30 Healthy Corn Recipes to Try Tonight
Updated: Aug. 19, 2021From grilled corn to chowder, these healthy corn recipes are anything but boring. Whether you use fresh, frozen or sweet corn right from the cob, you’re sure to find a new family favorite.
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Pesto Corn Salad with Shrimp
Nutrition Facts
1 serving: 371 calories, 22g fat (3g saturated fat), 138mg cholesterol, 450mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 5g fiber), 23g protein.
This recipe showcases the beautiful bounty of summer with its fresh corn, tomatoes and delicious basil. Prevent browning by spritzing the salad with lemon juice. —Deena Bowen, Chico, California
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Black Bean and Corn Guacamole
Nutrition Facts
1/4 cup: 144 calories, 11g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 206mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 6g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 starch.
1/4 cup: 144 calories, 11g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 206mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 6g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 starch.
Head to any Mexican restaurant and we guarantee you’ll see this combo on the menu. The bright colors and contrasting textures make black beans and corn fun additions to guacamole. For extra flavor, grill the corn first.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Fresh Corn and Tomato Fettuccine
Nutrition Facts
2 cups: 527 calories, 17g fat (5g saturated fat), 84mg cholesterol, 1051mg sodium, 75g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 9g fiber), 21g protein.
2 cups: 527 calories, 17g fat (5g saturated fat), 84mg cholesterol, 1051mg sodium, 75g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 9g fiber), 21g protein.
This recipe combines delicious whole wheat pasta with the best of fresh garden produce. It’s tossed with heart-healthy olive oil, and a little feta cheese gives it bite. —Angela Spengler, Tampa, Florida
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Grilled Street Corn
Nutrition Facts
1 ear of corn with about 1 tablespoon sour cream mixture: 143 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 180mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fat.
1 ear of corn with about 1 tablespoon sour cream mixture: 143 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 180mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fat.
Mexican food is my grandmother’s favorite. I wanted a perfect side for her legendary tacos, and this chile-lime grilled corn turned out to be just right. —Ashley Crainshaw, Shawnee, Kansas
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Fresh Corn & Potato Chowder
Nutrition Facts
1 cup: 200 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 534mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1-1/2 fat.
1 cup: 200 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 534mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1-1/2 fat.
This corn chowder recipe was one of my favorites as a child in upstate New York, and I still love it today. For extra depth, place the spent cob in the soup, simmer, then remove. —Tracy Bivins, Knob Noster, Missouri
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Quick Corn Salad
Nutrition Facts
3/4 cup: 138 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 169mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1.500 fat, 1 starch.
3/4 cup: 138 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 169mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1.500 fat, 1 starch.
This sensational salad is a delight to serve because you can make it ahead and it’s an easy way to put garden bounty to good use. With colorful ingredients like corn, tomato and green pepper, it’s also pretty in the bowl and on your plate.
-Rita Reifenstein, Evans City, Pennsylvania
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Southwestern Sauteed Corn
Nutrition Facts
2/3 cup: 104 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 256mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
2/3 cup: 104 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 256mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
My mother-in-law came up with this corn skillet dish one night for dinner. Everyone who tries it absolutely loves it! —Chandy Ward, Aumsville, Oregon
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Chicken Corn Soup with Rivels
Nutrition Facts
1 cup: 191 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 482mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 17g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 2 lean meat.
1 cup: 191 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 482mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 17g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 2 lean meat.
Traditional chicken soup is rich with a dumplinglike soup stretcher called rivels. This healthy recipe is brimming with chicken, vegetables and herbs. You won’t be able to resist it. —Elissa Armbruster, Medford, New Jersey
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Sweet Corn-Tomato Salad
Nutrition Facts
3/4 cup: 192 calories, 12g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 407mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable.
3/4 cup: 192 calories, 12g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 407mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable.
