15 Corn-Based BBQ Sides That’ll Steal the Spotlight
There’s just something magical about corn at a barbecue. It’s sweet, smoky, golden, and incredibly versatile — whether it’s grilled, tossed into a salad, or turned into a creamy comfort dish. If you’re looking to go beyond the usual buttered cob and really impress your guests, this list has you covere
These 15 corn-based sides bring bold flavor, texture, and summer vibes to any cookout — and most come together in under 30 minutes.
Whether you’re going for spicy, creamy, crunchy, or fresh, one of these corn creations is guaranteed to be the most talked-about dish at the table.
1. Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites)
Description:
All the flavors of elote — smoky, tangy, creamy, and a little spicy — but in salad form. It’s scoopable, shareable, and absolutely addictive.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups grilled or charred corn kernels
- ¼ cup mayo
- 2 tbsp sour cream or crema
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Juice of 1 lime
- ¼ cup crumbled cotija or feta cheese
- ½ tsp chili powder
- 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix mayo, sour cream, garlic, lime juice, and chili powder.
- Fold in corn, cheese, and cilantro.
- Chill or serve warm.
2. Sweet Corn and Avocado Salad
Description:
Light, creamy, and ultra-fresh, this salad pairs sweet corn with buttery avocado and a citrusy lime dressing. It’s perfect for hot days and grilled meats.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked corn (fresh or frozen)
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt, pepper, chopped cilantro
Instructions:
- Toss corn, avocado, and red onion in a large bowl.
- Drizzle with lime juice and olive oil.
- Season with salt, pepper, and cilantro. Chill before serving.
3. Cheddar Cornbread Muffins
Description:
These cheesy cornbread muffins are portable, buttery, and have just the right amount of crunch. They’re a BBQ classic you can bake ahead and serve with anything.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup gluten-free or all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 cup milk
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup corn kernels
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Mix dry ingredients, then stir in wet ingredients, cheese, and corn.
- Pour into muffin tins and bake 18–20 minutes.
4. Grilled Corn with Herb Butter
Description:
Simple, classic, and hard to beat — this grilled corn is slathered with garlic-herb butter for a fresh twist on a summer staple.
Ingredients:
- 4 ears of corn, husked
- 3 tbsp butter, softened
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Mix butter, garlic, and parsley.
- Grill corn over medium-high heat until slightly charred, turning occasionally (8–10 mins).
- Brush with herb butter and serve hot.
5. Corn and Black Bean Salsa
Description:
Scoop it with chips, spoon it over grilled chicken, or serve it straight as a salad — this colorful salsa is packed with crunch, zest, and heat.
Ingredients:
- 1½ cups corn kernels
- 1 can black beans, rinsed
- ½ red bell pepper, chopped
- ¼ red onion, diced
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt, cumin, chopped cilantro
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.
6. Creamy Corn Pasta Salad
Description:
Cold pasta meets sweet corn in this unexpectedly awesome combo, tied together with a light creamy dressing and pops of fresh herbs.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked short pasta (like shells)
- 1 cup corn kernels
- ¼ cup diced celery
- ¼ cup red onion, minced
- ⅓ cup mayo or Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt, pepper, fresh parsley
Instructions:
- Mix dressing first, then toss with pasta, corn, celery, and onion.
- Stir in herbs and chill for 20–30 mins before serving.
7. Fresh Corn and Tomato Salad
Description:
A no-cook side that screams summer — sweet corn, juicy tomatoes, and fresh basil all tossed in a light vinaigrette. It’s a backyard BBQ essential.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh or thawed corn
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup chopped red onion
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Combine corn, tomatoes, onion, and basil in a bowl.
- Drizzle with olive oil and vinegar.
- Season, toss, and chill for 15 minutes before serving.
8. Corn & Zucchini Fritters
Description:
Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside — these golden fritters combine sweet corn and grated zucchini for a side dish that doubles as a snack.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 cup grated zucchini (squeeze dry)
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup gluten-free or all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions
- Salt, pepper, oil for frying
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients into a batter.
- Heat oil in a skillet and drop spoonfuls of batter.
- Flatten slightly and fry until golden on both sides.
9. Smoky Chipotle Corn Dip
Description:
This bold, creamy dip brings sweet corn and smoky chipotle peppers together in a craveable combo. Serve it chilled with tortilla chips or raw veggies.
Ingredients:
- 1½ cups corn (grilled or canned)
- ½ cup mayo or sour cream
- 1 chipotle pepper in adobo, finely chopped
- Juice of ½ lime
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- Salt to taste
- Chopped cilantro (optional)
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
- Chill for 30 minutes.
- Garnish with cilantro and serve cold.
10. Corn & Quinoa Salad with Feta
Description:
Nutty quinoa pairs beautifully with sweet corn and tangy feta in this protein-packed salad that’s both light and filling.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked quinoa (cooled)
- 1 cup corn kernels
- ½ cup diced cucumber
- ¼ cup crumbled feta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt, pepper, chopped mint or parsley
Instructions:
- Toss everything in a large bowl.
- Mix well and chill before serving.
11. Corn & Bell Pepper Medley
Description:
Colorful, sautéed (or grilled) bell peppers with corn make a simple yet vibrant side that’s bursting with natural sweetness and smoky flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1½ cups corn
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt, pepper, paprika
Instructions:
- Sauté peppers and corn in olive oil until tender-crisp.
- Season and serve warm or room temp.
12. Southwest Corn & Rice Salad
Description:
A hearty, gluten-free grain salad with Tex-Mex flavor. Corn, rice, beans, and smoky spices make it perfect as a side or base for grilled meat.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked rice (cooled)
- 1 cup corn
- ½ can black beans, rinsed
- ¼ cup diced red onion
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp cumin
- Juice of ½ lime
- Salt and cilantro
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
- Chill before serving for best flavor.
13. Charred Corn & Arugula Salad
Description:
This one’s fancy without the fuss. Peppery arugula meets sweet, smoky corn in a lemony olive oil dressing that feels super fresh and a little gourmet.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups arugula
- 1 cup grilled corn kernels
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and cracked black pepper
- Optional: shaved Parmesan
Instructions:
- Toss arugula and corn with dressing.
- Add Parmesan if using.
- Serve chilled or room temp.
14. Corn & Tomato Salsa with Basil
Description:
Part salsa, part salad, this no-cook side is bursting with summer flavor — juicy tomatoes, sweet corn, and a fresh basil twist.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tbsp chopped red onion
- 2 tbsp chopped basil
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Combine everything in a bowl.
- Chill 20 minutes for flavors to blend.
15. Corn Pudding Cups (Make-Ahead)
Description:
A creamy, custard-like side that’s slightly sweet and totally comforting. Serve it cold or at room temp in individual ramekins or muffin tins.
Ingredients:
- 1 can creamed corn
- 1 cup whole corn kernels
- 2 eggs
- ¼ cup milk
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 2 tbsp cornmeal
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Mix all ingredients and pour into greased muffin tins.
- Bake 25–30 mins until set. Cool and chill before serving.
