When corn season arrives, I can’t resist creating recipes that let those sweet kernels shine. This Lemon Herb Corn Pasta Salad is light, fresh, and loaded with flavor. Grilled corn brings that smoky sweetness, while lemon and herbs keep every bite bright. It’s the kind of side dish that works for picnics, barbecues, or even just a simple weeknight dinner.

If you don’t feel like firing up the grill, don’t worry — this salad works beautifully with canned or frozen corn too. Just drain it well (or thaw if frozen), and you’ll still get that sweet pop of corn flavor in every bite. Grilling adds a smoky layer, but it’s completely optional.


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Why You’ll Love This Lemon Herb Corn Pasta Salad


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Ingredients for Lemon Herb Corn Pasta Salad

Pasta & Corn

Dressing

Mix-Ins


How to Make Lemon Herb Corn Pasta Salad

Step 1: Grill the Corn

Brush corn with olive oil and sprinkle lightly with salt. Grill over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until charred and golden (about 10 minutes). Once the corn is grilled, it complements the lemon-herb flavor in the pasta.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.

Step 3: Whisk the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, zest, vinegar, Dijon, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth and emulsified. This dressing ties the corn and pasta salad together beautifully.

Step 4: Toss It All Together

In a large bowl, combine pasta, grilled corn, cucumber, tomatoes, peppers, onion (if using), feta (if using). parsley or basil. Pour the dressing over top and toss until well coated, crafting a delicious lemon herb corn salad.

Step 5: Chill & Serve

Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors mingle. Serve this exquisite lemon herb corn pasta cold and enjoy!


Tips for the Best Lemon Herb Corn Pasta Salad


Variations on Lemon Herb Corn Pasta Salad


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Storage Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir before serving, and refresh the lemon herb corn pasta salad with a squeeze of lemon if needed.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned corn instead of fresh?

Yes! Fresh grilled corn gives the salad a smoky flavor, but canned or frozen corn works well too. Just drain and pat dry before adding.

What cheese works best in this salad?

Feta is classic, but you can make it optional or swap in goat cheese or Parmesan for a different flavor profile.

How long will this pasta salad keep?

It keeps in the fridge for up to 3 days. For the best texture, store the dressing separately and toss before serving.

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Lemon Herb Corn Pasta Salad

Nettie
This Lemon Herb Corn Pasta Salad combines smoky grilled corn, fresh herbs, and a zesty lemon dressing for a light, flavorful lunch or side dish.
No ratings yet
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course lunch, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 437 kcal

Ingredients
  

Corn & Pasta

  • 12 oz rotini or bowtie pasta
  • 3 ears fresh corn husked-(or substitute 2 cups canned or frozen corn, drained/thawed)
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • Pinch salt

Dressing

Mix Ins

  • 1 cucumber diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 bell pepper chopped green or red
  • ½ red onion finely diced-optional
  • ½ cup feta cheese crumbled-optional
  • ¼ cup basil or parsley chopped

Instructions
 

  • Grill corn until charred; cool and cut kernels off.
  • Cook pasta until al dente; drain and rinse.
  • Whisk dressing ingredients in a small bowl.
  • Toss pasta, corn, veggies, feta, and herbs in a large bowl.
  • Add dressing; toss to coat.
  • Chill 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

When it comes to the nutrition information provided for recipes, it’s important to keep in mind that it’s just an estimate. The actual nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. Be mindful that any nutritional information provided is intended as a general guideline rather than exact values.
Storage: Refrigerate in airtight container up to 3 days. Refresh with extra lemon juice before serving.

Notes

  • Corn options: Grilled corn adds smoky sweetness, but canned or frozen corn works just as well. Just drain canned corn or thaw frozen before mixing.
  • Dairy-free option: Omit feta and add extra veggies.
  • Best flavor tip: Chill at least 30 minutes before serving.

 

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 437kcalCarbohydrates: 58gProtein: 11gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 0.003gCholesterol: 11mgSodium: 176mgPotassium: 406mgFiber: 4gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 349IUVitamin C: 14mgCalcium: 91mgIron: 2mg
Keyword corn pasta salad, grilled corn pasta salad, lemon herb corn pasta salad, summer pasta salad
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