This farm fresh summer corn and tomato salad recipe, with sweet summer corn, juicy cherry tomatoes, black beans, and fresh herbs come together easily.
Farm Fresh Summer Corn and Tomato Salad Recipe
Farm Fresh Summer Corn and Tomato Salad Recipe
A Bowl Full of Summer Sunshine
There is something magical about cutting sweet corn straight from the cob while tomatoes still carry the warmth of the afternoon sun. This is the kind of salad that appears on picnic tables, beside grilled dinners, and at family gatherings where everyone asks for the recipe before they leave.
The sweetness of fresh corn mingles with juicy tomatoes, crisp celery, hearty black beans, and fragrant herbs, all tied together with a simple lime dressing. It celebrates the very best of summer gardens and farmers markets without requiring hours in the kitchen.
Why Youโll Love This Fresh Corn Salad
This recipe is colorful, naturally gluten-free, and packed with fresh flavor. The cooked corn provides sweetness, while black beans add protein and substance. Cherry tomatoes burst with juice, cilantro or basil lends freshness, and jalapeรฑo offers just enough gentle heat to keep every bite interesting.
It also improves as it sits and marinates taking in the flavor of the herbs, making it an excellent make-ahead dish for barbecues, potlucks, and weekday lunches.
Farm Fresh or Home Grown
Whether you grow your own tomatoes and herbs, and visit your local farmers market for the farm fresh corn, you will want the freshest ingredients you can get. Summertime is the time of year we long for fresh flavors!
Ingredients For Farm Fresh Summer Corn and Tomato Salad Recipe and Why These Ingredients Work
- Fresh corn provides exceptional sweetness and a crisp, juicy texture, an ingredient we long for in the summer months.
- Black beans make the salad more filling, add that dimension of protein, while balancing the vegetables.
- Cherry tomatoes add bursts of acidity and color, whether from a local farm market or pots you grow on your deck.
- Celery contributes refreshing crunch, and donโt forget to add some of those celery leaves for an added bright flavor.
- Green or red onion brings savory depth.
- Fresh herbs brighten every bite and let you customize the flavor profile, cilantro, fresh basil, even fresh mint.
- Jalapeรฑo adds subtle warmth without overpowering the salad.
- Lime juice and olive oil create a light dressing that lets the produce shine.
Simple Tools Youโll Need and Already Have
- Cutting board will be an important work space for removing the corn from the husks, chopping the herbs and cutting the tomatoes.
- Sharp knife makes the job not only easier but does little damage to the appearance of the vegetables while preparing them.
- A large pot for cooking the corn if not roasting or grilling.
- Large mixing bowl for the preparation of the salad before transferring it to a serving bowl.
- Citrus press makes extracting the juice from the lime so much more efficient.
- Large serving bowl or several small individual bowls, depending on the gathering this summer salad will be served at.
How to Make This Fresh Corn and Tomato Salad Recipe
Making this colorful summer salad couldnโt be easier, and the freshest ingredients do most of the work. In just a few simple steps, youโll have a bowl bursting with sweet corn, juicy tomatoes, and bright garden flavors.
Step 1: Cook and cut the corn.
Prepare your fresh corn on the cob using your favorite method, boiled, steamed, roasting, or grilled all work beautifully. Once cool enough to handle, stand each cob on a cutting board and carefully slice the kernels off with a sharp knife, letting the sweet juices fall into the bowl along with the corn.
Step 2: Build the dressing base.
In a large serving bowl, combine the chopped green onions (or red onion), finely diced jalapeรฑo, chopped celery, fresh lime juice, and olive oil. Give everything a quick toss and let it sit for a few minutes while you prepare the remaining ingredients. This brief marinade softens the onion and infuses the vegetables with bright citrus flavor. An added note to enhance flavors, though optional; Puree a little of the corn with herbs and add to the dressing to intensify the earthy flavors.
Step 3: Add the fresh vegetables.
Quarter the cherry tomatoes and add them to the bowl along with the drained black beans and chopped cilantro or basil.
Step 4: Fold everything together.
Gently stir in the fresh corn kernels and season with salt to taste. Mix just until everything is evenly coated without crushing the tomatoes.
Step 5: Garnish and serve.
Finish with an extra sprinkle of fresh herbs and serve immediately, or refrigerate until ready to enjoy. For the best flavor, allow the salad to sit at room temperature for about 15โ20 minutes before serving if it has been chilled.
