60 Healthy Corn Recipes - Cooking Light

Enjoy our best healthy recipes for all that sweet, crunchy, peak-season corn.

1 of 62

Cooking with Corn

Photo: Jennifer Causey

Fresh corn is pure summer. Peel back a cob and poke a plump kernel with a thumbnail to see the sweet milk. Beyond the whole cob lie these of-the-moment recipes: tangy corn salad, crisp grilled corn, savory corn casserole, creamy corn chowder, and comforting corn soup.

Corn’s mild sweet flavor makes it easy to love. Corn is also impressively versatile—and it can easily go from quick-and-easy side dish to show-stopping main. While corn is typically treated like a vegetable in cooking, it's actually a healthy whole grain. It's also a rich source of antioxidants, and whether you enjoy it on or off the cob, corn has a rightful spot in a healthy diet. Our healthy corn recipes explore both classic and clever ways to use fresh corn—from from corn chowder to grilled corn, corn casserole to corn salad, and so much more.

2 of 62

Creole Shrimp and Creamed Corn

Photo: Jennifer Causey

View Recipe: Creole Shrimp and Creamed Corn

This dish is a fresh, tasty twist on shrimp and grits. The shrimp mixture takes on bold flavors from Creole seasoning, smoked paprika, thyme, and garlic—making for a robust mixture that’s complemented by the sweetness of the creamed corn. Aim for large shrimp here so the dish feels a little more special; we suggest 16/20 count shrimp or 10/15 count if you want them even bigger.

3 of 62

Corn on the Cob with Lemon-Chive Butter

Photo: Jennifer Causey

View Recipe: Corn on the Cob with Lemon-Chive Butter

Nothing says summer like fresh corn on the cob. Here are a few of our favorite flavor combos for buttering them up: Corn on the Cob with Lemon-Curry Spice Butter, Corn on the Cob with Honey-Chipotle Butter, Corn on the Cob wiht Orange, Tarragon, and Basil Butter.

4 of 62

Tomato, Basil, and Corn Pizza

Photo: Victor Protasio

View Recipe: Tomato, Basil, and Corn Pizza

A sprinkling of cornmeal keeps the dough from sticking to the pizza stone and gets the bottom of the crust extra crispy. If you don't have a rectangular pizza stone, use a heavy baking sheet instead. Serve with a green side salad for a winning weeknight combination.

5 of 62

Andrew Zimmern's Grilled Corn and Snap Pea Salad

Photo: Christopher Testani

View Recipe: Grilled Corn and Snap Pea Salad

You can assemble this salad the day before you plan to serve it, but toss in dressing just before serving to keep Zimmern's salad as crisp as he intended.

6 of 62

Grilled Green Onions with Corn and Tarragon

Photo: Jennifer Causey

View Recipe: Grilled Green Onions with Corn and Tarragon

This combo goes well with grilled chicken or flank steak. Or serve with grilled zucchini planks.

7 of 62

Early Summer Succotash

Caitlin Bensel

View Recipe: Early Summer Succotash

In this fresh take on succotash, we use a pan-steaming technique (no steamer basket required) to cut down on cooking time and keep the beans and corn crisp-tender rather than ultra-soft. For succotash, fresh corn always tastes more delicious than frozen, but thawed frozen corn would certainly be a good stand-in here in a pinch. If you are using fresh corn, after you cut the kernels off, run the dull side of your knife down the kernel and scrape some of the corn “milk” into the pan, too. This recipe makes a small portion but can be doubled or even tripled to serve a crowd.

8 of 62

Fresh Corn and Potato Soup With Sautéed Shrimp

Photo: Jennifer Causey

View Recipe: Fresh Corn and Potato Soup With Sautéed Shrimp

Sweet fresh corn and butter-sautéed shrimp pair up deliciously in this seasonal soup. After tasting the delicious results of "milking" a fresh corn cob, you'll never shuck and chuck again. We fully tap the flavor of in-season corn with this kernel-to-cob cooking method, infusing our summer soup with a wealth of rich, sweet flavor.

