12 Corn Recipes Perfect for a Cookout

corn photo via Sergio Tittarini/flickr

Stepping into a big box grocery store, it’s easy to think that all produce grows all year round—but that’s hardly the case. In this series, we’ll highlight one in-season produce pick a week.

Corn

Nutrition: Corn contains thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, and vitamin B6.

Why that’s important: Thiamin and niacin turn food into energy; riboflavin contributes to cell function and metabolism; and vitamin B6 helps with brain development and metabolism.

Where to find them: Aside from grocery stores and farmers’ markets, you can pick your own corn at these farms.

12 ways to use it:

1. Corn, Zucchini, and Avocado Pasta Salad

via Chelsea’s Messy Apron

When making this cold pasta salad, allow the pasta and vegetable mixture to cool before adding in the avocado. To boost the health factor, swap the tricolor pasta for whole wheat.

2. Grilled Corn, Watermelon, and Arugula Salad
via Cara’s Kitchen

The peppery taste of the arugula balances out the sweetness of the corn and watermelon. To prepare the corn, grill on high heat until lightly charred and then shave it off the cob.

3. Fresh Chunky Corn Salsa
via Life is But a Dish

Boiled corn, tomatoes, avocado, and mint come together for this salsa, a perfect topping for chicken or fish. The salsa is marinated in a tangy blend of olive oil and lime juice.

4. Farro, Corn, and Tomato Salad
via Beach House Kitchen

Farro, a nutty whole-grain, makes up the base of this salad. Four ears of corn, sautéed with scallions and tomatoes, are required for this recipe.

5. Grilled Cilantro, Lime, and Paprika Corn on the Cob
via Blissful Basil

This zesty corn is grilled in the husks until they’re charred—about 20 minutes. Instead of butter, a light coating of coconut oil is used.

6. Blueberry Corn Salad
via Stuck on Sweet

Canned or fresh corn can be used for this salad. While the recipe calls for cilantro, other herbs, like basil, would be a flavorful addition.

7. Corn, Jicama, Kiwi, and Black Bean Lettuce Wraps
via I’m Bored, Let’s Go

These wraps use black beans as a protein source and are a satisfying option for vegans and vegetarians. Roast the corn in the oven for only four minutes so that the kernels don’t get mushy.

8. Southwestern Edamame Salad
via Yummy Healthy Easy

Made with frozen corn and frozen edamame, this easy salad comes together in less than 10 minutes. The salad works well as a side dish or served over fresh greens for a healthy lunch.

9. Skinny Mexican Street Corn
via Real Housemoms

This creamy corn dip is made with Greek yogurt, low fat feta cheese, and your favorite hot sauce. Instead of cooking the corn on the stove, try grilling it for a smoky flavor.

10. White Bean, Corn, Tomato, and Rice Skillet
via Family Foodie

For a hearty meal, try this recipe. The rice can be any rice of your choice; brown rice and wild rice are two nutritious options. To cook the corn, sauté it with the tomatoes and white beans, then add in the ponzu sauce and mix it into the rice.

11. Sweet Corn Chaat
via Home Style Veg Food

This version of chaat, an Indian snack, uses boiled corn, onion, tomato, and spices. If you don’t have herb oil like the recipe calls for, crush red chili and garlic into some olive oil.

12. Garlic Roasted Corn on the Cob
via Eat Healthy Eat Happy

With only three ingredients, this simple recipe is great for busy nights. The corn is covered in garlic and foil and roasted in the oven, but the grill would also work.