Inspiration for Cooking with Fresh Summer Corn

Corn on the Cob with Feta and Herbs

Summer without fresh corn is like summer without sunshine. At the start of the summer, I get excited thinking about earthy-sweet and crunchy, hot buttered corn on the cob. If you’re a corn lover like I am, wait until you try these mouth-watering recipes:

• Corn on the Cob with Feta and Herbs opens in a new tab

• Coconut-Ginger Corn on the Cob opens in a new tab

• Grilled Corn with Chili Lime Butter opens in a new tab

These are my very favorite spreads for corn on the cob: 

• Salted or unsalted butter, olive or flaxseed oil, garlic butter or Lemon Garlic and Herb Butter opens in a new tab

• A blend of olive oil, parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese and garlic (nutritional yeast can be used in place of cheese for a vegan option with a similar flavor)

• Thick and creamy salad dressing such as grilled tomato and tahini opens in a new tab or buttermilk ranch opens in a new tab

• Traditional pesto, Basil-Spinach Pesto opens in a new tab, Pumpkin Seed Pesto opens in a new tab or Vegan Pesto opens in a new tab

• Softened cream cheese or mashed goat cheese mixed with fresh basil, parsley, chives, green onions, herbs de Provence, salt, pepper and garlic

• Hummus (plain or flavored with roasted garlic, herbs or roasted red peppers) 

Black Bean and Roasted Corn Pasta Salad

Corn makes a wonderful addition to a variety of soups, salads, salsas, baked goods, casseroles and more. It’s easy to freeze for later use. Simply blanch shucked corn on the cob for five minutes, and freeze in freezer bags for up to a year. If desired, cut the kernels off the cob before freezing for up to three or four months. Here are some ideas and recipes using fresh or frozen corn kernels:

• Toss into summer soups and chilis such as Chilled Thai Corn Soup opens in a new tab, Better For You Corn Chowder opens in a new tab, Summer Chicken and Vegetable Soup opens in a new tab, and Spicy Corn and Chicken Chili opens in a new tab.

• Add to a variety of summer salads such as Backyard Corn Salad opens in a new tab, Grilled Corn Salad with Green Beans and Tomatoes opens in a new tab, and Grilled Corn, Quinoa and Spinach Salad opens in a new tab.

• Stir into pasta salads. Ideas include Black Bean and Roasted Corn Pasta Salad opens in a new tab and Roasted Corn and Tomato Pasta Salad opens in a new tab. 

• Add to guacamole, hummus, bean dip or other favorite spread or dip.

• Corn is a great addition to potato salad. Here’s a great Potato, Corn and Tomato Salad opens in a new tab recipe.

• Add to sautéed vegetables and stir-fries.

• Corn in shrimp salad is absolutely delicious. Mexican-style Shrimp, Corn and Red Pepper Sandwiches opens in a new tab blend shrimp with tomatoes, lime, jalapeños and cilantro. 

• Stir corn kernels to corn bread or corn muffin batter such as these dairy-free, egg-free Whole Wheat Cornbread Muffins opens in a new tab.

• Add to your favorite salsa, relish or pico de gallo. Or try Black Bean, Corn and Watermelon Salsa opens in a new tab.

• Make Grilled Salmon with Sweet Corn and Avocado Salad opens in a new tab for dinner tonight. That’s my plan!