9 of 62

Mexican-Style Air-Fried Corn

Karen Rankin

View Recipe: Mexican-Style Air-Fried Corn

No need to track down a food truck to get your Mexican street corn fix—your air fryer turns out a fantastic batch. A quick turn halfway through cooking yields crispy, juicy corn that soaks up the tasty garlic-lime butter like a champ.

Pick out small ears, or trim them slightly so that they fit into the air fryer basket. If you have any leftovers, cut the kernels off the cob and stir into a dip or sprinkle over a salad.

10 of 62

Skirt Steak with Corn and Red Pepper Puree

Photo: Jennifer Causey

View Recipe: Skirt Steak with Corn and Red Pepper Puree

Red Bell Pepper gets used two tasty ways: as a vegetable in the corn sauté and as a pureed sauce for the plate. Fresh corn is not just sweet; it has a surprising hit of umami intensity.

11 of 62

Corn Cakes with Bacon and Turmeric Yogurt

Photo: Jennifer Causey

View Recipe: Corn Cakes with Bacon and Turmeric Yogurt

Serve these sweet-savory cakes as a hearty side dish (they would be great with grilled shrimp) or as a lighter entrée with a side salad. Or turn them into an appetizer by making smaller cakes.

12 of 62

Fresh Corn Cakes with Summer Salsa

Photo: Jennifer Causey

View Recipe: Fresh Corn Cakes with Summer Salsa

This speedy vegetarian entrée is absolutely bursting with peak-season produce. Side suggestion: an herby white bean and arugula salad.

13 of 62

Summer Corn and Shrimp Succotash

Photo: Randy Mayor

View Recipe: Summer Corn and Shrimp Succotash

This succotash is richly satisfying yet healthy and not heavy. Fresh beans bring verdant brightness, while briny shrimp marry perfectly with sweet corn.

14 of 62

Creamed Corn

Caitlin Bensel

15 of 62

Mushroom and Charred Corn Tacos with Guacamole

Photo: Jennifer Causey

View Recipe: Mushroom and Charred Corn Tacos with Guacamole

This quick taco filling is perfect for weeknight dinners, Poblano chiles bring rich, earthy flavor but little to no heat. (Every once in a while you can get a hot one, though.) If you want to add a little spice, add some crushed red pepper when you sauté the mushrooms.

16 of 62

Smoky Grilled Corn

Caitlin Bensel

17 of 62

Halibut with Bacony Corn Sauté

Photo: Justin Walker

View Recipe: Halibut with Bacony Corn Sauté

Be sure to buy fresh, never-frozen fish, summer corn on the cob and in the husks, and your favorite bacon. Applewood-smoked bacon is more subtle than hickory or mesquite and won't clobber all of the other ingredients. Just a spritz of fresh lime juice brings the flavors into perfect balance.

18 of 62

Mexican Corn Salad

Caitlin Bensel

19 of 62

Corn, Squash, and Green Onion Flatbreads

Photo: Iain Bagwell

View Recipe: Corn, Squash, and Green Onion Flatbreads

If you think this vibrant flatbread won't be filling enough for a whole meal, combine it with a simple mixed-greens salad for a delicious all-veggie dinner.

20 of 62

Snapper with Corn-Okra Relish

Caitlin Bensel

21 of 62

Chilled Butter Bean Soup with Basil-Corn Relish

Photo: Johnny Miller

View Recipe: Chilled Butter Bean Soup with Basil-Corn Relish

Sauteed sweet corn and earthy basil make a delicious garnish to this fresh summer soup. You'll need about 1 1/2 pounds of butter bean pods to get 2 cups shelled beans. You can substitute fresh lima beans, if you prefer.

22 of 62

Shrimp Tacos with Corn Salsa

Photo: Iain Bagwell

View Recipe: Shrimp Tacos with Corn Salsa

The broiler is a clever shortcut for crisping and browning corn quickly—then we combine it with avocado, fresh cilantro, lime juice, and other ingredients to make a fresh tangy salsa. Tossing the shrimp in a little honey before cooking helps to create tasty grill marks.

