One of the best things about the late summer is the abundance of affordable, fresh local corn overflowing at farmer’s markets, grocery stores and roadside stands nationwide. And while the easiest way to enjoy it may be right off the cob, this starchy vegetable is much more versatile than its usual role as a BBQ-worthy side. Before summer’s bounty is all gone till next year, try your hand at one of these 12 inventive corn recipes: from healthier corn fritters to casseroles, and even a surprise dessert, too.
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12 Corn Recipes to Try, Stat
1. Grilled Chicken with Barley-Corn Salad
Sometimes, the best salads actually skip the greens completely. Here, the combination of barley and corn stands in as a hearty base. Flavor-packed grilled chicken that’s been marinated in a fresh cherry tomato vinaigrette sits atop for a bowl of pure deliciousness. Make this recipe gluten-free by using brown rice or quinoa in place of the barley. Photo and recipe: Kristin / Iowa Girl Eats
2. Healthy Mexican Casserole with Roasted Corn and Peppers
This vegetarian and gluten-free Mexican-inspired casserole is loaded with fiber-rich veggies and beans, which will help keep you full hours after you’ve taken your last bite. Plus, since each serving comes in under 250 calories, you can feel good about topping it off with a big scoop of guacamole — one of these nine recipes should do the trick! Photo and recipe: Lindsay / Pinch of Yum
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3. Mexican Corn on the Cob
Traditional Mexican street corn (known as elote) is slathered with mayonnaise, butter and cheese — not exactly the healthiest way to enjoy a vegetable. Thankfully, this recipe offers the same rich, tangy flavor, but with far fewer calories and fat. Skip the mayo and keep your taste buds happy with a modest sprinkling of feta or cojita cheese, chili powder, coriander and lime. Photo and recipe: Ciara / My Fussy Eater
4. Simple Summer Corn Soup
Red potatoes create the creamy texture in this vegan and gluten-free soup. Corn straight from the cob works best here (the freshness adds so much extra), but canned corn can work in a pinch. Hot tip: Make a huge batch of this soup and freeze in single servings to enjoy year round. Photo and recipe: Minimalist Baker
5. Summer Shrimp Salad with Grilled Peaches and Fresh Corn
The natural sweetness of fresh, raw corn is highlighted in this recipe alongside juicy grilled peaches and fresh tomatoes. Spicy shrimp and tangy red onion compliment the sweeter flavors perfectly, but any grilled meat or aromatic vegetable (think scallions or shallots) can work just as well. The recipe calls for creamy blue cheese dressing, but if your tomatoes and peaches are juicy enough, you can probably nix it — and save those extra calories, too. Photo and recipe: Andie / Can You Stay for Dinner?
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6. Grilled Flank Steak with Corn and Radish Salad
There’s still plenty of time to fire up the grill, and flank steak is a low-maintenance cut of meat to call on when you’re looking to put dinner on the table fast. Season the steak first and let the flavors sink in while you throw together the salad of crunchy fresh radishes and corn shaved right off the cob. Once the meat is cooked and sliced, plate, then top with a scoop of salad for a nice texture and temperature contrast. Photo and recipe: Sylvia Fountaine / Feasting at Home
7. Charred Corn Salad with Feta, Mint and Quinoa
Got a picnic lined up in the future? We’ve got your recipe. Here, the mixture of corn, quinoa, avocado and feta is great served either cold or room temperature, making it perfectly packable. If you’re making this easy dish ahead of time, don’t mix in the avocado until it’s time to serve to ensure it stays fresh and green. Photo and recipe: Denise / Sweet Peas and Saffron
8. Jalapeno and Cheese Corn Bread
Even if you’re not a fan of typical corn bread (though we’re not sure why you wouldn’t be!), give this spicy recipe a chance. Extra pops of flavor and texture come courtesy of the fresh corn kernels, jalapeno, scallions and shredded cheddar. There are, though, healthy ingredient swaps, including whole-wheat flour for regular and yogurt in place of milk and margarine. Serve alongside your favorite barbequed meat, or enjoy with soup or chili. Photo and recipe: Miryam / Eat Good 4 Life
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9. Grilled Corn Fritters
Charred corn adds an end-of-summer kick to these fritters, which can be lightened up by skipping the deep fryer, and pan-frying instead. Not only will you achieve the same crunchy coating, but you’re also slashing a solid dose of fat. These fritters are best served immediately, so gather a crowd and chow down! Photo and recipe: Julie / Table for Two
10. Corn, Black Bean, and Quinoa Salad
With protein-rich black beans and quinoa, this side salad can also make for a great low-cal lunch. Double or even triple this recipe and you have the perfect health-conscious, potluck-ready dish. Each one-cup serving has less than 300 calories and a whopping 12 grams of protein. And who wouldn’t want to chow down on that? Photo and recipe: Perry Santanachote / Life by DailyBurn
11. Corn and Blueberry Salad with Feta
Light, seasonal and perfect for summer, this salad pairs sweet and savory brilliantly together. Fresh corn and sweet blueberries get a bite thanks to a heaping of salty feta cheese and a dash of fresh cilantro. Try serving it as a “salsa” with whole-wheat pita chips or pile atop grilled meat. Photo and recipe: Brandy / Nutmeg Nanny
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12. El Atol de Elote
If you’ve never enjoyed corn as dessert, you need to — and this recipe is exactly the place to start. With a simple ingredient list (corn, cinnamon, sugar and milk), the result is a custard-like treat using the corn’s starch to thicken the mix. That means less fat, without sacrificing any flavor. Photo and recipe: Peter / Souvlaki for the Soul