A Few Helpful Tips
This salad is one of those recipes that tastes like summer in every bite, simple enough for a weeknight dinner, yet colorful enough to steal the show at any picnic or backyard barbecue.
- Use the freshest corn you can find. Sweet, just-picked corn makes a noticeable difference in flavor and texture.
- Wait to add delicate ingredients if making ahead. If preparing the salad a day in advance, stir in the herbs just before serving for maximum freshness.
- Customize to your taste. Crumble feta, queso fresco, or even shredded cheddar make delicious additions and turn this side dish into something even more substantial.
- For extra creaminess, fold in diced avocado right before serving.
FAQ
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes. In fact, preparing it several hours ahead allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Add delicate herbs or avocado just before serving if using.
Do I have to cook the corn?
Cooked corn provides the best texture and sweetness in this recipe. Grilled, boiled, steamed, or roasted corn all work wonderfully.
Which herb is better, cilantro or basil?
Both are delicious. Cilantro gives the salad a Southwestern flair, while basil creates a softer, garden-fresh Mediterranean-inspired flavor.
So Many Recipes For Sweet Summer Corn
We are often in search of the perfect summer side dish.ย Fresh corn, from local farms, offers so many delicious options, right down to Corn Ice Cream for dessert!
From this fresh corn and tomato cold corn salad, to quick and easy Corn Fritters, the delicious flavor of summer corn can ย be a great addition to summer dining.ย Oh, and letโs not forget a favorite for the kids, Corn Bread, made from freshly picked ears of corn!
More Salad Summer Salads To Try
- Beet Endive Salad with Fig Dressingย โ a well known salad I prepared in the finale of The Great American Recipe on PBS.
- Fresh Lump Crab Salsa Salad With Tomato And Red Bell Pepperย โ a fabulous crab salad that would be a great recipe to serve along side of corn and tomato salad.
- Smoked Okra and Salmon Saladย โ two luscious ingredients smoked and laid on a bed of micro-greens and a very simple dressing.
- Heirloom Lemon Cucumber Saladย โ a totally whimsical salad I prepared for a local news channel to showcase the yellow lemon looking balls that are actually cucumbers.
- Mediterranean Millet Tabbouleh Salad (gluten free)ย โ letโs not forget another fabulous salad that best served with crisp cucumbers and cherry tomatoes.
- Watermelon and Feta Salad Recipeย โ with farm fresh spinach and sweet juicy watermelons.
Farm Fresh Summer Corn and Tomato Salad
Equipment
- Cutting board & sharp knife
- Serving bowl
Ingredients
- 3 cups Cooked Corn freshly cut from the corn cob
- 1 cup Black beans
- 1 1/2 cups Cherry Tomatoes
- 1 cup Celery chopped
- 1/2 cup Green onions or red onion finely chopped
- 1 cup Fresh cilantro or fresh basil extra for garnish
- 1/4 cup Jalapeรฑo or chili pepper finely chopped
- 2 tbsp Fresh Lime juice
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- Salt โ to taste
Instructions
- Once you have cooked the corn, while still on the cob in your desired manner, place the cooled cooked corn cob on a cutting board. With a sharp knife, slice the corn kernels from the cob as close to the cob as possible. There is so much flavor in the milky juice from fresh corn. Set the corn aside.ย
- In a large bowl, place the finely chopped green onions or red onions, finely chopped jalapeรฑo, celery, lime juice and olive oil. Toss gently and allow to sit and marinate while chopping the tomatoes.ย
- Cut the tomatoes into quarters. Add the tomatoes and black beans to the onion marinade. Toss corn in gently and salt to taste.ย
- Can be served now with a garnish of fresh herbs on top or place in an airtight container and served later. If serving the next day, store in the fridge. If serving later in the day, the best way to serve it is room temperature and add herbs just before serving.ย
Notes
- Generally, 1 corn cob will yield 1 cup of corn, depending on its size.
- This easy corn salad recipe is also a hit served with queso fresco, or feta, for the adult palate, or grated cheddar cheese for the kids.ย
Farm Fresh Summer Corn and Tomato Salad
I believe the table... that place that draws people to gather, is the most powerful symbol of togetherness. All that happens before the table is set, the planning, the gathering, the preparing, are all an intricate part of the dance that create the mood of celebration to share with friends and loved ones.