23 of 62

Grilled Corn, Chicken, and Bell Pepper Salad

Photo: Randy Mayor

View Recipe: Grilled Corn, Chicken, and Bell Pepper Salad

Shredded rotisserie chicken and sweet corn get extra-delicious when paired with perfectly charred bell peppers, oregano, and cream.

24 of 62

Esquites (Creamy Corn Salad)

Photo: Christopher Testani

View Recipe: Esquites (Creamy Corn Salad)

Esquites is a cousin to elote—that street food favorite of creamy cheese-coated corn cobs. You can also find this off-the-cob version with Mexican street food vendors. It's great on its own or served as a side dish with grilled meats.

25 of 62

Smoky Beer-Poached Grilled Corn

Jennifer Causey

View Recipe: Smoky Beer-Poached Grilled Corn

We took a technique that’s typically used for bratwurst and applied it to corn—with amazing results. You can save the beer after poaching the corn and use it for poaching brats or for steaming peel-and-eat shrimp.

26 of 62

Tomato and Corn Bulgur Salad

Photo: Jennifer Causey

View Recipe: Tomato and Corn Bulgur Salad

Fresh corn from the farmers' market stars in this dish, which is sprinkled with crumbled bacon and toasted pine nuts.

27 of 62

Corn ChowChow

Photo: Johnny Autry

View Recipe: Corn Chowchow

This tangy corn relish recipe features fresh corn, bell pepper, diced green tomato and tomatillos and gets a kick from jalapeno pepper. You'll be amazed at how many ways you can serve this recipe. Feel free to make a milder relish by seeding the jalapeño.

28 of 62

Shrimp and Corn Chowder

Photo: Randy Mayor

View Recipe: Shrimp and Corn Chowder

Serve this hearty chowder with a crusty baguette. Use fresh corn, if available.

29 of 62

Sweet Corn Oatmeal with Peaches

Photo: Victor Protasio

View Recipe: Sweet Corn Oatmeal with Peaches

Try substituting unsweetened almond milk (we like Almond Breeze) for the whole milk for a rich, slightly nutty flavor.

30 of 62

Shrimp, Chorizo, and Corn Salad

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

View Recipe: Shrimp, Chorizo, and Corn Salad

Shrimp, fresh corn, and chorizo make for a delicious trifecta, while fiery Sriracha sauce adds a touch of heat. Prepping the ingredients takes less than 10 minutes, so you can easily whip this up during a summer cookout and still enjoy the party.

31 of 62

Grilled Pork Tacos with Summer Corn and Nectarine Salsa

Photo: Randy Mayor

View Recipe: Grilled Pork Tacos with Summer Corn and Nectarine Salsa

We love this recipe because it is a complete hand-held meal nestled within a grilled corn tortilla—plus, it's budget-friendly. Be sure to zest your lime before you slice and juice it.

32 of 62

Corn Frittata with Pecorino-Romano Cheese

Photo: Jennifer Causey

View Recipe: Corn Frittata with Pecorino-Romano Cheese

There isn't an herb that doesn't go well with crisp fresh corn—dill, basil, cilantro, lovage—but dark green Italian parsley is also good and bracing against the corn's sweetness. For an extra dose of smoky essence, sprinkle a pinch of smoked paprika over each serving.

33 of 62

Saucy Crawfish with Whole Corn Grits

Photo: Johnny Autry

View Recipe: Saucy Crawfish with Whole Corn Grits

Substitute shrimp for the crawfish, if you prefer. Toasting the flour brings nutty flavor to the sauce, similar to a brown roux. Microgreens make an elegant garnish.

34 of 62

Corn Pancakes with Smoked Salmon and Lemon-Chive Cream

Photo: Greg Dupree

View Recipe: Corn Pancakes with Smoked Salmon and Lemon-Chive Cream

These savory pancakes are dressed perfectly with fresh lemon-chive cream and smoked salmon. Breakfast time, or anytime, these are a must try.