I always make this for family events and parties. It reminds me of all the fun barbecues and picnics over the years. Fresh corn and basil make a huge difference in this recipe. —Jessica Kleinbaum, Plant City, Florida
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Bacon-Corn Stuffed Peppers
Nutrition Facts
1 stuffed pepper half: 130 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 207mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
1 stuffed pepper half: 130 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 207mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
Filled with corn, salsa, green onions, mozzarella cheese and bacon, these grilled pepper halves are sure to liven up your next cookout. They have a wonderful taste and give a fun twist to the usual corn on the cob. —Mitzi Sentiff, Annapolis, Maryland
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Strawberry Corn Salsa
Nutrition Facts
1/4 cup (calculated without chips): 49 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 56mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
1/4 cup (calculated without chips): 49 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 56mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
This recipe makes art in a bowl! All the colors of summer are captured in this salsa with a fresh, light flavor perfect for snacking between swims or to kick off a backyard barbecue. This can be served with chips or alone as a side dish. —Catherine Goza, Charlotte, North Carolina
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Sweet Corn and Potato Gratin
Nutrition Facts
3/4 cup: 213 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 452mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 5g protein.
3/4 cup: 213 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 452mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 5g protein.
This tasty potato gratin side dish combines great garlic and onion flavor, and kids love the nice crispy topping, too! —Jennifer Olson, Pleasanton, California
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Corn, Rice & Bean Burritos
Nutrition Facts
1 burrito with 1 tablespoon salsa: 326 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 500mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 13g protein.
1 burrito with 1 tablespoon salsa: 326 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 500mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 13g protein.
No one will miss the meat when you dish up these satisfying burritos bursting with a fresh-tasting filling. They’re fast to fix and won’t put a dent in your wallet. —Sharon W. Bickett, Chester, South Carolina
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Instant Pot Corn Chowder
Nutrition Facts
1 cup: 191 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 709mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 medium-fat meat, 1/2 fat.
1 cup: 191 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 709mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 medium-fat meat, 1/2 fat.
Enjoy this chowder’s rich, slow-simmered flavor in record time by using an Instant Pot. Corn chowder is a classic staple, with its hearty flavors of creamy sweet corn, bacon crumbles, shredded cheddar cheese and chopped parsley. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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White Balsamic Blueberry, Corn and Feta Salad
Nutrition Facts
3/4 cup: 133 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 210mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fat.
3/4 cup: 133 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 210mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fat.
I’m not typically a huge fan of summer corn, but when it comes to this sweet, salty, refreshing salad, I can’t put my fork down. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia
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Shrimp & Corn Stir-Fry
Nutrition Facts
1 serving (calculated without rice): 239 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 138mg cholesterol, 443mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable.
1 serving (calculated without rice): 239 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 138mg cholesterol, 443mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable.
I make this seafood stir-fry at summer’s end when my garden is producing plenty of tomatoes, squash, garlic and corn. For a quick supper, we serve it over rice. —Lindsay Honn, Huntingdon, Pennsylvania
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Edamame Corn Carrot Salad
Nutrition Facts
2/3 cup: 111 calories, 5g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 135mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
2/3 cup: 111 calories, 5g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 135mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
I came up with this easy salad while brainstorming light, protein-filled recipes. My vegetarian and vegan friends are especially big fans. —Maiah Miller, Monterey, California
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Tomato, Avocado and Grilled Corn Salad
Nutrition Facts
1 serving: 164 calories, 13g fat (2g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 237mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
1 serving: 164 calories, 13g fat (2g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 237mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
With ripe tomatoes, fresh basil and grilled corn, this bright salad tastes just like summertime! —Angela Spengler, Tampa, Florida
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Corn Okra Creole
Nutrition Facts
2/3 cup: 147 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 19mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 4g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 starch.
2/3 cup: 147 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 19mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 4g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 starch.
This dish is representative of my area of the country, and particularly the Texas-Louisiana border. The okra, corn and Creole seasonings are all popular here. —Ruth Aubey, San Antonio, Texas
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Black Bean and Corn Tacos
Nutrition Facts
2 tacos: 423 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 682mg sodium, 64g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 10g fiber), 17g protein.
2 tacos: 423 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 682mg sodium, 64g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 10g fiber), 17g protein.
