Corn Salad with Feta: Fresh, Creamy, and Perfect for Summer

There’s nothing like corn salad with feta when summer is in full swing and sweet corn overflows the markets. This dish has been a favorite in our New York kitchen for years—bright yellow kernels, creamy feta, and crisp veggies, all tossed with a tangy dressing that pulls every flavor together. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a backyard cookout, this corn salad with feta is always a hit. The best part? It comes together quickly and is as satisfying as it is colorful. Let me share the story behind this family classic and all my best tips for making it your own.

The Story & Intro

A Summer Favorite at Our Table

If you walk into our apartment in July, chances are you’ll find a bowl of corn salad with feta chilling in the fridge. My husband Marek grew up with pickled salads from Poland, but once he tasted sweet corn fresh off the cob, he was hooked. Now, it’s one of the first things our daughter Emily asks for when corn season starts—especially if she gets to help shuck the ears herself. I learned early on that a simple salad can bring everyone together, especially when it’s filled with summer’s best flavors and a sprinkle of tangy cheese.

Family Gatherings and Fresh Corn Memories

Some of my favorite memories are tied to family barbecues, backyard picnics, and those first bites of just-cooked corn. My mom, Elizabeth, used to say that the secret to a great corn salad with feta is using the freshest corn you can find and not being afraid to play with flavors. We’d make big batches to share with friends, often tossing in whatever herbs or veggies were on hand. It’s a dish that welcomes improvisation—just like life in our busy city kitchen. Every forkful is a taste of summer, family, and a celebration of the season.

Why Corn Salad with Feta Works Every Time

The Power of Simple, Fresh Ingredients

What makes corn salad with feta so irresistible is its simplicity. When you use fresh, peak-season corn, every kernel is sweet, crisp, and bursting with flavor. The addition of salty, crumbly feta cheese elevates the salad, adding creaminess that pairs perfectly with the natural sweetness of the corn. I love to use a block of feta packed in brine (rather than pre-crumbled)—it brings a creamy, tangy punch you can’t get from anything else.

Don’t overlook the power of other fresh ingredients, too. Bell peppers, red onion, and a handful of fresh herbs (like parsley, cilantro, or basil) all add layers of crunch, color, and flavor. When you bring these elements together in a corn salad with feta, every bite is bright and satisfying. The salad is just as good as a stand-alone dish as it is served alongside grilled chicken, burgers, or even a simple summer pasta.

The Secret to Perfect Corn Salad Texture

The texture is everything in a great corn salad with feta. I like to cook the corn briefly—just a few minutes in boiling water or a quick char on the grill. This keeps the kernels crisp-tender and highlights their sweetness. If you’re making a creamy corn salad with feta, you can add a touch of mayo or Greek yogurt for extra richness, but the real trick is not to drown out the fresh flavors.

Lime juice, olive oil, and a dash of black pepper make a quick, zesty dressing that ties it all together. If you’re looking for something bolder, try a squeeze of lime and a sprinkle of chili powder for a Mexican street corn salad twist. However you make it, this salad always brings out the best in summer produce—and the best in family mealtime.

How to Make Corn Salad with Feta, Step-by-Step

Picking, Cooking, and Prepping the Corn

Start with the freshest corn you can find—whether from the farmers market, grocery store, or even your own backyard. For the classic corn salad with feta, I prefer to use fresh corn on the cob. Simply shuck the ears and cook them in boiling water for 3–4 minutes until bright yellow and tender, then let cool. If you’re short on time, you can also use high-quality frozen corn, but fresh will always give you the sweetest flavor and the best crunch.

To give your salad extra depth, try grilling the corn until lightly charred, then slice the kernels off the cob. This smoky flavor makes your salad taste like summer and adds a nice contrast to the creamy feta. Once your corn is cooked and cooled, use a sharp knife to cut the kernels off and into a large mixing bowl. If you like more texture and color, toss in some diced red bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, and a handful of chopped herbs.

Print

Tossing Together Flavors: Feta, Veggies, and Simple Dressing

With your corn and veggies ready, it’s time for the best part—mixing everything together. Add crumbled feta cheese right to the bowl. For creamy corn salad with feta, you can stir in a spoonful of mayo or Greek yogurt for a richer texture. A few squeezes of fresh lime juice (or lemon juice) will brighten up the whole dish and make all the flavors pop.

