Here’s a bountiful array of naturally plant based fresh corn recipes for summer and early fall. Get creative with this versatile summer vegetable — you’ll find grilled corn, salads, main dishes, salsas, and so much more.
When fresh corn is at its peak in the summer months, we’re inclined to simply cook it and serve on the cob. Nothing wrong with that, but a world of inspiration awaits you when you want something different!
In the U.S., peak fresh corn season is roughly mid-July through September, depending on the region. Corn is at its best eaten shortly after harvest, when its natural sugars are at their best and the kernels are tender-crisp.
Good news — corn is most often on Environmental Working Group’s Clean 15™ — that is, produce that can be grown successfully with little or no pesticide. If you find organically grown corn, so much the better, but if your locally available corn isn’t certified organic, you need not worry.
Air-fried, grilled, or lightly cooked, summer’s sweet Thanks to the talented bloggers who participated in this roundup for permission to use their photos and link to the recipes on their sites.
Corn on the Cob, Embellished
Air Fryer Corn on the Cob: From Watch What U Eat, make this quick and easy air fryer corn on the cob whenever you need roasted corn. You can also cut the roasted corn kernels off the cob to use in other recipes.
Mexican Air Fryer Corn on the Cob: From Recipes From the Pantry, this air fryer corn on the cob, made with pantry staples, is juicy and cooked to tender charred perfection in just 10 minutes. See the campfire and grill version of this recipe, too.
Vegan Elote (Mexican Street Corn): From Health My Life, this vegan elote, also known as Mexican Street Corn is so flavorful! You’re going to love this grilled corn topped with homemade vegan parmesan and vegan sour cream. It’s easy to make, perfect for grilling season, and ready in less than 30 minutes!
Mexican-Style Grilled Corn on the Cob (with a creamy silken tofu sauce): From Healing Tomato, here’s one more take on Mexican-style grilled corn on the cob, this time with a silken tofu-based creamy vegan topping. It’s so easy to grill on the stove top or an outdoor grill.
Buffalo Corn on the Cob: From Cadry’s Kitchen, spice up your cookout with buffalo corn on the cob. It’s finished with a drizzling of vegan blue cheese dressing.
Grilled Corn on the Cob with Creamy Avocado Dill Dressing: From Happy Kitchen Rocks, perfectly grilled corn on the cob pairs so well with creamy vegan avocado dill dressing. It’s an easy and impressive recipe for your summer barbecue!
Chimchurri Corn on the Cob: From Vicki Brett-Gach of Ann Arbor Vegan Kitchen, corn embellished with the classic herbal sauce of Argentine origins.
Corn Salads
Easy Corn and Pinto Bean Salad: Simply embellished with lime vinaigrette, this corn and bean salad is an easy way add color and protein to your plate.
Corn and Edamame Succotash Salad: In this simple variation on traditional succotash, edamame (fresh green soybeans) stand in for the traditional lima beans. Serve this corn and edamame succotash salad to bolster many kinds of light main dishes.
Pasta Salad with Quinoa & Corn: Corn and tomatoes give this pasta and quinoa salad a summery feel, though you can enjoy it any time of year. This is perfect for outdoor meals and potlucks.
Marinated Corn Salad with Radishes and Cucumbers: Simple to make, this marinated corn salad is as colorful as it is tasty. With the refreshing additions of cucumbers, radishes, and herbs, goes with many kinds of meals.
Black Bean and Corn Salad for a Crowd: Here’s a classic black bean and corn salad recipe featuring avocado and grape tomatoes, dressed in lime vinaigrette. This main-dish salad is a fantastic potluck dish, and a good choice to make when you’re expecting lots of company.
Corn and Asparagus Salad with Marinated Cucumbers: From Livity Gardens, a salad that’s so quick and easy to put together, you’ll be making it often when it’s corn season. Quality of ingredients is paramount here, as the salad is dressed simply with lime juice.
Fresh Summer Corn and Tomato Salad: A pleasing combination of two of summer’s favorite bumper crops, this fresh corn and tomato salad is a perfect accompaniment to grilled vegetables and plant proteins.
Grilled Zucchini Corn Tomato Salad: From Recipe Runner, a simple salad using all of summer’s finest produce. Grilling the vegetables adds a wonderful smoky flavor and the cilantro lime vinaigrette brings the whole salad together!
Zucchini Noodles with Fresh Corn: Here’s a simple summer salad of zucchini noodles with fresh corn, embellished with bell pepper and dill. Spiralize your own zucchini, or buy it readymade.
