Crunchy Summer Corn Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Refreshing summer salad featuring sweet corn kernels, crisp vegetables, and a zesty citrus dressing perfect for a picnic or cookout. This mediterranean-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 15 minutes pairs (about 4 ears) fresh corn kernels, cherry tomatoes, halved, cucumber, diced into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 130 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Serves 6 Mediterranean cuisine 130 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Using a sharp knife, carefully cut 3 cups fresh corn kernels from 4 ears of corn and place them in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1 cup diced cucumber, 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves to the bowl.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tbsp fresh orange juice, 1 tsp honey, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until the dressing emulsifies and becomes glossy.
  4. Step 4: Pour the citrus vinaigrette over the vegetable mixture and toss gently but thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly.
  5. Step 5: Let the salad sit at room temperature for 10 minutes to allow flavors to marry before serving chilled or at room temperature.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Crunchy Summer Corn Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Crunchy Summer Corn Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep cherry tomatoes, halved from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Crunchy Summer Corn Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Crunchy Summer Corn Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Crunchy Summer Corn Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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