This summer corn salad recipe for entertaining adds the freshness of the season to any dinner party or pot luck party. Serve it alongside grilled entrees or with any of these summer entertaining ideas and it will be a hit! Make it ahead so it’s ready to go when you are. 

Double this salad recipe for entertaining a crowd

There may be no better time for a potluck party than the summer. And whether you make this corn salad for a family side dish, or double it for a backyard cookout party, it’s going to add so much freshness and flavor to the meal.

This summer salad if full of ingredients that you may have growing in your garden right now. The dressing is light with an olive oil base so you don’t have to worry too much about serving it in the heat. I served this for our al fresco dinner party alongside my sun-dried tomato burgers and it was a delicious meal.

This dish is highlighted by the process of caramelizing the corn. That gives a light crust to the kernels and brings out the natural sweetness. The addition of cool tomatoes and crunch cucumbers makes this a symphony of flavor and texture.

Basil Oil infuses fresh herb flavor into this summer corn salad

One thing I love about this salad is that you caramelize the corn first, so it brings out the sweetness. The fresh basil and feta cheese is the perfect finishing touch. Serve this along with one of our other summer side dish recipes for a well rounded meal.

HOSTESS NOTE: I made the dressing using this basil-infused olive oil (affiliate link) I had on hand. It gave it a tremendous pop of flavor!

I think it’s worth the purchase of basil olive oil, but you can also make basil oil on your own. It’s easy to make and you can use it later for pasta, for other side salads, or to dip bread into.

Some of my favorite entrees to serve with the salad are this bbq brushed plank grilled salmon, and these Greek burgers with tzatziki sauce. Both are great recipes for summer entertaining too. 

Summer Corn Salad recipe for entertaining

Yield: about 6

This summer corn salad is bursting with flavor! The sweetness from the corn combines with salty feta cheese, fresh basil, and crunchy cucumbers. This is a side dish all your guests will love.

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Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 2 cups frozen corn, thawed
• 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, quartered
• 1 cup finely chopped cucumber
• 1/4 cup chopped red onion
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
• 1/4 – 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

Dressing:

• 4 teaspoons olive oil {try this recipe with basil-infused olive oil for a fantastic burst of flavor}
• 1 Tablespoon lime juice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon hot sauce (Tobasco)

Instructions

1. Prepare dressing by combining 4 teaspoons oil with lime juice, salt, and pepper sauce. Set aside. 
2. In a large skillet, add 1 teaspoon oil and heat over medium-high heat. Add corn and cook until the corn begins to caramelize, stirring often.
3. Transfer to a salad bowl and let cool.
4. Add tomatoes, cucumber, and onion to the corn.
5. Drizzle dressing over salad ingredients and toss to coat.
6. Cover and chill for about 2 hours so flavors can combine.
7. Top with feta and chopped basil when ready to serve.