Vegetarian Corn Salad Recipe

Here’s a refreshing Vegetarian Corn Salad recipe that highlights the sweetness of fresh corn and combines it with vibrant vegetables and a zesty dressing. This salad is perfect for summer gatherings, barbecues, or as a light side dish.

Ingredients

4 ears of fresh corn, husked (or 3 cups of frozen corn, thawed)
1 red bell pepper, diced
1/2 red onion, finely chopped
1 jalapeño, seeded and diced (optional for heat)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup cucumber, diced (preferably English cucumber)
1/2 cup cilantro, chopped (or parsley)
1/3 cup vegan mayonnaise (or regular mayonnaise if not vegan)
3 tablespoons lime juice
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: 1/3 cup crumbled vegan feta cheese or avocado for creaminess

Instructions

Cook the Corn:

If using fresh corn, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the husked corn and cook for about 3 minutes. Remove from the water and let cool slightly before cutting the kernels off the cob. If using frozen corn, sauté it in a pan until slightly browned.

Prepare the Vegetables:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced red bell pepper, chopped red onion, jalapeño, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and cilantro.

Mix the Salad:

Add the corn kernels to the vegetable mixture. If using, fold in the vegan feta cheese or diced avocado.

Make the Dressing:

In a small bowl, whisk together the vegan mayonnaise, lime juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.

Combine Everything:

Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly.

Chill and Serve:

For best flavor, refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Tips:

Customization: Feel free to add other ingredients like black beans for protein or corn chips for crunch.
Storage: This salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Serving Suggestions: Serve as a side dish with grilled vegetables or as a topping for tacos.

Here are some answers to your questions about vegetarian corn salad based on the provided search results:

Other Vegetables to Add to a Vegetarian Corn Salad

Cherry Tomatoes: Halved cherry or grape tomatoes add sweetness and color.
Bell Peppers: Diced red, yellow, or green bell peppers provide crunch and flavor.
Red Onion: Finely chopped red onion adds a sharp, sweet flavor.
Cucumbers: Diced cucumbers add freshness and crunch.
Zucchini: Chopped or shredded zucchini can enhance the salad’s texture.
Jalapeño: Minced jalapeño adds a spicy kick if desired.

Making a Gluten-Free Version of Corn Salad

To make a gluten-free corn salad:

Use Naturally Gluten-Free Ingredients: Most ingredients in corn salad, like corn, vegetables, and olive oil, are naturally gluten-free.
Check Dressings: Ensure that any dressing used is gluten-free. For example, using rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar is a safe choice.

Good Vegan Cheese Alternatives for Corn Salad

Vegan Feta Cheese: Brands like Follow Your Heart offer vegan feta that adds creaminess and tang.
Nutritional Yeast: Provides a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
Cashew Cheese: Homemade cashew cheese can be creamy and flavorful.
Vegan Cream Cheese: This can add richness to the salad.

Using Frozen Corn Instead of Fresh Corn in a Corn Salad

Yes, you can use frozen corn instead of fresh corn:

Preparation: Thaw the frozen corn and sauté it in a pan until slightly browned for added flavor, or simply thaw and mix it directly into the salad.