This fresh and colorful picnic corn salad is sure to be a crowd pleaser! Full of peppers, onions, zucchini, and corn, this is a great side dish for a barbecue or potluck.Â
Don’t you love easy, summery recipes that are naturally gluten free and vegan? There’s nothing like a simple salad to bring to a picnic or potluck.
Once summer and spring hits, it’s so fun to make all the tasty vegetable recipes. . The Farmer’s Market is bursting with local fruits and veggies, which makes it so easy to make healthy and tasty meals.
We’re so happy that we have a lot of Farmer’s Markets in our area. There’s a huge one on Saturday, and a smaller one on Sunday that we shop at pretty regularly. In addition to those, we grow some of our own vegetables in our backyard garden, so we’re never short of fresh produce.
This corn salad is so tasty with its sweet and tangy dressing. It reminds me of this corn, bean, and feta cheese dip that we used to make all the time. If you can have dairy, it’s a wonderful appetizer!
What is picnic corn salad?
Picnic corn salad is a salad that consists of corn and other vegetables, like zucchini, peppers, and onions, and is dressed with a sweet and tangy salad dressing. It’s the perfect side dish for grilled chicken or burgers. It actually improves as it sits in the fridge, so this is an easy recipe to make ahead of time.
What if I can’t have corn?
This dressing is really delicious, and would work well with a lot of different combinations. Try black beans, or diced tomatoes, or even shredded carrots in place of corn.
This recipe for picnic corn salad is one that I have been making for years…I just now realized I’ve never shared it here! I’ve adapted it slightly from Desperation Entertaining. It’s one of those recipes that is so easy to throw together (it only takes 10 minutes) and makes a really big impression.
The sweet corn, fresh zucchini, peppers, and cilantro in a simple vinaigrette just screams summertime. If you’re having a barbecue, take the time to make this corn salad – it’s much more fun than a bagged salad, and everyone loves it.
Why you’ll love this picnic corn salad:
- it’s fresh and colorful
- it’s naturally gluten free and vegan
- people LOVE it and will ask you for the recipe
- it travels very well!
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.
Recipe
Easy Picnic Corn Salad.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put the corn kernels in a colander and rinse under cold water until thawed. Drain well.
- Place the corn kernels, onion, red pepper, and zucchini in large bowl and stir to combine.
- Mince the cilantro and add that to the bowl.
- Pour the vinegar into a small bowl and add the sugar, oil, salt, and pepper. Whisk together.
- Pour the dressing over the vegetables and stir well.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
Nutrition
What have you made with summer veggies lately?
This post was originally published in July 2015. It has been updated.
Rachel
Any recommendations to replace the cilantro(it tastes like soap to me)? This recipe looks awesome otherwise.
Kelly Roenicke
Any fresh herb that you like! Parsley, basil, etc.
Katie
Delicious recipe!
Tracy
Can the picnic corn salad be made 3 days ahead by chance?
Kelly Roenicke
Yes, I think that would be fine!
Jessica Levinson (@jlevinsonrd)
perfect summer side dish!
Kristine | Kristine's Kitchen
Yum! This looks like a delicious way to enjoy summer vegetables! It’s so pretty, too!
Brielle @ Breezy Bakes
Oh how I love corn! Summer corn is the BEST! I’m always looking for new ways to eat it instead of just on the cob. Looks like I’ve found a way!
Kelly
If you try it, let me know!
Strength and Sunshine
I never realized how much I adore corn…but I do…A LOT!
Kelly
Me too!
Arman @ thebigmansworld
This looks great Kelly :)
Kelly
Thanks, Arman!
Natalie @ Tastes Lovely
This makes me want to go on a picnic! Just lovely Kelly : )
Kelly
Thanks, Natalie!
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice
Corn salads are the best! I think I could eat this every day, especially during the summer. Love the flavors in here!
Kelly
Thanks, Gayle!
whiskandshout
This looks delicious! Corn is so sweet and refreshing :)
Kelly
Thank you!
Sarah @Whole and Heavenly Oven
This is the perfect way to use up all that summer corn! What a gorgeous summery salad, Kelly!
Kelly
Thanks, Sarah!
Elizabeth Shaw
What a beautiful photo! I love the idea of your site too.. allergy eats, so clever! Perfect idea for those who need a nice crisp side sans the top 8 allergens :)!
Kelly
Thank you so much, Elizabeth!