35 of 62

Oaxacan-Style Grilled Corn on the Cob

Photo: Johnny Autry

View Recipe: Oaxacan-Style Grilled Corn on the Cob

Look for crema at Latin markets or by the supermarket's Mexican cheeses. It's slightly tangier than sour cream.

36 of 62

Sweet Corn Ice Cream

Photo: Johnny Autry

View Recipe: Sweet Corn Ice Cream

Steeping cobs in the cream mixture infuses it with corn flavor. If possible, chill the corn mixture overnight. This lets flavors meld and helps the ice cream to freeze faster: The quicker it freezes, the creamier it will be.

37 of 62

Shrimp and Corn Cakes with Heirloom Tomato Salsa

Photo: Romulo Yanes

View Recipe: Shrimp and Corn Cakes with Heirloom Tomato Salsa

Delicious patties made of fresh corn, shrimp, and bell pepper are pan-fried to perfection in this recipe. Serrano chile in the heirloom tomato salsa adds a bit of heat, and cilantro some earthy freshness.

38 of 62

Mushroom, Corn, and Poblano Tacos

Photo: John Autry

View Recipe: Mushroom, Corn, and Poblano Tacos

Keep your tortillas soft by wrapping them in foil and keeping them in a warm oven.

39 of 62

Paella with Poblanos, Corn, and Clams

Photo: Iain Bagwell

View Recipe: Paella with Poblanos, Corn, and Clams

This recipe from Mark Bittman received rave reviews from CL staffers for its crunchy rice and sweetness brininess from fresh littleneck clams. Bittman says: "The part of paella I couldn't dare change is the socarrat—the crisp browned rice on the bottom of the pan. The crust won't form until all of the liquid from the clams and the tomatoes has boiled off, so be patient with that last step: I promise you, it's worth it."

40 of 62

Grilled Corn on the Cob

Photo: Marcus Nilsson

View Recipe: Grilled Corn on the Cob

Grilled in its husk, the corn takes on a wonderful, lightly charred flavor while its sugars caramelize and intensify. Soaking in salted water lightly seasons the corn and helps keep it moist as it grills. Then, since the silks have been removed, just peel and enjoy.

41 of 62

Grilled Corn, Poblano, and Black Bean Salad

Photo: Johnny Autry

View Recipe: Grilled Corn, Poblano, and Black Bean Salad

Here's a great side for grilled meats and fish. Be sure you don't skimp on the fresh cilantro. It brings an extra dash of fresh flavor.

42 of 62

Ginger-Scented Corn and Asparagus Stir-Fry

Photo: John Autry

View Recipe: Ginger-Scented Corn and Asparagus Stir-Fry

Rice and corn make a perfect bed for this bowlful of delicious flavor. Tofu makes this a filling meal.

43 of 62

Basil and Corn Farro Salad

Photo: Johnny Autry

View Recipe: Basil and Corn Farro Salad

If you can't find precooked farro, substitute precooked or boil-in-bag brown rice.

44 of 62

Avocado-Corn Chowder with Grilled Chicken

Photo: John Autry

View Recipe: Avocado-Corn Chowder with Grilled Chicken

Top a creamy chilled avocado soup with fresh corn and grilled chicken for a colorful and flavorful main-dish entrée.

45 of 62

Grilled Corn Salsa

Photo: Jennifer Causey

View Recipe: Grilled Corn Salsa

Don’t be afraid to get some good char all over the corn; that’s where a lot of the flavor comes from. We like the look of red jalapeños here, but you can also use green jalapeños (which taste the same) if they’re easier to find. Try the citrus-spiked salsa as a dip with tortilla chips or a topper for blackened fish, steak, or chicken; or tuck some into fish or shrimp tacos, combine it with black beans for a quesadilla filling, stuff a hefty spoonful into an omelet or frittata, or toss a generous amount with quinoa for a hearty main-dish salad.