Drizzle with a little olive oil, season with salt and cracked black pepper, and gently toss to combine. If you’re making a corn salad with feta and lime, add extra lime zest and a bit of fresh cilantro for a zesty, fresh finish. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve immediately for the crispest texture, or chill for an hour to let the flavors blend.

You can serve corn salad with feta as a vibrant side dish, a topping for tacos, or even as a main salad for lunch. It’s also a great base for a Mexican street corn salad—just add a sprinkle of chili powder, cotija cheese, or a little garlic for authentic flavor.

Creative Add-Ins & Seasonal Twists

Corn salad with feta is one of those dishes that can be endlessly reinvented to suit your taste, the season, or whatever you have on hand. For a creamy corn salad with feta, stir in a spoonful of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt until the salad lightly coats the corn and veggies. If you want a brighter, zesty version, make a corn salad with feta and lime by adding plenty of fresh lime juice and zest along with chopped cilantro. For extra flavor, try diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, or even a little jalapeño for gentle heat.

You can also go for a Mexican street corn salad twist. Sprinkle in chili powder, smoked paprika, or a touch of cayenne, and add a handful of fresh chopped green onions or cotija cheese alongside the feta. Roasting or grilling the corn adds a smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy feta and lime.

Storing, Pairing, and Leftover Ideas

Corn salad with feta is a fantastic make-ahead dish for busy weeks and summer gatherings. Once mixed, it will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you’re making it ahead, add the feta and any creamy ingredients just before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.

This salad pairs perfectly with grilled meats, barbecue, or even as a topping for tacos or inside pita pockets for a quick lunch. Leftovers make a great addition to green salads, grain bowls, or scrambled eggs the next morning. Whether you serve it at a picnic or a simple weeknight dinner, corn salad with feta brings a burst of flavor and color to every meal.

FAQs

Do you use raw or cooked corn for corn salad with feta?
You can use either! Fresh raw corn kernels are crisp and sweet, but cooked corn (boiled, steamed, or grilled) adds tenderness and extra flavor. Grilled corn gives a smoky twist, while boiled corn keeps the salad light and juicy.

Can you make corn salad with feta in advance?
Absolutely. You can prep the salad up to a day ahead—just hold back the feta and any creamy dressing until right before serving. This keeps the flavors bright and the texture fresh.

What’s the best feta for corn salad?
Look for a block of feta packed in brine. It’s creamier and more flavorful than pre-crumbled feta, which can be dry. Crumble it yourself for the best taste and texture.

How long does corn salad with feta last in the fridge?
Corn salad with feta will stay fresh for about 2 to 3 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Stir before serving and add a fresh squeeze of lime or extra herbs if needed.

Conclusion

Corn salad with feta is a celebration of summer in every bite—sweet, crisp corn, tangy feta, and a quick homemade dressing that ties everything together. Whether you prefer a creamy corn salad with feta, a zesty lime version, or a smoky street corn salad twist, this recipe is built for flexibility and fun. It’s perfect for picnics, family dinners, and easy lunches. Most of all, it’s about gathering around the table and sharing something fresh, flavorful, and memorable. Try it once, and you’ll find yourself coming back to this classic again and again.

👉 I hope you loved making this Corn Salad with Feta—it’s bright, tangy, and perfect for any summer meal, potluck, or quick lunch. The sweet crunch of corn pairs perfectly with creamy feta, making it a refreshing side you’ll want to serve again and again.

Looking for more easy, flavor-packed salads? Try our California Spaghetti Salad for another veggie-loaded dish that’s full of vibrant colors and textures. Or, for a Mediterranean twist, check out the Mediterranean Chicken Salad with Creamy Tzatziki—it’s packed with bold flavors and hearty enough for lunch or dinner.

If you want more inspiration, the Gluten-Free Greek Quinoa Salad is a wholesome, protein-rich option that’s just as easy to prep. And for another summery take, check out the Quinoa Salad—it’s fresh, satisfying, and pairs well with any grilled main.

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