Fresh Summer Corn and Green Onion Salad with Zesty Lime Dressing

There’s something magical about fresh corn in summer – those plump, juicy kernels that pop with sweetness in every bite. This colorful salad celebrates the season’s best corn paired with crisp green onions and a bright lime dressing that brings everything together beautifully. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or looking for a light side dish, this salad delivers fresh flavors that everyone will love. The best part? It actually gets better as it sits, making it perfect for meal prep or potluck gatherings.

Storage

Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad is best served at room temperature, so let it sit out for 15-20 minutes before serving if chilled. Do not freeze as the corn texture will become mushy.

Steps:

Cook the Corn

Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add corn ears and cook for 6-8 minutes until kernels are bright yellow and tender. Remove corn and let cool completely on a cutting board.

Remove Corn Kernels

Once corn is cool enough to handle, stand each ear upright in a large bowl. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice downward to remove kernels from the cob. Rotate and repeat until all kernels are removed.

Prepare the Vegetables

Slice green onions thinly, including both white and green parts. If using jalapeño, remove seeds and dice finely. Roughly chop the fresh cilantro.

Make the Lime Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, honey, salt, and black pepper until well combined and emulsified.

Combine and Serve

Add green onions, cilantro, and jalapeño (if using) to the bowl with corn kernels. Pour the lime dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately or chill for up to 2 hours before serving.

Nutritions

  • Calories

    142 kcal

    Energy

    594 kJ

    Protein

    4.2 g

    Fat

    7.1 g

    Carbohydrates

    19.8 g

    Fiber

    2.8 g

    Sugars

    6.4 g

    Salt

    0.4 g

Recipe Variations

This recipe is easy to adapt to your taste. Try one of the variations below to change the flavor or ingredients.

FAQ

Yes, you can use 4 cups of frozen corn kernels. Thaw completely and pat dry before using, or briefly sauté in a dry pan to remove excess moisture.
Fresh corn is done when the kernels are bright yellow and tender when pierced with a fork, usually 6-8 minutes in boiling water.
Absolutely! This salad actually improves with time. Make it up to 24 hours ahead and store covered in the refrigerator.
Lemon juice works well as a substitute, or try rice vinegar for a milder acidity. Use the same amount as called for in the recipe.
Yes, it’s perfect for meal prep! The salad stays fresh for up to 3 days and makes an excellent side dish throughout the week.