Fresh Summer Corn & Tomato Salad

When sweet summer corn and ripe tomatoes are at their peak, they don’t need much help. This Fresh and Simple Summer Corn & Tomato Salad celebrates both with just a handful of ingredients: crisp corn cut straight from the cob, juicy cherry tomatoes, green onions, olive oil, and a splash of lime juice or cider vinegar.

There’s no cooking required (unless you prefer to lightly blanch or grill the corn), making this one of my favorite summer side dishes. It comes together in about 15 minutes and pairs beautifully with anything from the grill.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• No cooking required
• Fresh seasonal ingredients
• Ready in about 15 minutes
• Perfect for cookouts and potlucks
• Naturally gluten-free
• Easy to customize

Ingredients & Substitutions

• Fresh sweet corn – Fresh-picked corn is the star of this salad. The kernels are crisp, juicy, and naturally sweet (affiliate link). Substitute: Lightly blanched, grilled, or roasted corn if you prefer.
• Cherry tomatoes – Their sweetness balances the corn perfectly. Diced garden tomatoes, grape tomatoes, or Roma tomatoes will also work.
• Green onions – Add mild onion flavor without overpowering the salad. Substitute: Finely diced red onion or shallots.
• Extra-virgin olive oil – Just enough to lightly coat the vegetables.
• Fresh lime juice or apple cider vinegar – Adds brightness and balances the sweetness of the corn.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper – Season to taste.

How to Make Summer Tomato Corn Salad

Step 1: Gather and prepare all ingredients.

Step 2: Cut the fresh uncooked corn kernels from the cob into a large bowl.

Step 3: Add the remaining ingredients (green onions, cherry tomatoes, olive oil, lime juice or cider vinegar and salt and black pepper) to the bowl and stir to combine.

Step 4: Cover salad and let sit for at least 15 minutes to give the flavors a chance to meld.

Step 5: Serve and enjoy.

Recipe Tips & Variations

• Fresh, uncooked corn gives the salad wonderful sweetness and crunch.
• If you prefer a softer texture, blanch the corn for 1 minute and cool before adding.
• Grilled corn adds a delicious smoky flavor.
• Taste before serving and add another squeeze of lime if needed.

Easy Variations

• Italian Style – Add chopped fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan or crumbled mozzarella.
• Southwestern – Add chopped cilantro, diced jalapeño, and a pinch of ground cumin.
• Mediterranean – Add diced cucumber, crumbled feta, and fresh oregano.
• Creamy – Stir in diced avocado just before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This simple salad pairs beautifully with almost any summer meal, including:

• Grilled chicken
• Burgers
• Hot dogs or brats
• Grilled salmon
• Shrimp
• Pork chops
• BBQ ribs
• Sandwiches or wraps

It’s also delicious spooned over mixed greens or tucked into tacos.

Make Ahead & Storage

The salad can be made several hours ahead and refrigerated.

If making it a day in advance, consider adding the tomatoes just before serving so they stay at their freshest.

Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days.

How Many Calories and WW Points?

According to my calculations, each serving has just 110 calories and 2 WW Points

To see your WW Points for this recipe, track it in the WW App!
(You must be logged into WW on a smartphone or tablet.)
3 PointsPlus (Old plan)

If you’ve made this fresh Tomato Corn Salad, please give the recipe a star rating below and leave a comment letting me know how you liked it. And stay in touch on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for the latest updates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to eat raw corn?

Yes! Fresh summer sweet corn is tender, juicy, and perfectly safe to eat raw. In fact, that’s my favorite way to make this salad because the kernels stay crisp and naturally sweet (affiliate link). If you prefer, you can lightly blanch, grill, or roast the corn before adding it.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes. The salad can be made several hours ahead and refrigerated. In fact, a little resting time allows the flavors to meld. If you’re making it more than a few hours in advance, you may want to stir in the tomatoes just before serving for the freshest texture.

What herbs pair well with corn and tomatoes?

Fresh basil is my favorite addition, but cilantro, parsley, dill, and chives all work beautifully. Each gives the salad its own personality.

Can I turn this into a main dish?

Absolutely. Add grilled chicken, shrimp, salmon, black beans, or chickpeas to transform this simple side into a light summer lunch or dinner.

If you like this summer corn and tomato salad, you might also like:

How to Boil Corn on the Cob or How to Make Slow Cooker Corn on the Cob

Pasta with Fresh Corn and Tomatoes

Corn and Tomato Salsa

WW Cucumber Salad

More Fresh Summer Recipes You’ll Love

• Corn and Tomato Salsa – A fresh salsa that’s perfect with chips, tacos, grilled chicken, or fish.
• Pasta with Fresh Corn and Tomatoes – A simple summer pasta featuring sweet corn, juicy tomatoes, and fresh herbs.
• Simple Cucumber Salad – Cool, crisp, and refreshing with a light vinaigrette.
• Chickpea & Feta Salad – A protein-packed Mediterranean-inspired salad that’s perfect for lunches or picnics.
• Summer Salmon Panzanella Salad – Toasted bread, tomatoes, and salmon combine in this hearty summer main-dish salad.