46 of 62

Grilled Corn on the Cob with Roasted Jalapeño Butter

Photo: Anna Williams

View Recipe: Grilled Corn on the Cob with Roasted Jalapeño Butter

This easy, 5-ingredient grilled corn gets its flavor from jalapeño peppers that are roasted, chopped, and stirred into honey butter.

47 of 62

Silky Tomato-Basil Soup with Fresh Corn

Photo: Caitlin Bensel

View Recipe: Silky Tomato-Basil Soup with Fresh Corn

A warm bowl of soup is often unappreciated in the summer heat, but we tap into some of the season’s best produce, from juicy tomatoes to sweet corn, to create a luxurious, fresh tomato soup. Silken tofu stands in for traditional heavy cream, lending rich body and a hit of quality protein. Serve this vibrant soup with thick slices of day-old grilled bread (think giant personal croutons) for a virtuously comforting meal.

48 of 62

Summer Veggie Pizza

Photo: John Autry

View Recipe: Summer Veggie Pizza

Using store-bought pizza dough is a lifesaver when dinners have to be quick. These vegetable toppings use the very best of the season with fresh bell pepper, corn, and basil. It’s simply good.

49 of 62

Summer Squash and Corn Chowder

Photo: John Autry

View Recipe: Summer Squash and Corn Chowder

Enjoy soup in the summertime by making this satisfying chowder with seasonal produce. Top with cheese and bacon for kid appeal.

50 of 62

Corn Fritters with Roasted Tomatoes and Lime Aioli

Photo: John Autry

View Recipe: Corn Fritters with Roasted Tomatoes and Lime Aioli

For convenience, you can make the tomatoes and fritters in advance, then reheat them to serve. Reheating the fritters in an oven or toaster oven will keep them from being soggy.

51 of 62

Creamy Corn Risotto

Photo: Johnny Miller

View Recipe: Creamy Corn Risotto

Fresh, crunchy summer corn is a great addition to this savory dish. Add in other summer veggies, like squash, if you like.

52 of 62

Golden Corn Salad with Fresh Basil

Photo: John Autry

View Recipe: Golden Corn Salad with Fresh Basil

For a quick, tasty, and affordable side dish to bring to parties, picnics, or just to house in the fridge for snacks, try this recipe. Fresh summer corn can be a sweet treat, especially with tight, green husks and golden, moist silks.

53 of 62

Chilled Fresh Corn Soup with King Crab

Photo: Romulo Yanes

View Recipe: Chilled Fresh Corn Soup with King Crab

This chilled soup is full of delectably sweet fresh corn and gorgeous pieces of king crab legs.

54 of 62

Goat Cheese and Roasted Corn Quesadillas

Photo: Randy Mayor

View Recipe: Goat Cheese and Roasted Corn Quesadillas

Browning the corn caramelizes its sugars and deepens the taste of this dish. If you have fresh cilantro on hand, chop two tablespoons and stir it into the salsa.

55 of 62

Quick Chicken-Corn Chowder

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

View Recipe: Quick Chicken-Corn Chowder

You can have this chicken and corn chowder on the table in less than 30 minutes. Sounds too good to be true, right? We guess you will just have to try it to find out.

56 of 62

Sweet Corn Chowder with Hot-Smoked Salmon

Photo: Randy Mayor

View Recipe: Sweet Corn Chowder with Hot-Smoked Salmon

The fish, used in place of the bacon often found in traditional chowder recipes, adds heart-healthy fats and protein. Great made ahead, this soup gets better with time.

57 of 62

Indiana Pork Tenderloin Sandwiches with Creamy Corn Relish

Photo: Line T. Klein

View Recipe: Indiana Pork Tenderloin Sandwiches with Creamy Corn Relish

This Midwestern signature sandwich traditionally features a deep-fried pork cutlet that sprawls like the Great Plains over a comically overmatched bun. Our pork is more modestly sized, yet holds its own in the flavor and crunch departments. The real flourish on this sandwich features another classic Midwestern element: creamy-tangy corn relish, which really makes the sandwich pop. We love fine-textured Wondra flour, which helps create the crispy coating on the pork—but you can also use all-purpose flour and still get great results. If you're not immediately assembling and serving the sandwiches, keep the pork on a wire rack so the bottom doesn't get steamy and soggy.

