18 Fresh Corn Recipes for Summer

We find it's easier and safer to cut kernels from cobs when you lay them on their sides on a cutting board rather than standing them up on an end. The kernels also tend not to fly as far. To make this dairy-free, use coconut milk instead of yogurt.

Fresh raw corn kernels add milky, mouth-popping texture to these little skillet cakes, which work as a side dish or an appetizer. To keep them warm until you've finished making them all, tuck the baking sheet holding them in a 300 degrees F oven.

Chef John says, "Ideally you would make this in the middle of summer with ears of fresh, sweet-as-sugar corn. You can also make a perfectly fine version of this chowder using a premium-quality, extra-sweet, frozen corn."

Charred corn combines with medium-hot poblano, spicy-hot jalapeños, and tangy red onion. With just a light dressing of fresh lime juice, this salsa comes together in no time for an appetizer, topping for pizza, or a side for fresh fish. Throw a few ears on a grill the next time you have it fired up for dinner, and this fresh corn recipe will come together while you're making the rest of the meal.

"Zucchini, corn, and onions combined with chopped bacon and cheese," says recipe submitter MOLSON7. "A quick and easy way to use some fresh veggies from your garden!"

"Spicy grilled fish are cooled down with a fresh crunchy veggie salsa featuring fresh corn. Your guests will swim back for seconds!" — LouiseCol

"This casserole is wonderful for a backyard picnic. It uses all fresh ingredients and simply contains corn, tomatoes and bacon. A great complement for a barbecue." — RALWOLF

"Wow, this was good, says MaryF. "My whole family, including children, liked it. Great way to use up uneaten ears of corn. I followed the directions exactly, and my only change for next time will be to add more zucchini and peppers."

"This is my new favorite corn side dish. You're going to be so shocked that without butter, without heavy cream, you're going to have a delicious corn side dish that's every bit as rich and decadent, and it's going to be significantly lower in calories." — Chef John

"This fresh and flavorful salad features buttery yellow corn tossed with chunks of tomato and onion with a fresh basil vinaigrette." — Eileen

"Amazing. Loved the freshness of the corn and crab as well as the spiciness of the sauce. May double the recipe to have extras the next time." — 1cookingmama

Everything you need for this fresh corn recipe you can grab at the farmers' market, where the produce will be so fresh you can truly experience how this salad is meant to be. Fresh, sweet corn combines with juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and creamy avocado for an almost-too-easy side you'll make all summer.

"Fresh summer flavors that make an excellent topper for salads or sides with a bbq meal. Add a little cilantro for an extra fresh pop if you like. You could also spice it up with some fresh jalapeno." — Bis4Bethany

"I had a lot of family and friends over for a BBQ last Sunday. A good share of them do not care for unusual tastes or anything new, but they all loved this one (except my mother-in-law)." — NLWALLIN

"Summer corn is in season right now, I found a super sale this weekend, so it was time to try this chowder recipe which has been on my radar," Says lutzflcat. "My corn was super sweet, and gave this chowder great flavor. The cilantro does give some balance to the overall sweetness, so I'd recommend not omitting it (unless you're one of those cilantro haters out there)."

"Forget as a topper, I could eat this as a side! It went so well with salmon, light, fresh, slightly spicy, and colorful, even the kids loved it! It felt like dining at a 5 star restaurant." — Deere Mama

Sure, you could just boil corn in a pot of water. But why not turn it into an instant party by boiling it with some its friends: baby potatoes, spicy sausage, and succulent shrimp. (And not to worry: There are no frogs in this dish! Frogmore Stew is just a local name for a Southern Lowcountry shrimp boil.)

Here's one for the Instant Pot! "Creamy risotto with sweet kernels of fresh corn is made in a fraction of the time as traditional risotto, in your pressure cooker!" says Kim's Cooking Now.