of corn and juicy cherry tomatoes to crunchy bell peppers and crisp, peppery arugula.
This month, we’re diving into the world of corn salad recipes, exploring innovative twists and classic combinations that will elevate your lunch game and satisfy your cravings for clean, delicious eating.
Taylor Farms Mexican Style Street Corn Chopped Salad Kit 11.62oz
(as of September 25, 2025 02:07 GMT -04:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)Classic Corn Salad with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil
Classic Corn Salad with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil is a refreshing dish that celebrates the sweet crunch of fresh corn. This vibrant salad is enhanced by juicy cherry tomatoes and fragrant basil, making it a perfect side for any meal. Ideal for summer gatherings, it’s not only delicious but also embodies the essence of clean eating.
1. Start by boiling or grilling fresh corn until tender, then let it cool before cutting the kernels off the cob. 2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the corn kernels with halved cherry tomatoes and chopped fresh basil. 3. Drizzle with olive oil, add salt and pepper to taste, and gently toss everything together until well mixed. 4. Let the salad sit for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld, then serve chilled or at room temperature.
Mexican Street Corn Salad with Avocado and Lime
Mexican Street Corn Salad with Avocado and Lime is a vibrant and refreshing dish that brings the flavors of street corn to your table. This salad combines sweet corn, creamy avocado, and zesty lime, creating a delightful mix of textures and tastes. Perfect for summer barbecues or as a side dish, it’s a healthy and satisfying option that embraces clean eating principles.
To make Mexican Street Corn Salad with Avocado and Lime, start by grilling or boiling 4 cups of fresh corn kernels until tender. In a large bowl, combine the corn with 1 diced avocado, the juice of 2 limes, 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro, 1/2 cup of crumbled queso fresco, and a pinch of salt. Toss the mixture gently to combine, and serve chilled or at room temperature, garnished with additional cilantro if desired.
Quinoa Corn Salad with Black Beans and Cilantro
Quinoa Corn Salad with Black Beans and Cilantro is a vibrant and nutritious dish perfect for any meal. This refreshing salad combines the nuttiness of quinoa with sweet corn, hearty black beans, and fragrant cilantro, making it both satisfying and wholesome. Ideal for warm days, this salad is a delightful way to incorporate clean eating principles into your diet.
1. Rinse 1 cup of quinoa under cold water, then combine it with 2 cups of water or vegetable broth in a pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce to low heat, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed and the quinoa is fluffy. 2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, 1 cup of cooked corn, 1 can (15 oz) of rinsed and drained black beans, 1/2 cup of chopped fresh cilantro, and 1 diced red bell pepper. 3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the juice of 2 limes, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste. Pour the dressing over the salad, mix well, and serve chilled or at room temperature.
Grilled Corn Salad with Zucchini and Red Onion
Grilled Corn Salad with Zucchini and Red Onion is a vibrant, refreshing dish that highlights the sweet, smoky flavors of summer. The combination of crisp zucchini, juicy corn, and tangy red onion makes it a delightful side for any barbecue or picnic. This salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it a perfect addition to a clean eating lifestyle.
1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. 2. Take fresh corn on the cob and grill for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally until charred and cooked through. 3. While the corn is grilling, slice zucchini and red onion into thick rounds. 4. Toss the zucchini and red onion with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper, and grill them for about 5-7 minutes on each side. 5. Once the corn is cool, carefully cut the kernels off the cob. 6. In a large bowl, combine the grilled corn, zucchini, and red onion. 7. Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice, chopped cilantro, and adjust seasoning to taste. 8. Serve the salad warm or at room temperature.
Corn and Cucumber Salad with Feta and Mint
Corn and Cucumber Salad with Feta and Mint is a refreshing summer dish that combines sweet corn, crunchy cucumbers, and creamy feta cheese. The addition of fresh mint brings a burst of flavor, making it a perfect side for any outdoor gathering. This vibrant salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients for a healthy meal option.
