Meta Description: This roasted sweet corn tomato salad is the ultimate summer side dish. Learn how to make this incredibly flavorful and easy recipe, featuring charred corn, juicy tomatoes, and a bright herb dressing.
I’ll never forget the first time I made this roasted sweet corn tomato salad. It was a sweltering August evening, and my neighbor had just dropped off a huge bag of fresh-picked tomatoes and a dozen ears of corn from their garden. I wanted to make a side dish for a backyard barbecue, but I was tired of the same old, boring salads. I decided to try something new, something that would really highlight the incredible freshness of the produce. I roasted the corn on the grill until it was smoky and slightly charred, and I combined it with the juicy tomatoes, a handful of fresh herbs, and a simple vinaigrette. The first bite was pure sunshine. The sweetness of the corn, the burst of flavor from the tomatoes, and the bright, zesty dressing were a match made in heaven. My friends and family devoured the entire bowl, and I had to promise to make it for every gathering for the rest of the summer. It has since become my signature dish, a testament to how simple, fresh ingredients can create something truly spectacular.
This recipe is more than just a salad; it’s a celebration of summer. It’s a dish that captures the essence of a warm day, with the smoky flavor of the corn and the vibrant colors of the tomatoes and herbs. While it looks and tastes like a gourmet masterpiece, it’s incredibly simple to put together. The roasting process is a game-changer, bringing out a depth of flavor in the corn that you just can’t get from boiling or steaming. This fresh corn and tomato salad is the perfect side dish for a barbecue, a picnic, or a light lunch.1 It’s healthy, delicious, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a complete beginner, this recipe is a must-try. It’s so easy that you’ll wonder why you ever made a plain side salad again.
🌟 The Perfect Mix: Ingredients & Tools
To create this sensational roasted corn salad, you need a few key ingredients that are common in most kitchens during the summer. The quality of your ingredients, especially the fresh produce, will make all the difference in the final taste. This recipe is a fantastic way to use up fresh vegetables from your garden or the farmer’s market.
✅ Ingredients
- 4 ears of fresh sweet corn, shucked
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes or heirloom tomatoes, halved or chopped
- 1 red onion, finely diced
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional, but highly recommended)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
✅ Dressing Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
🔪 Tools You’ll Need
- Grill or a large skillet
- Cutting board and knife
- Large mixing bowl
- Small jar or bowl for the dressing
- Whisk
The magic of this summer salad is in the contrast of textures and flavors. The roasted corn brings a smoky, caramelized sweetness, while the juicy tomatoes add a burst of acidity. The red onion provides a sharp, crisp bite, and the fresh herbs add a bright, aromatic freshness. The creamy feta cheese adds a salty, tangy flavor that ties everything together beautifully. The dressing is simple but perfect, with the lime juice cutting through the richness of the olive oil and the sweetness of the honey.
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Making this easy corn salad is incredibly simple. The process is broken down into a few clear steps, ensuring a perfect, flavorful result every time.
Step 1: Roast the Corn
- Prep the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you don’t have a grill, you can use a large cast-iron skillet or a grill pan on your stovetop over medium-high heat.2
- Roast the Corn: Place the shucked corn directly on the grill grates. Cook for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the corn is tender and has a few beautiful charred spots. If using a skillet, cook for about 10 minutes, flipping to brown all sides.
- Cool and Cut: Once the corn is cooked, transfer it to a cutting board. Let it cool for a few minutes until it’s easy to handle. Hold each ear of corn upright and carefully slice the kernels off the cob with a sharp knife.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables and Herbs
- Chop the Tomatoes: While the corn is roasting, chop your cherry tomatoes in half or dice your larger heirloom tomatoes.
- Dice the Onion: Finely dice the red onion. If you want to mellow the flavor of the onion, you can soak it in a bowl of cold water for about 10 minutes before draining it.3
- Chop the Herbs: Finely chop the fresh basil and parsley.
Step 3: Make the Dressing and Combine
- Make the Dressing: In a small jar or bowl, combine the olive oil, fresh lime juice, honey, salt, and black pepper. Whisk or shake vigorously until the dressing is well-emulsified.
- Combine the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the roasted corn kernels, chopped tomatoes, and diced red onion.
- Add the Finishing Touches: Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss to combine. Add the chopped fresh basil and parsley and toss again.
- Add the Cheese: Gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese.
- Serve and Enjoy: You can serve the salad immediately, but for the best flavor, cover it and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together.
