Easy salad recipes don’t get much better than this simple Cold Corn Salad! It’s perfect for a quick lunch, or even to bring to a potluck or get together!
Summer Salads
When the weather is nice and fresh produce is readily available, I find myself drawn to salads. Whether that be pasta salad, a leafy green salad or even a mix of vegetables. Some of my favorites are:
- Ranch Pasta Salad
- Macaroni Salad
- Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad
- and this Gouda and Corn Salad recipe!
Most salads don’t require any real “cooking” unless you’re adding some sort of protein like chicken or salmon. And the prep work is usually kept to a minimum.
So when you’re outside playing with the kids or soaking up the warm rays, an easy dish is what you need!
Why You’ll Love This Cold Corn Salad Recipe
A fresh, colorful salad that’s easy to whip up and everyone loves- what’s not to love!
- Fresh and colorful – This corn salad is full of fresh, and colorful ingredients, making it perfect for summer.
- Great summer salad – Because this salad is served cold, it’s great for bringing along to picnics, potlucks or any other summer gathering you might have.
- Easy to make – This salad only requires 8 ingredients and 15 minutes, meaning it couldn’t be easier.
Gouda and Corn Salad Ingredients
I originally thought of this as a summer salad, what with the corn and tomatoes. But you can find either of those items all year round, making it perfect for any occasion! The ingredients are pretty simple:
- Cooked corn – You can cut corn straight from the cobs, use frozen corn or corn from a can- whatever is easiest!
- Grape tomatoes – I like how grape or cherry tomatoes hold up in this fresh corn salad, but you could use any other type you’d prefer.
- Scallions – Not only do scallions provide some color, they also provide a bold flavor to the mix.
- Smoked gouda cheese – You could use regular gouda cheese if you prefer, but I love the flavor of smoked.
- Parsley – Flat parsley, also known as Italian parsley or plain parsley, is best for cooking, while curly parsley is better for garnish.
- Italian dressing – Make your own homemade italian dressing, or buy your favorite brand from the grocery store.
- Salt & pepper – I prefer to use freshly cracked sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper for the best flavor.
Variations
There are plenty of ways you can make this cold corn salad recipe your own. Here are a few suggestions.
- Veggies – You can add as many or as little vegetables as you want! Red onion, cucumbers or red bell pepper would be great.
- Fresh herbs – You might think about throwing in some fresh basil, cilantro or rosemary to take the flavor up a notch.
- Cheese – Feel free to switch up the cheese! I would recommend something like feta cheese, cotija for more of a mexican corn salad, or parmesan.
- Spicy – Take the spice level up a notch by adding diced jalapeño or red pepper flakes to your salad.
- Pasta salad – Turn this into a pasta salad by simply tossing into cooked pasta with more italian dressing.
- Dressing – You can certainly change up the dressing. A homemade dressing made with olive oil, apple cider vinegar, white wine vinegar or even fresh lime juice would be perfect.
What to Serve with Cold Corn Salad
You can serve this salad with just about anything you’d like to! Because it’s served cold, it’s great to have during summer with your other bbq favorites. Ribs, burgers, hot dogs or whatever you’re throwing on the grill.
If you want to make it more of a main dish, consider turning it into a pasta salad. You can also top with some grilled chicken for added protein.
Storage and Freezing
How to Store Leftover Cold Corn Salad
This salad keeps well for up to five days if stored properly in an airtight container. The mixture may get a little watery from the vegetables losing water, but that’s okay. Simply use a slotted spoon when serving to avoid the extra water.
Can I Freeze Cold Corn Salad?
Unfortunately, I do not recommend freezing these leftovers. It will become quite soggy when thawed.
More Recipes that Use Corn
Corn is one of those ingredients that is so versatile and can be used in so many ways. Here are a few of our favorite recipes that use corn.
Sweet Potato Pancakes
Oven Roasted Corn
Cheesy Chile Cornbread Casserole Recipe
Cold Corn Salad
Ingredients
- 4 ears corn , cooked – boiled or grilled
- 3/4 cup grape tomatoes , quartered
- 3 scallions , chopped
- 1 cup smoked gouda cheese , cut into bite size pieces
- 2 tablespoons flat parsley , chopped
- 2 tablespoons Italian dressing
- 1 teaspoon coarse Kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Cut the corn kernels off of the ears and place in a large mixing bowl.
- Add the tomatoes, scallions, smoked gouda, Italian dressing, salt and ground pepper, toss to combine.
- Cover and chill for at least 1 hour before serving.
- When ready to serve, toss to remix.
- If you've tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it was in the comments or star ratings.
Nutrition
I really loved how easy this is to make!! So delish!
I love that this tasty and quick salad can be made ahead – that way the flavors infuse even better! So good!
This totally has me craving summer corn. And I agree, cherry tomatoes are best in these kinds of salads!
This sounds delicious!! I love different salads like this!
This looks so fresh! The perfect summer side dish. Bookmarked for when I can finally find corn in my local grocery stores!!