Fresh Summer Corn Salad with Lime Dressing Recipe

If there’s one dish that absolutely encapsulates the joy and vibrancy of the season, it’s this Fresh Summer Corn Salad with Lime Dressing Recipe. Imagine golden, blanched corn tossed with juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy feta, and crisp, herbal notes—all brought together by a zippy, irresistible lime dressing. It’s a kind of sunshine-in-a-bowl that’s quick to throw together but layered with flavors, colors, and that summery freshness we all crave. Whether it’s for a weeknight dinner, a potluck, or your next backyard barbecue, this recipe will become a staple you’ll want to share again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic here is in the way a handful of simple, seasonal ingredients mingle beautifully. Each one delivers a flavor punch, a pop of color, or its own texture, working together to make the Fresh Summer Corn Salad with Lime Dressing Recipe totally irresistible.

• Corn (5 ears): Freshly shucked corn offers pure sweetness and the ultimate crunch, making it the backbone of this salad.
• Cherry Tomatoes (1 cup, halved): These little gems add juiciness, vibrant color, and a pop of tang that balances the corn’s sweetness.
• Black Beans (1 cup, drained and rinsed): Creamy and earthy, black beans help bulk up the salad and bring satisfying protein and fiber.
• Feta Cheese (1 cup, crumbled): Salty, creamy feta peppers the salad with indulgent flavor and just the right amount of tang.
• Red Onion (1/2 cup, finely diced): Adds crunch and just enough bite to counter the other flavors without overwhelming the dish.
• Fresh Lime Juice (3 tablespoons): The star of the dressing, lime juice infuses brightness and zippiness throughout every bite.
• Olive Oil (3 tablespoons): Olive oil adds body and lusciousness to the dressing, helping all the flavors meld together.
• Honey (1 teaspoon): Just a touch of honey enhances the natural sweetness and balances out the citrusy tang.
• Fine Sea Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Salt lifts every ingredient, coaxing out their flavors and tying the salad together.
• Freshly Ground Black Pepper (1/2 teaspoon): A little pepper brings subtle warmth and complexity to the final salad.
• Fresh Herbs (1/4 cup, basil, cilantro, or parsley): Use torn or whole leaves for a fragrant, finishing flourish and a burst of green.

How to Make Fresh Summer Corn Salad with Lime Dressing Recipe

Step 1: Blanch the Corn

Start by bringing a big pot of water to a boil—don’t skimp here, the corn should have plenty of room to bob around. Add your shucked ears of corn and let them cook for exactly 6 minutes. The idea is to lock in their sweetness and keep that irresistible bite. Immediately transfer them to an ice bath. This quick chill halts the cooking, ensuring kernels stay bright and tender without getting mushy.

Step 2: Cut the Corn

Once cooled, set the corn cobs upright on a stable cutting board and use a sharp knife to slice off the kernels. For a rustic presentation, try scraping off some larger strips of kernels—these wide “planks” look beautiful tossed through the bowl, while some loose kernels ensure every forkful is varied and interesting.

Step 3: Prepare Tomatoes & Onion

While the corn cooks or cools, halve the cherry tomatoes and finely dice the red onion. Small cubes of onion distribute their sharp kick evenly through every bite, while halved tomatoes bring pops of color and juicy bursts—no need to overthink it, just slice and set aside for now.

Step 4: Combine Salad Ingredients

In your biggest mixing bowl, add the freshly cut corn, those gleaming red tomatoes, rinsed black beans, diced onion, and crumbled feta. Gently fold the ingredients with a spatula. This is the moment the salad starts to look as cheerful and festive as it tastes. Set the bowl aside while you whip up the dressing.

Step 5: Make the Lime Dressing

For the dressing, grab a small jar with a secure lid. Pour in the fresh lime juice, olive oil, honey, sea salt, and black pepper. Put the lid on and shake that jar with gusto! You want the oil and juice to emulsify and the salt and pepper to disperse so every spoonful of salad gets coated in zesty flavor.