We eat meatless meals a few times a week, so I replaced the beef with nutty brown rice to bulk up these tacos. Sometimes I also like to swap in quinoa for the rice. —Kristin Rimkus, Snohomish, Washington
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Barley Corn Salad
Nutrition Facts
2/3 cup: 156 calories, 5g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 202mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 4g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
2/3 cup: 156 calories, 5g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 202mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 4g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
A terrific alternative to pasta salad, this colorful side dish adds refreshing herb flavor to corn, barley, and red and green peppers. Bring it to your next get-together and see how fast it disappears! —Mary Ann Kieffer of Lawrence, Kansas
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Basil Grilled Corn on the Cob
Nutrition Facts
1 ear of corn: 125 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 489mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fat.
1 ear of corn: 125 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 489mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fat.
Corn on the cob is a comforting and cherished Midwest dish. It’s amazing when grilled, and my recipe adds a few unexpected ingredients to make it taste even more like summertime. —Caitlin Dawson, Monroe, Ohio
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Confetti Corn
Nutrition Facts
3/4 cup: 140 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 7mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
3/4 cup: 140 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 7mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
This easy corn dish is sure to dress up almost any entree. I added the crunch of water chestnuts, red pepper and chopped carrot—along with extra nutrition. —Glenda Watts, Charleston, Illinois
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Basil Corn & Tomato Bake
Nutrition Facts
3/4 cup: 131 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 299mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
3/4 cup: 131 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 299mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
I think this is the ultimate dish to make when sweet Jersey corn is in season. Combined with tomatoes, zucchini and basil, it makes for a spectacular side for brunch, lunch or dinner. —Erin Chilcoat, Central Islip, New York
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Black Bean & Corn Quinoa
Nutrition Facts
1-1/4 cups: 375 calories, 10g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 668mg sodium, 60g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 10g fiber), 13g protein.
1-1/4 cups: 375 calories, 10g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 668mg sodium, 60g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 10g fiber), 13g protein.
Some vegan quinoa recipes are boring, but this one definitely isn’t. My daughter’s college asked parents for the best quinoa recipes to use in the dining halls. This healthy quinoa recipe fits the bill. —Lindsay McSweeney, Winchester, Massachusetts
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Spicy Pumpkin & Corn Soup
Nutrition Facts
3/4 cup: 100 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 542mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 5g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch.
3/4 cup: 100 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 542mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 5g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch.
A seriously quick dish, it can satisfy a hungry household in 15 minutes. My family loves sharing this soup with cornbread, or you can add a zesty kick with some Rotel. — Heather Rorex, Winnemucca, Nevada
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Ricotta, Tomato & Corn Pasta
Nutrition Facts
1-1/2 cups: 275 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 429mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 8g fiber), 13g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 1 lean meat.
1-1/2 cups: 275 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 429mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 8g fiber), 13g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 1 lean meat.
I love to make healthy meals with produce from my latest farmers market trip. This pasta takes just 30 minutes from pantry to dinner table. You can easily make it a meat entree by adding cooked, shredded chicken. —Jerilyn Korver, Bellflower, California
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Fresh Corn & Avocado Dip
Nutrition Facts
1/4 cup (calculated without chips): 52 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 4mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
1/4 cup (calculated without chips): 52 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 4mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
I alter my sister’s dip recipe by adding finely chopped jalapeno for a little heat. It’s a different way of serving corn as a dip that can be made ahead of time and refrigerated until serving. —Pat Roberts, Thornton, Ontario
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Grilled Corn Hummus Tostadas
Nutrition Facts
2 tostadas: 453 calories, 23g fat (5g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 692mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 12g fiber), 14g protein.
2 tostadas: 453 calories, 23g fat (5g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 692mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 12g fiber), 14g protein.
This recipe is a combo of Mediterranean and Mexican cuisines, giving it a unique taste. Avocado and hummus may sound like a weird mix, but they really go well together. —Lauren Knoelke, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Fiesta Corn and Beans
Nutrition Facts
3/4 cup: 149 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 380mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 7g fiber), 8g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 lean meat, 1 vegetable.
3/4 cup: 149 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 380mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 7g fiber), 8g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 lean meat, 1 vegetable.
Bursting with southwestern flavors, the zesty veggie medley here can be served as a side dish or a meatless meal-in-one. The dollop of yogurt is a cool, creamy finishing touch. —Gerald Hetrick, Erie, Pennsylvania
Originally Published: August 19, 2021
