Sweet corn is a summer staple at our house. I grew up where fresh sweet corn was cheap and abundant (and tasted amazing!). We ate it all the time and froze it so that we could still enjoy the flavor of sweet corn during the winter. I’m no longer able to get sweet corn super cheap, but I still can’t resist picking up a few ears when it first hits the stores. It just wouldn’t be summer without it!
I’m perfectly content eating corn straight off the cob, but I also enjoy adding it to fresh, summery salads. This fresh corn and tomato orzo salad is already a new favorite that will be making many more appearances this summer. It’s quick, easy, and full of flavor. . .just the way summer salads should be!
The base of the salad is orzo pasta that is then tossed with some summer veggies that are cooked in a balsamic glaze to add another layer of flavor. Fresh tomatoes and sweet corn are added next to finish off the fresh flavors. Right before serving, the salad is tossed with feta cheese crumbles. This recipe makes a lot, so it’s a perfect dish to serve as at a gathering. Or, make it at the beginning of the week along with some grilled chicken and you have delicious meals as leftovers for weekday lunches!
- 1½ C uncooked orzo
- 3 medium ears of sweet corn, cooked and kernels cut off cobs
- 1 C green, red, or yellow bell peppers, chopped
- 1½ C zucchini, sliced
- ½ C red onion, chopped
- 1½ C grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 C feta cheese crumbles
- ¼ C olive oil
- 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Cook orzo according to package instructions.
- In a large bowl, mix together peppers, zucchini, and onion.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper. Drizzle over veggies and toss to coat.
- Place veggies in a large skillet over medium heat, cook for about 5 minutes or until peppers become tender.
- Stir cooked veggies into orzo. Add corn, tomatoes, and feta. Stir until just combined.
- Serve. Can be served warm or cold.
Taylor @ greens & chocolate says
Fresh sweet corn on the cob is one of my favorite things about summer! This orzo salad looks like THE definition of summer with corn, tomatoes and zucchini! Love!
How to Philosophize with Cake says
That sounds delicious! I love fresh pasta salads in the summer, this looks like a great variation! 🙂
Cassie says
This is gorgeous! Such a great summer salad!
Emily @ Life on Food says
I don’t make orzo enough. I have one recipe and that is all. I am adding this to the list.
Ashley says
Totally agree – it’s not summer without sweet corn! LOVE the sound of this pasta – I need to make it this summer!
Katie says
Oh I love sweet corn! Right now we can buy it for .25 an ear here in the south! Must try this salad.
Anna (Hidden Ponies) says
Sweet fresh corn is the veggie that really rivals fresh berries for my favourite thing about summer produce. Sounds wonderful with the orzo!
Courtney @ Neighborfood says
This salad looks so yummy and fresh! The joke around here is that when corn season hits, we have corn for dinner. Not as a side dish, but as the main course. There’s just nothing better than fresh sweet corn (unless you put it in an amazing salad of course! 🙂
Cindy @ Pick Fresh Foods says
Yum, I love this salad. I’ve been looking for something to take to a get-together and I think this would be great. Love the fresh corn and tomatoes. Pinning
Aimee @ ShugarySweets says
Orzo is one of my absolute favorite sides! This corn and tomato version sounds delicious!!
Jenn @ Deliciously Sprinkled says
Perfect salad for summer! I think I am going to make this salad for one of our 4th of July parties, pinned & SU!
Christie - Food Done Light says
Love that this salad accentuates summer’s best vegetables.
Amy @ A Healthy Life For Me says
I love summer corn, it brings great childhood memories. I will definitely try this recipe my boys are huge fans of anything that includes orzo pasta.
sarah k @ the pajama chef says
this sounds like an awesome salad! i love corn 🙂
Elizabeth @ Confessions of a Baking Queen says
I just made an orzo salad this weekend, but I didn’t use corn! Great call on the corn so DELISH!
Jess @ On Sugar Mountain says
Corn and tomatoes just scream summer to me; I can’t get enough of either when I go to the grocery store or farmers market! Throwing them into this orzo salad looks like an amazing way to enjoy all the flavors of summer! 😀
miss messy says
Love orzo, Love feta, what’s not to love about this, it looks super! 🙂
Ashley | Spoonful of Flavor says
I love all of these summer salads! Fresh corn is definitely one of my favorite things about summer.
Jess @ whatjessicabakedneext says
This looks amazing- I love orzo salads, perfect to pack up for a summer picnic. Love the pictures.
Katie says
I love this! I have a recipe for tomato corn risotto and always make it in the summer but am bummed because it’s so warm, this is perfect for that summer fix of tomato and corn!
Jocelyn@BruCrew Life says
This is such a great dish! Orzo is so great because the sky is the limit when it comes to adding things in! 🙂 Pinned!
Lori says
Anytime you combine fresh vegetables with orzo, and dressing, you have a big hit with my family.