The Summer Ingredient That Makes Everything Better

Spoiler alert: it’s corn.

A bowl filled with white rice, topped with slices of grilled steak, arugula, and a mix of black beans, corn, red onion, and peppers. A small bowl of sliced red onions is in the background. The dish is garnished with herbs.

Corn is the true MVP of summer produce!

This is not a collection of corn recipes like Grilled Corn, Creamed Corn, and Corn Chowder. Nope! Instead, I’m sharing some recipes where corn is the supporting player that makes things POP.

While you can get fresh corn year-round, those shrink-wrapped packages at the grocery store pale in comparison to locally grown sweet corn—and corn season is upon us soon! I always try to cook with it as much as I possibly can, and yet every year as summer winds down, I feel like I could have used it even more.

The thing about corn is that, unlike a lot of vegetables, it’s pretty versatile. It’s equally good raw, grilled, roasted, sautéed, or stirred into soups. And everywhere it goes, it adds a little sweetness, some sunny color, and juicy little bites of deliciousness. It truly does make everything better!

Black Bean Corn Salad

This is one of those recipes that shows off everything corn does well. The kernels add sweetness, crunch, and color while balancing the earthiness of the beans. It's equally good as a side dish, taco topping, or light lunch.

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Salmon Chowder

Corn and seafood have been friends for a long time. Here, the corn adds sweetness that balances the richness of the salmon while giving the chowder extra texture and substance.

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BLT Chopped Salad

A BLT already has plenty going for it, but corn makes it even better. The sweetness pairs beautifully with smoky bacon and juicy tomatoes, adding another layer of summer flavor.

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Steak Bowls

Corn brings freshness and texture to these hearty bowls. Alongside steak, grains, and vegetables, it helps keep every bite balanced rather than overly rich.

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Healthy Taco Salad

Corn belongs in taco salad. It adds sweetness that plays well with bold Mexican-inspired flavors while making the salad more colorful and satisfying.

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Mexican Quinoa

This is one of my favorite examples of how corn can transform a simple pantry meal. The quinoa provides protein and substance while the corn adds texture, sweetness, and a little bit of sunshine.

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Related Recipes

Appetizers

Mexican Corn Dip

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Salads

Mexican Street Corn Salad

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Side Dishes

Corn Casserole

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The Summer Ingredient That Makes Everything Better