Step 6: Dress the Salad

Drizzle the lime dressing all over the waiting salad ingredients. Give everything a gentle fold, making sure you don’t crush the feta or break up the tomatoes too much. Let the salad chill, covered, in the fridge for at least two hours. This step is truly transformational; the flavors meld, and the salad becomes refreshingly cool—just what you want from the Fresh Summer Corn Salad with Lime Dressing Recipe.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Right before serving, tear or scatter your fresh herbs of choice—basil for sweetness, cilantro for a classic summer vibe, or flat parsley for an earthy note. The herbs take this salad from delicious to unforgettable, giving you that fresh garden finish every time.

How to Serve Fresh Summer Corn Salad with Lime Dressing Recipe

Garnishes

This salad sings with a shower of freshly torn herbs, but you can also add thinly sliced radishes, extra crumbled feta, or even a scattering of lime zest for a flavor-packed finish. The fun part is that the Fresh Summer Corn Salad with Lime Dressing Recipe is wonderfully flexible, so garnish liberally to highlight your own favorite flavors and colors.

Side Dishes

Fresh Summer Corn Salad with Lime Dressing Recipe pairs beautifully with grilled seafood, roasted chicken, smoky barbecue, or even as a taco topper. Its creamy, citrusy notes play nicely against spicy or smoky mains. Try scooping it alongside grilled shrimp skewers or a juicy steak—truly, it plays the role of “side kick” brilliantly at any table.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t be shy about serving this salad in playful ways: mound it into lettuce cups for a handheld starter, spoon it over crispy tostadas, or pile it into mason jars for the prettiest picnic on the block. Individual mini bowls make it party-ready, and a generous platter lets everyone dig in family-style.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Fresh Summer Corn Salad with Lime Dressing Recipe keeps exceptionally well for up to three days when covered and refrigerated. The flavors grow even more harmonious as they sit, and the salad stays crisp and bright—just give it a gentle toss before serving again.

Freezing

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but if you must freeze it, do so without the tomatoes and herbs, as they don’t thaw well. The corn, beans, and dressing can handle the cold, but thaw overnight in the refrigerator and fold in fresh herbs and tomatoes just before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Reheating

There’s really no need to reheat this salad, as it’s designed to be served cold or at room temperature. If you like, you can let it sit out for 10 to 15 minutes before serving to take the chill off, which lets the flavors blossom beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use frozen or canned corn instead of fresh?

Absolutely. If fresh corn isn’t available, frozen or even canned works in a pinch for the Fresh Summer Corn Salad with Lime Dressing Recipe. Simply thaw or drain well and proceed—fresh corn is ideal for texture and taste, but the salad still turns out delicious with substitutes.

Is there a vegan option for this recipe?

Of course! Just swap the feta cheese for a vegan feta or leave it out entirely. The rest of the salad and lime dressing are naturally vegan, so you can easily accommodate plant-based eaters.

What other herbs work well in this recipe?

Basil, cilantro, or flat parsley are my favorites, but you can branch out with dill, chives, or even a little mint for a cool, refreshing twist on the Fresh Summer Corn Salad with Lime Dressing Recipe.

Do I have to chill the salad before serving?

Chilling helps all the flavors come alive and blend together. If you’re pressed for time, you can serve the salad right away, but if possible, a couple hours of refrigeration makes a wonderful difference.

Can I double or halve this recipe?

Definitely! The Fresh Summer Corn Salad with Lime Dressing Recipe scales up or down beautifully. Just adjust each ingredient proportionally, and you’re all set—perfect for everything from solo lunches to big summer gatherings.

Final Thoughts

Summer’s too short not to treat yourself and your loved ones to dishes that are as joyful as they are delicious. If you’re ready to wow your taste buds and brighten up your table, this Fresh Summer Corn Salad with Lime Dressing Recipe belongs in your rotation. Trust me—it’s a dish you’ll return to all season long. Enjoy every bite!

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