58 of 62

Sweet Pea Risotto with Corn Broth

Photo: Howard L. Puckett

View Recipe: Sweet Pea Risotto with Corn Broth

All over the country, summer markets are full of fresh, locally grown corn. It's put to delicious use in this dish. We loved the Corn Broth and thought it would make a tasty summer soup all by itself.

59 of 62

Baked Tomatoes with Quinoa, Corn, and Green Chiles

Photo: Romulo Yanes

View Recipe: Baked Tomatoes with Quinoa, Corn, and Green Chiles

These tomatoes are stuffed full with super healthy quinoa, sweet fresh corn, poblano chiles, and lots of shredded cheese. Fresh lime juice adds a burst of citrus freshness. It's a delicious side or meatless main.

60 of 62

Easy Corn Casserole

Photo: Lee Harrelson

View Recipe: Easy Corn Casserole

Making the most of convenience products, this corn casserole comes together quickly as an ideal side dish for chili, spicy pork, or chicken.

61 of 62

Crab and Grilled Corn Salad

Photo: John Autry

View Recipe: Crab and Grilled Corn Salad

Charring the corn adds toasty, nutty depth. Serve with Manchego-Black Pepper Breadsticks for a complete meal.

Replay gallery

Newsletters

Manage Your Subscription

60 Healthy Ways to Cook Sweet Summer Corn

1 of 62

Cooking with Corn

2 of 62

Creole Shrimp and Creamed Corn

3 of 62

Corn on the Cob with Lemon-Chive Butter

4 of 62

Tomato, Basil, and Corn Pizza

5 of 62

Andrew Zimmern's Grilled Corn and Snap Pea Salad

6 of 62

Grilled Green Onions with Corn and Tarragon

7 of 62

Early Summer Succotash

8 of 62

Fresh Corn and Potato Soup With Sautéed Shrimp

9 of 62

Mexican-Style Air-Fried Corn

10 of 62

Skirt Steak with Corn and Red Pepper Puree

11 of 62

Corn Cakes with Bacon and Turmeric Yogurt

12 of 62

Fresh Corn Cakes with Summer Salsa

13 of 62

Summer Corn and Shrimp Succotash

14 of 62

Creamed Corn

15 of 62

Mushroom and Charred Corn Tacos with Guacamole

16 of 62

Smoky Grilled Corn

17 of 62

Halibut with Bacony Corn Sauté

18 of 62

Mexican Corn Salad

19 of 62

Corn, Squash, and Green Onion Flatbreads

20 of 62

Snapper with Corn-Okra Relish

21 of 62

Chilled Butter Bean Soup with Basil-Corn Relish

22 of 62

Shrimp Tacos with Corn Salsa

23 of 62

Grilled Corn, Chicken, and Bell Pepper Salad

24 of 62

Esquites (Creamy Corn Salad)

25 of 62

Smoky Beer-Poached Grilled Corn

26 of 62

Tomato and Corn Bulgur Salad

27 of 62

Corn ChowChow

28 of 62

Shrimp and Corn Chowder

29 of 62

Sweet Corn Oatmeal with Peaches

30 of 62

Shrimp, Chorizo, and Corn Salad

31 of 62

Grilled Pork Tacos with Summer Corn and Nectarine Salsa

32 of 62

Corn Frittata with Pecorino-Romano Cheese

33 of 62

Saucy Crawfish with Whole Corn Grits

34 of 62

Corn Pancakes with Smoked Salmon and Lemon-Chive Cream

35 of 62

Oaxacan-Style Grilled Corn on the Cob

36 of 62

Sweet Corn Ice Cream

37 of 62

Shrimp and Corn Cakes with Heirloom Tomato Salsa

38 of 62

Mushroom, Corn, and Poblano Tacos

39 of 62