Spicy Corn Salad

Spicy Corn Salad – Easy and delicious, this corn salad is a great light lunch or side dish for bbq and grilling. The sweetness of corn works surprisingly well with roasted peanuts and spices. A new addition to your tailgating or potluck arsenal!

by Christina Cherrier

Christina Cherrier

Christina Cherrier is a recipe developer and editor for Eatwell101 since 2011. She specializes in savory recipes, quick dinner options, and holiday menus. She is a professionally trained cook and worked as a consultant in the hospitality industry.

View full profile →

Updated Aug 1, 2025

You might also like

More Corn Side Dishes Recipes

A few more ideas that fit what you're cooking.

Mexican Street Corn Salad

17 min · 1.6k saves

Cheesy Corn Fritters Recipe

18 min · 17.8k saves

Grilled Corn Salad Recipe

15 min · 252 saves

Ingredients list for the spicy corn salad

• 1 lb (450 g) corn (fresh or frozen+thawed)
• 2 tablespoons ghee or vegetable oil
• 2 jalapeño, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 cup crushed roasted peanuts
• 1 cup chopped cilantro
• 1 or 2 lemons, cut into wedges
• 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds

The chili paste

• 1 teaspoon red chili peppers flakes
• 2 medium cloves garlic
• 1-inch (2.5 cm) piece of fresh ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/4 teaspoon fine-grain sea salt

Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com

Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com

Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com

Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com

Directions

1. Use a mortar and pestle or a food processor to puree the chili pepper, garlic, ginger, turmeric, and salt into a paste.

2. Heat butter in a skillet over medium-high. Stir in corn kernels and cook, stirring gently for about one minute. Make sure to coat well the corn with butter.

3. Add peanuts, bell pepper, jalapeño, half the cilantro, and half the chili paste. Cook for another minute or so; taste, and add the rest of the chili paste to suit your taste. Give a squeeze or two of fresh lemon juice and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

4. Serve immediately or chilled, garnished with remaining cilantro, sesame seeds, extra peanuts, and remaining lemon wedges. Enjoy!

Note: Feel free to enhance with chopped asparagus, broccoli, or another additional vegetable.

Reader Favorites

Most Popular Recipes

Recipes Eatwell101 readers come back to again and again.

Garlic Lemon Chicken Thighs

4.6k saves · 25 min

Air Fryer Chicken and Vegetables (Healthy Dinner in 15 minutes!)

12.1k saves · 15 min

Meal Prep Garlic Butter Chicken Meatballs with Cauliflower Rice

11.8k saves · 25 min