Name: Grilled Corn Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 ears of corn; 2 cups grape tomatoes, cut into thirds or fourths; ½ medium red onion, diced; 6-7 fresh basil leaves, chopped; 1 cup feta crumbles; 1½ tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; ½ tablespoon white wine vinegar; ¾ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper

This vibrant Grilled Corn Salad is summer in a bowl! Charred sweet corn mingles with juicy tomatoes, crisp red onion, and tangy feta cheese, all brought together with a light, zesty dressing. It’s the perfect side dish for backyard barbecues, picnics, or weeknight dinners when you want something fresh and flavorful without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fast and Simple: From start to finish in just 20 minutes – perfect for those warm evenings when you’d rather be outside than cooking.
Incredibly Versatile: Works as a side dish, a topping for grilled meats, or even as a standalone light lunch.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Tastes even better after the flavors have had time to mingle in the refrigerator.
Fresh and Seasonal: Showcases the best summer produce at its peak of flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Corn: The star of the show! Grilling adds that irresistible smoky char that takes this salad to another level. Fresh corn is non-negotiable here – frozen just won’t deliver the same sweet, juicy pop.
Grape Tomatoes: These little gems add bursts of juicy sweetness. Their firm texture holds up well in the salad without making it watery.
Red Onion: Provides a sharp, pungent contrast to the sweet corn and tomatoes. The vibrant purple color also makes the salad absolutely gorgeous.
Fresh Basil: Brings a fragrant, herbaceous note that screams summer. Don’t even think about substituting dried basil here.
Feta Cheese: The tangy, salty crumbles perfectly balance the sweetness of the corn and tomatoes. It’s the perfect cheese for this salad – though goat cheese can work in a pinch.
Olive Oil: Use extra virgin for the best flavor – this is a simple dish where quality ingredients really shine.
White Wine Vinegar: Adds brightness and acidity that ties everything together. Champagne vinegar works beautifully too.
Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance all the natural flavors. Sea salt is particularly nice here.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Mediterranean Style

Add cucumber, kalamata olives, and oregano for a Greek-inspired twist.

Southwest Kick

Mix in black beans, diced avocado, jalapeño, and lime juice instead of vinegar. Swap the feta for cotija cheese.

Herb Lover’s Version

Add a handful of chopped fresh herbs like mint, parsley, and chives alongside the basil.

Protein Boost

Toss in some grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to transform this side into a complete meal.

How to Make Grilled Corn Salad

Step 1: Grill the Corn

Preheat your grill to medium heat. Lightly brush the corn with oil to prevent sticking. Place corn directly on the grates and grill for 7-10 minutes, turning occasionally until you achieve that beautiful char on multiple sides. The kernels should be tender with some nice browning. Let the corn cool until you can handle it comfortably.

Step 2: Prep the Vegetables

While the corn is cooling, cut your grape tomatoes into thirds or fourths (depending on size), dice the red onion, and chop the fresh basil leaves.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

Stand each corn cob on its end and carefully slice downward to remove the kernels, collecting them in a large bowl. Add the prepared tomatoes, red onion, chopped basil, and feta crumbles to the bowl.

Step 4: Dress and Season

Drizzle the olive oil and white wine vinegar over the salad. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Gently toss everything together until well combined, being careful not to break up the feta too much.

Step 5: Serve or Store

Enjoy immediately or refrigerate in an airtight container until you’re ready to serve. This salad is delicious cold and actually improves after the flavors have had time to meld together.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Skip the Grill: The charring process adds a smoky depth that makes this salad special. If you don’t have a grill, a cast-iron skillet or grill pan works too.
Cool Completely: Make sure the corn is fully cooled before mixing with other ingredients to prevent wilting the basil or melting the feta.
Uniform Cuts: Try to keep your tomato and onion pieces roughly the same size for the best eating experience.
Season to Taste: Always taste before serving and adjust salt and pepper as needed – corn’s sweetness can vary dramatically.
Fresh is Best: This salad relies on fresh ingredients for its vibrant flavor – using the freshest seasonal produce will give you the best results.

How to Serve

As a Side Dish

This salad shines alongside grilled meats like chicken, steak, or fish. It’s particularly wonderful with anything that has a bit of spice.

For a Gathering

Serve in a large, shallow bowl to showcase all the beautiful colors. This is a guaranteed hit at potlucks and barbecues.

As a Topping

Spoon it over grilled chicken breasts, fish tacos, or even a quesadilla for an extra burst of flavor and texture.

On Its Own

Paired with crusty bread and a glass of crisp white wine, this salad makes a perfect light summer lunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually improve after sitting for a few hours!

Preparing in Advance

You can grill the corn and prep the vegetables up to a day ahead, but wait to combine everything until about an hour before serving for the best texture.

Freezing

This salad doesn’t freeze well due to the fresh vegetables, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days of making.

Reheating

No need to reheat! This salad is designed to be served cold or at room temperature.

FAQs

Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh corn on the cob?
While fresh corn provides the best flavor and texture for this salad, in a pinch, you can use frozen corn. Thaw it completely, pat dry with paper towels, and then char it in a hot skillet with a bit of oil. You won’t get quite the same smoky flavor, but it’s a reasonable substitute when fresh corn isn’t available.

How can I make this salad ahead of time for a party?
This salad actually improves with a little time for the flavors to meld! You can prepare it up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Just give it a gentle toss before serving, and consider adding a fresh garnish of basil leaves to brighten it up.

What can I substitute for feta cheese if I don’t have any?
If feta isn’t your thing or you don’t have it on hand, try crumbled goat cheese for a similar tangy flavor, or small fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini) for a milder option. For a dairy-free version, simply omit the cheese or add diced avocado for creaminess.

Is there a way to make this salad more substantial for a main dish?
Absolutely! Turn this side into a satisfying main by adding protein like grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas. You could also toss it with cooked quinoa or orzo pasta to make it more filling. A diced avocado adds healthy fats that make the salad more satiating as well.

This Grilled Corn Salad is one of those magical recipes that’s greater than the sum of its parts. With minimal effort and just a handful of fresh ingredients, you’ll create a dish that captures the essence of summer on a plate. The smoky sweetness of the charred corn, the juicy burst of tomatoes, and the tangy kick of feta create a perfect harmony of flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Give it a try next time you fire up the grill – your taste buds will thank you!