1. Start by shucking the fresh corn and cooking it in boiling salted water for about 3-5 minutes until tender. Drain and let cool. 2. Dice the cucumbers into bite-sized pieces and chop fresh mint leaves. 3. In a large bowl, combine the cooled corn, diced cucumbers, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped mint. 4. Drizzle with olive oil and freshly squeezed lemon juice, then season with salt and pepper to taste. 5. Gently toss all the ingredients together and serve chilled or at room temperature.
Spicy Corn Salad with Jalapeños and Cilantro Lime Dressing
Spicy Corn Salad with Jalapeños and Cilantro Lime Dressing is a vibrant and refreshing dish perfect for summer gatherings. The sweetness of fresh corn contrasts beautifully with the heat from jalapeños and the zesty cilantro lime dressing. This salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it an ideal choice for clean eating enthusiasts.
1. In a large bowl, combine 4 cups of fresh corn kernels (cooked or grilled) with 1 diced jalapeño (seeds removed for less heat), 1 cup of chopped cherry tomatoes, and 1/2 cup of chopped red onion. 2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the juice of 2 limes, 1/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste. 3. Pour the dressing over the corn mixture and toss gently to combine. 4. Let the salad sit for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.
Sweet Corn Salad with Blueberries and Goat Cheese
Sweet Corn Salad with Blueberries and Goat Cheese is a vibrant, refreshing dish perfect for summer gatherings. The combination of sweet corn and juicy blueberries creates a delightful contrast, while creamy goat cheese adds richness and depth of flavor. Topped with a light vinaigrette, this salad is not only delicious but also a healthy addition to your clean eating repertoire.
1. Start by cooking fresh sweet corn; you can boil or grill it until tender, then let it cool. 2. In a large bowl, combine the cooled corn kernels with fresh blueberries and crumbled goat cheese. 3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create the dressing. 4. Pour the dressing over the corn, blueberries, and cheese, then gently toss everything together. 5. Serve chilled or at room temperature, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Mediterranean Corn Salad with Chickpeas and Olives
Mediterranean Corn Salad with Chickpeas and Olives is a vibrant and nutritious dish that perfectly embodies the flavors of the Mediterranean. This refreshing salad combines sweet corn, protein-rich chickpeas, and briny olives, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. Ideal for a light lunch or as a side dish, it’s packed with fresh ingredients that promote clean eating and healthy living.
1. In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of cooked corn (fresh or frozen) and 1 can (15 ounces) of rinsed and drained chickpeas. 2. Add ½ cup of chopped red bell pepper, ¼ cup of finely chopped red onion, and ½ cup of pitted and sliced olives (Kalamata or green) to the bowl. 3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of olive oil, the juice of 1 lemon, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, salt, and pepper to taste. 4. Pour the dressing over the salad, tossing gently to combine all the ingredients. 5. Let the salad rest for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.
Thai Corn Salad with Peanut Dressing and Carrots
Thai Corn Salad with Peanut Dressing is a vibrant and refreshing dish that combines sweet corn with crunchy shredded carrots. Tossed in a creamy peanut dressing, this salad offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Perfect for summer gatherings, it’s a nourishing option that showcases the best of fresh ingredients.
1. Start by shucking 4 ears of fresh corn and boiling them in water for about 5-7 minutes until tender. 2. Once cooked, drain the corn and let it cool before cutting the kernels off the cob. 3. In a large bowl, combine the corn kernels with 2 cups of shredded carrots and toss gently. 4. For the peanut dressing, mix together 1/2 cup peanut butter, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon lime juice, 1 tablespoon honey, and a pinch of salt until smooth. 5. Pour the peanut dressing over the corn and carrots, mixing well to ensure everything is coated. 6. Garnish with chopped green onions and crushed peanuts before serving. Enjoy your clean and delicious Thai Corn Salad!
Avocado-Corn Salad with Lime and Red Bell Pepper
Avocado-Corn Salad with Lime and Red Bell Pepper is a refreshing and vibrant dish perfect for warm weather. This salad combines creamy avocado with sweet corn and crunchy red bell pepper, tossed in a zesty lime dressing for a burst of flavor. It’s not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it an ideal addition to any clean eating meal plan.
1. In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of fresh corn (cooked or grilled), 1 diced red bell pepper, and 1 diced avocado. 2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the juice of 2 limes, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste. 3. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine. 4. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
