Fresh Summer Corn Salad with Lime Dressing Recipe

Say hello to the Fresh Summer Corn Salad with Lime Dressing Recipe, a dish that tastes like a burst of sunshine in every bite! This salad takes sweet, crunchy corn at its peak, tosses in juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy feta cheese, hearty black beans, and fragrant fresh herbs, and lets them all mingle in a zesty homemade lime dressing. It’s easy enough for laid-back backyard BBQs and elegant enough for a special brunch, making it a truly versatile summer staple you’ll crave all season long.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe proves that simple can be spectacular. Every ingredient plays a starring role, each adding incredible flavor, texture, or color—and the result is a salad that feels as fresh as it looks! Here’s the lowdown on what you’ll need and why you don’t want to skip a single thing.

• Fresh Corn: There’s nothing like the sweetness and crunch of corn fresh off the cob—it’s the heart of this salad and what sets it apart!
• Cherry Tomatoes: These little jewels are bursting with juicy flavor and gorgeous color, perfect for summer vibes.
• Black Beans: Soft, creamy, and a little earthy, black beans add protein and a satisfying, hearty feel.
• Feta Cheese: Tangy, crumbly feta brings a creamy zing that balances the sweetness of the corn and tomatoes.
• Red Onion: Finely diced for just a hint of sharpness and crunch—plus a pop of purple!
• Fresh Lime Juice: Bright and citrusy, it makes the dressing sing and ties all the other flavors together.
• Olive Oil: Good quality extra-virgin olive oil creates a lush, silky base for the dressing.
• Honey: Just a touch of sweetness enhances the natural sugars in the corn and tomatoes.
• Fine Sea Salt: Sharpens all the flavors—don’t be shy!
• Freshly Ground Black Pepper: A subtle kick of heat awakens every mouthful.
• Fresh Herbs: Basil, cilantro, or parsley bring bright, summery aroma and make the whole salad feel garden-fresh.

How to Make Fresh Summer Corn Salad with Lime Dressing Recipe

Step 1: Blanch the Corn

Bring a big pot of water to a roaring boil—think rolling bubbles, not just a simmer! Drop in your shucked corn cobs and cook for 6 minutes. This quick blanching makes the kernels tender but still super crisp. When they’re ready, immediately move them into a bowl of ice water. This stops the cooking and locks in that sweet, bright corn flavor. Once cooled, drain and pat them dry.

Step 2: Cut the Corn Kernels

Grab your sharpest knife and a sturdy cutting board. Carefully stand each cob up and shave off the kernels—try to cut a few wide strips for extra visual appeal, then break up some of the clusters so you have a mix of textures. The aroma at this step is absolute summer!

Step 3: Prepare the Tomatoes and Onion

While your corn does its thing in the pot, halve your cherry tomatoes for bite-sized bursts of juicy flavor. Also, finely dice the red onion; a little goes a long way by bringing zip and crunch. This prep means every forkful will have the perfect balance.

Step 4: Combine Salad Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, bring together the corn kernels, cut cherry tomatoes, black beans (make sure they’re drained and rinsed), diced red onion, and crumbled feta cheese. Use a silicone spatula to gently fold everything together—be gentle so you don’t break up those beautiful kernels and tomatoes.

Step 5: Make the Lime Dressing

Add the fresh lime juice, olive oil, honey, fine sea salt, and ground black pepper to a small jar or container with a lid. Now the fun part—secure the lid and shake it like you mean it! You want the dressing to emulsify into a bright, slightly creamy blend that’s bursting with citrusy flavor.

Step 6: Dress the Salad

Pour the lime dressing all over your assembled veggies and cheese. Using your spatula, gently fold everything together until every kernel is glistening and all the colors are showing off. Then, cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This chilling time allows all the flavors to meld together into pure summertime magic.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Just before serving, sprinkle the torn fresh herbs generously over the top. These add so much aroma and elevate the salad with a final touch of color and flavor. Now you’re ready to impress—bring it to the table and let the feast begin!

How to Serve Fresh Summer Corn Salad with Lime Dressing Recipe

Garnishes

Don’t skip the finishing touch! A generous scattering of torn basil, cilantro, or flat-leaf parsley doesn’t just look beautiful—it adds an herbal lift that’s absolutely essential to every bite. For a little extra zing, you might also add some lime zest or a light sprinkle of additional feta right before serving.

Side Dishes

This salad is a superstar side for any grilled entree—think juicy steaks, barbecue chicken, or smoky tofu. It’s also wonderful tucked into tacos, served over mixed greens for a light lunch, or spooned over avocado toast. However you decide to serve it, the Fresh Summer Corn Salad with Lime Dressing Recipe complements almost any summertime meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to wow your guests? Scoop the salad into crisp lettuce cups for a hand-held appetizer, serve it family-style in a big platter for summer potlucks, or even layer it in individual glass jars for a portable, picture-perfect picnic treat. The vibrant colors make it shine no matter how you present it!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Fresh Summer Corn Salad with Lime Dressing Recipe in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and crisp for up to 3 days. If the salad starts to release a little extra liquid, just give it a gentle stir before serving.

Freezing

This salad shines brightest when enjoyed fresh, and unfortunately freezing will change the texture of the corn and tomatoes, making them mushy when thawed. For best quality, stick to the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Reheating

No reheating necessary! The Fresh Summer Corn Salad with Lime Dressing Recipe is at its best served chilled or at room temperature. If you like, take it out of the fridge about 20 minutes before serving so the flavors really pop.

FAQs

Can I use frozen or canned corn instead of fresh?

Fresh is definitely best for the sweetest crunch, but in a pinch, you can use frozen corn (thawed and drained) or even canned (well-drained). Just know the flavor and texture won’t be quite as vibrant as with sweet summer corn straight off the cob.

What herbs work best for this salad?

Basil, cilantro, and flat-leaf parsley each bring something special. Use one or combine them for an extra dimension. If you love bold flavors, try a little mint for a fun twist!

Is there a vegan option for the Fresh Summer Corn Salad with Lime Dressing Recipe?

Absolutely! Swap regular feta for your favorite plant-based feta or simply leave it out. The salad is still packed with flavor, crunch, and color.

Can I make the salad ahead of time?

Yes, in fact the Fresh Summer Corn Salad with Lime Dressing Recipe is even better when you make it a few hours ahead—it gives the flavors time to meld and deepen. Just add the herbs right before serving for brightest color and maximum freshness.

What’s the best way to cut corn off the cob without making a mess?

Stand the cob up inside a large bowl, then carefully run your knife down the sides to catch all the sweet kernels. This handy trick keeps kernels from bouncing everywhere!

Final Thoughts

I’m always amazed by how the Fresh Summer Corn Salad with Lime Dressing Recipe manages to be simple and show-stopping at the same time. If you’re craving a dish that celebrates summer’s best produce and bright, satisfying flavors, this is the salad to try—make it once and it’ll instantly become a favorite at your table, too!

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