There’s just something about summer food that hits differently. Fresh, colorful, easy to throw together—and best of all, something you can set out on the table and watch disappear.

This summer corn salsa has become one of my go-to dishes for family gatherings, cookouts, and pool days. It’s fresh, a little tangy, a little sweet, and hearty enough that people keep going back for “just one more scoop.”

And yes… it’s always served with chips.

Ingredients

• 4 cups cooked sweet corn kernels (about 6 cobs)
• 1 container grape tomatoes, diced
• 1 cup red onion, diced
• 1 bunch scallions, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced (I love using orange for color)
• 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
• Juice of 1 fresh lime
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup diced asparagus
• 1½ cups low-fat mozzarella
• Kosher salt and fresh pepper, to taste

How to Make It

Start with the corn—it’s really what makes this salsa stand out.

1. Prep the corn:
   Spray the corn (still on the cob) with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
2. Roast:
   Place in the oven for about 30 minutes, rotating every 10 minutes so each side gets that slightly grilled, toasted look.
3. Cool & cut:
   Once cooled, cut the kernels off the cob.
4. Mix it up:
   In a large bowl, combine the corn with the tomatoes, onion, scallions, bell pepper, cilantro, lime juice, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, asparagus, and mozzarella.
5. Season:
   Add salt and fresh pepper to taste and give everything a good toss.

How I Serve It

I usually set this out with a big bowl of Tostitos, and it’s one of the first things gone. It’s fresh enough to feel light, but filling enough that people actually remember it after the party.

A Few Notes

• The roasted corn adds a subtle smoky flavor that really makes this different from your typical salsa.
• The mozzarella might sound unexpected, but it gives it that little extra something that makes people ask, “Wait… what’s in this?”
• You can make it ahead of time—just give it a quick toss before serving.

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If you’re looking for something easy, crowd-pleasing, and just a little different this summer… this is it.