The result is a vibrant, colorful, and incredibly flavorful tomato corn salad that is perfect for any occasion.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions and Variations
This roasted sweet corn tomato salad is a perfect side dish, but it can also be a fantastic base for a main course or an opportunity to get creative with flavors.
- Serving Suggestions: This salad is a natural fit for a backyard barbecue.4 It pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, hamburgers, or even grilled fish. For a simple lunch, you can serve it with some grilled bread and a little olive oil.
- Make it a Meal: You can easily turn this side dish into a main course. Add some cooked quinoa or chickpeas for extra protein and fiber. You could also stir in some shredded rotisserie chicken or some grilled shrimp.
- Add-ins: This recipe is a fantastic base for other ingredients. You can add chopped avocado for a creamy texture, black beans for a more substantial salad, or some finely diced jalapeño for a little bit of heat. A sprinkle of cotija cheese instead of feta would give it a more Mexican street corn vibe.
- Different Herbs: While basil and parsley are a classic combination, you can easily use other herbs.5 Fresh cilantro would add a wonderful flavor, especially if you’re using black beans and a touch of chili powder.
- Grill the Veggies: For an extra layer of flavor, you can lightly grill the tomato halves before adding them to the salad. This will bring out their natural sweetness and add a beautiful smoky char.
This healthy summer recipe is incredibly versatile and can be tailored to fit any taste or occasion.
🧐 Common Questions and Pro Tips
Why is roasting the corn better than boiling it?
Roasting or grilling the corn brings out a much deeper, sweeter flavor. The high heat caramelizes the natural sugars in the corn, creating a smoky, nutty flavor that you just can’t get from boiling. It’s an extra step that makes a huge difference in the final taste of the salad.
Can I make this with frozen corn?
You can, but the flavor won’t be as deep. If you are using frozen corn, you can still get a nice char on it by sautéing it in a hot skillet with a little bit of oil until it browns. It won’t have the same smoky flavor as a grill, but it will still be delicious.
How do I prevent the red onion from being too pungent?
Finely dicing the red onion and soaking it in cold water for about 10 minutes is a great trick. This mellows the sharp, raw onion flavor without sacrificing its crunchy texture. Just be sure to drain it thoroughly before adding it to the salad.
Can I make this ahead of time?
This make-ahead salad is perfect for a party. You can make it up to 4 hours in advance. Just be sure to leave out the basil until just before serving. The basil can wilt and darken if it sits in the dressing for too long. If you’re going to keep it overnight, the flavors will deepen, but the texture of the onion may soften a bit.
🌟 Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: This salad is all about the quality of the ingredients. Using fresh, ripe tomatoes and sweet corn from the farmer’s market will give you the best possible flavor.
- Don’t Overcook the Corn: You want the corn to be tender-crisp, not mushy. Keep an eye on it while it’s roasting and remove it from the heat as soon as it’s done.
- Perfect Vinaigrette: The dressing is simple but crucial. A light, zesty dressing is what ties everything together. Don’t be afraid to adjust the honey or lime juice to get a perfect balance of sweet and tangy.
- Rest is Best: While it’s tempting to dig in right away, letting the salad rest in the fridge for a little while allows the flavors to truly meld together.
This simple and healthy recipe is a great way to celebrate the flavors of summer.
| Nutritional Information | Per Serving (approximate) |
| Calories | 220 kcal |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Fat | 15 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 20 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 8 g |
| Sodium | 300 mg |
Note: This nutritional information is an estimate based on standard ingredients and a serving size of about 1 cup. Actual values may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
⏱️ Total Preparation and Cooking Time
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 15 minutes
- Chill time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour
This quick and easy salad is a perfect no-fuss solution for a delicious and healthy side dish.
✨ A Final Word
This roasted sweet corn tomato salad has become my go-to summer side dish, and for good reason. It’s a dish that feels elegant and special, but is incredibly easy to make. What started as a simple experiment to use up some fresh produce has turned into a cherished recipe that I’m proud to share. The beautiful combination of smoky corn, juicy tomatoes, and a bright herb dressing creates a flavor profile that is both comforting and incredibly delicious. It’s a perfect meal for any occasion, and it’s a fantastic way to show that a homemade dish doesn’t have to be complicated to be absolutely amazing.
So, the next time you’re in need of a quick and easy side dish, give this recipe a try. You’ll be amazed at how a few simple ingredients can come together to create something so wonderful. I’m confident that this delicious corn and tomato salad will become a staple in your kitchen. Please, give it a try and come back to share your experience and any delicious twists you’ve added. Happy cooking!