Charred Corn Avocado Salad with Roasted Red Onions: From The Devil Wears Salad, all the fresh flavors of summer in a salad bowl. Sweet, smoky charred corn mixed with avocado, cherry tomatoes, roasted red onions and a lemon Dijon dressing makes it a perfect side salad for any barbecue or potluck gathering.
Mexican Corn Salad: From Healthy Seasonal Recipes, get ready to fall in love with this corn salad with jalapeño and cilantro dressing, featuring cherry tomatoes, red onion and bell pepper.
Indian Street Corn Salad: From Madhu’s Everyday Indian, a refreshing salad made with fresh corn, bell pepper, coriander, chili powder and chaat masala.
Main & Side Dishes using fresh corn
Vegan Low Country Broil: From Hannah Kaminsky, fresh corn (still on the cob), potatoes, green beans, and plant protein bring this recipe into the 21st century, made on one pan in the oven.
Vegan Scalloped Corn Casserole: Just one simple tweak is needed to convert the classic side dish into vegan scalloped corn — simply swap in plant-based substitutes for the dairy. Though it’s perfectly acceptable to make with frozen corn off season, this casserole side dish is especially good with barely-cooked, tender fresh corn kernels.
Skillet Tofu with Corn, Green Beans, and Tomatoes: Teaming up fresh corn, green beans, and ripe, flavorful tomatoes, this is an ideal dinner dish for summer evenings.
Summer Squash with Corn and Green Chiles: Calabacitas is a traditional dish of Mexico and Southwestern U.S. The combination of fresh corn and summer squash, flavored with garlic and chiles, makes a simple and flavorful side dish.
Summer Succotash with Grilled Corn: From The Healthy Epicurean, a summer succotash with grilled corn, lima beans, cherry tomatoes, fresh herbs tossed in olive oil and fresh lime juice. It’s the best side dish for all of your warm weather BBQs!
Corn and Potatoes with Parsley Pesto: This medley of corn and potatoes with parsley pesto is best in late summer, when fresh corn is at its most flavorful. If you’d like a change of pace from pesto pasta, here’s a dish that says “summer harvest,” but which can be enjoyed all year round.
Easy Cilantro Lime Corn: From Healing Tomato, made with simple ingredients. this easy summer corn dish featuring grilled corn can be turned into a dip, too.
Appetizers made with fresh corn
Corn Fritters with Cilantro Tomatillo Salsa: At the height of fresh corn season, these vegan corn fritters can be served as a tasty side dish or better yet, as an out-of-the-ordinary appetizer.
Zucchini Corn Fritters: From Happy Kitchen Rocks, these are the most amazing vegan zucchini corn fritters you’ll ever have. Crispy and delicious, they’re perfect as a side to a nice fresh salad, or served your favorite dip!
Hummus Flatbread with Grilled Corn & Berries: From Running to the Kitchen, this summer inspired hummus flatbread is topped with grilled corn, berries and drizzled with a fresh roasted garlic parsley pesto. A great pre-dinner bite!
Fresh Corn Salsas
Fresh Corn and Tomatillo Salsa: Here’s a delectable salsa that highlights fresh summer corn, whose peak season comes around the same time as that of tomatillos.
Fresh Corn Salsa: From Rachna Cooks, this delicious grilled corn salsa is so fresh, delicious, and easy.
Quick and Easy Grilled Corn Salsa: From Culinary Ginger, elevate the flavor of summer corn by grilling. Cut from the cob and turn it into this really easy grilled corn salsa.
Chipotle Corn Salsa: From Happy Kitchen Rocks, this addictive Chipotle Corn Salsa is a perfect accompaniment to any Mexican food. Sweet roasted corn makes a perfect pairing with smoky chipotle peppers. Such an amazing and fresh side dish recipe for summer gatherings!
Roasted Chili-Corn Salsa: From Kendall Kreations, sweet corn, smoky roasted peppers, and a citrusy tang come together to spice up any Tex-Mex dinner.
Fresh Corn Soups & Stews
Corn and Yellow Tomato Gazpacho: This variation of traditional gazpacho combines two midsummer vegetables at the peak of their flavor to create a refreshing cold soup with a beautiful golden hue.
Instant Pot Corn Chowder: From Recipes From a Pantry, this Instant Pot® corn chowder is a quick, easy and tasty soup packed with sweet corn, sweet potato & smoked paprika. Serve warm or cold.
Creamy Vegan Corn Chowder: Traditionally, chowders have a milk or cream base, but this creamy vegan corn chowder is dairy-free. Pureed silken tofu is a superb base for this comforting soup, providing substance and a silky texture.
Harvest Sweet Potato Stew with Fresh Corn: This lively sweet potato stew features hardy greens, fresh corn, summer squash, and tomatoes. It’s a perfect way to showcase early fall produce.
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