Summer Bliss: Refreshing Corn Salad with a Zesty Twist

Here’s a fresh gluten-free and dairy-free salad: this Corn Salad! The juicy corn kernels are offset with the crisp-tender peppers, and cool refreshing cucumber then they are covered in a zesty flavor-popping dressing.

This corn salad recipe is delicious and super easy to make with simple and fresh ingredients, it makes a great healthy side-dish option.

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I’m always looking for quick make-ahead meals. This salad is so good! It’s served cold so it pairs well with grilled summer dishes like chicken, steak, pork chops, or these Classic Burgers.

Corn Salad Recipe Ingredients:

• 2 cups corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• 1 cup mixed peppers (chopped)
• 1/3 cup cucumber (chopped)
• 1/2 tablespoon dehydrated onion flakes 
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Gather all ingredients.
2. Cook corn if using fresh or frozen (let it cool). If using canned corn, drain.
3. Chop peppers and cucumbers into small bite-sized pieces.

4. Mix onion flakes, garlic powder, salt, lemon juice, sugar, and pepper.
5. Pour dressing over the corn, pepper, and cucumber mixture.

The juicy corn kernels are offset with the crisp-tender peppers, cool refreshing cucumber, and covered in an easy flavor-popping dressing.

Corn Salad Recipe Variations:

The best thing about this summer corn salad is that you can add anything you like! Here are a few ideas:

• Rice: make your own or try prepackaged microwavable varieties 
• Quinoa:  cooks quickly and is naturally gluten-free
• Chickpeas: for protein and a heartier dish
• Peppers: I prefer using a mix of red, yellow, and orange bell peppers. You could add some green peppers as well for flavor and color
• Onion flakes: substitute 1 teaspoon of fresh minced onion for the dehydrated onion flakes
• Black Beans: for a Mexican-ish twist
• Avocado: top with fresh avocado chunks
• Grape tomatoes: toss in before serving
• Corn chips: check the label for gluten-free
• Grilled corn: for a slightly smoky flavor, use grilled or roasted corn

Tips and Shortcuts:

• Frozen corn, canned corn, fresh corn, grilled corn, or roasted corn can be used. If using fresh or frozen corn, cook and cool it before mixing with the other ingredients.
• Add additional garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, to taste.
• Dissolve the sugar in the lemon juice before pouring over the corn mixture.
• If you have time, make the corn salad a few hours ahead to let the flavors blend.
• Keep chilled until ready to eat.
• Mix before serving.