Summer Corn Caprese Salad
Summer Corn Caprese Salad is the easiest summer side dish with fresh summer sweet corn, tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella cheese! This caprese salad with corn is perfect for summer BBQ's, potluck's, or just a simple side dish.
Quick Look: Summer Corn Caprese Salad
Ready In: 15 Minutes
Serves: 8
Calories: 230 Calories
Main Ingredients: sweet corn, fresh mozzarella, fresh basil, white balsamic vinegar.
Why You'll Love It: Summer Corn Caprese Salad is an easy summer side dish that is perfect for BBQs.
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This Summer Corn Caprese Salad is a fresh and flavorful side dish made with sweet corn, cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, and a simple balsamic dressing. Packed with peak-season ingredients, this easy corn salad recipe is perfect for summer cookouts, barbecues, potlucks, and weeknight dinners when you want something light, colorful, and delicious.
If you're wondering what to make with fresh summer corn (besides my Mexican Street Corn Dip) this corn caprese salad is one of the best ways to showcase its natural sweetness. The combination of juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil creates a classic caprese flavor profile, while the corn adds a sweet crunch that makes this salad both satisfying and crowd-pleasing. Serve it alongside grilled meats like Grilled Italian Chicken, sandwiches like Open Faced Caprese Sandwiches, or Blue Cheese Burgers for an easy summer side dish everyone will love.
Key Ingredients
Sweet Corn - I think this salad is the absolute best using fresh sweet corn that has been cut off the cob. That said, sweet corn isn't always available so frozen corn definitely works, too.
Cherry Tomatoes - cherry tomatoes work best in this recipe, opposed to larger Roma or beefsteak tomatoes, because they aren't as watery and they hold their shape well.
Fresh Mozzarella - I used the tiny little mozzarella balls and cut them in half. You could also use a bigger ball and just cut it into small pieces - this recipe is flexible!
White Balsamic Vinegar - this has a very similar flavor profile to regular balsamic vinegar, but I think is a bit more mild and I like how it keeps the salad looking vibrant, with the lighter color.
How to Make Summer Corn Caprese Salad
Step 1 - Cook the corn with your preferred method. You can boil in a large pot of boiling water for 10 minutes or (my favorite) make sweet corn in the Instant Pot! You could also grill the sweet corn for a smoky flavor!
Step 2 - cut the corn off the cob.
Step 3 - combine the corn with tomatoes, basil, mozzarella, garlic, olive oil, white balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Stir well and enjoy!
Expert Tips
Storage - store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
Use Fresh Sweet Corn - grilling or boiling fresh summer corn gives the salad the sweetest flavor and best texture. If grilling, leave a little char on the kernels for extra smoky flavor.
Let the Corn Cool - warm corn can make the mozzarella soft and watery. Cool the corn completely for the freshest texture.
Don't Skip the Salt - corn and tomatoes both benefit from a generous pinch of kosher salt, which helps bring out their natural sweetness.
Make Ahead - you can prep the majority of the salad ahead of time if you want. However, I would not add the dressing until ready to serve.
Add Protein for a Complete Meal - grilled chicken, shrimp, or steak turn this easy side dish into a satisfying summer lunch or dinner.
Summer Corn Caprese Salad Recipe FAQs
If necessary, you can. Frozen corn is a great option when fresh sweet corn isn't in season. Thaw and drain it well, then quickly sauté or roast it to enhance the flavor before adding it to the salad. Canned corn would be my last option, as it is softer and can be a bit mushy. It can also be salty, so I would rinse it before adding it to this salad.
Yes! You can prepare the corn, tomatoes, and mozzarella up to 24 hours in advance and store them in the refrigerator. For the freshest flavor and appearance, add the basil, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar just before serving.
Yep! This summer corn caprese salad is naturally gluten-free, just double-check any store-bought balsamic vinegar if serving someone with dietary restrictions.
Other Summer Recipes to Consider
If you make this recipe, please let me know! Leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating on this recipe below and leave a comment, or take a photo and tag me on Instagram with #greensnchocolate.
Summer Corn Caprese Salad
Ingredients
- 6 ears sweet corn cooked and kernels cut from the cobs
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes quartered
- 8 ounces mini mozzarella balls halved
- ¼ cup fresh basil chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon white balsamic vinegar (regular will work too)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Cook your sweet corn to your liking, your preferred method. I like making mine in the Instant Pot!
- Combine all salad ingredients in a large bowl, tossing to mix well.
- Serve and enjoy!
It was great! I like a bit more of the white balsamic. I used fresh once and frozen once and frozen was fine, fresh was better.
Summer in a bowl! Couldn't wait for sweet corn to make it - frozen works fine! Super easy and delicious - great side dish when you're grilling!
Can't wait to try this recipe! My family is so picky about veggies but this looks like one they would enjoy.