31 Perfect And Healthy Corn On The Sides That Will Soothe Your Taste Buds

Corn on the cob is a summer staple we all love and cherish, and it’s not hard to see why. Not only is it very affordable and easy to prepare, but it also has an amazing sweet and chewy texture that simply no one can resist. 

Now, while we could all devour a whole tray of warm corn on the cob slathered with butter, sometimes you want something on the side to make it a complete meal. 

Up ahead, we’ve put together some of the best dishes to serve with corn on the cob, so if you’ve been racking your brain for what to serve with corn on the cob, this post is tailor-made for you.

Quick Table: Dishes To Serve With Corn On The Cob

Recipe	Calories Per Serving	Preparation Time
Macaroni Salad	348	30 Min
Grill Chicken Thighs	559	45 Min
Crock-Pot Vegan Bbq	151	60 Min
Instant Pot Ribs	423	40 Min
Mini Hasselback Potatoes	240	45 Min
Marinated Tofu Vegetable Skewers	171	60 Min
Air Fryer Zucchini Fries	213	30 Min
BBQ Pork Nachos	548	20 Min
Chili	613	1 Hr 10 Min
Stuffed Bell Peppers	299	45 Min
Baked Turkey Wings	804	1 Hr 5 Min
Spanish Style Potato Salad	304	30 Min
Beef Rice Pilaf	530	1 Hr 15 Min
Garlic Butter Mushrooms	152	25 Min
Tostadas	198	25 Min
Bacon-Wrapped Meatball	153	1 Hr 10 Min
Grilled Swordfish	398	23 Min
Grilled Blackened Shrimp	394	15 Min
Stuffed Pork Tenderloin	368	2 Hrs
Blt Salad	276	10 Min
Grill Chicken Thighs	559	45 Min
Mini Hasselback Potatoes	240	45 Min
BBQ Pork Nachos	548	20 Min
Air Fryer Zucchini Fries	213	30 Min
Tostadas	198	25 Min
Macaroni Salad	348	30 Min
Tofu Vegetable Skewers	171	30 Min
Crock-Pot Vegan Bbq	151	60 Min
Stuffed Bell Peppers	299	45 Min
Baked Turkey Wings	804	1 Hour 15 Min
Coleslaw	120	5 Min

1. Macaroni Salad

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Macaroni salad is a super easy summer classic, perfect for when you’re having grilled corn on the cob at a barbeque.

This salad features all the usual staples like macaroni, onions, bell peppers, celery, and egg, but the creamy and tangy mayo-relish dressing is really what makes it the best macaroni salad ever.

Calories Per Serving: 348

Preparation Time: 30 Minutes

2. Grilled Chicken Thighs

If you’re looking for something with great flavors to complement the subtle sweet taste of corn on the cob, these grilled chicken thighs are just the thing you need.

They are sweet, spicy, and coated in an incredible sauce consisting of garlic, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, and sriracha.

Calories Per Serving: 559

Preparation Time: 45 Minutes 

3. Crockpot Vegan BBQ

If you’re a vegan looking for a great side dish loaded with those rich barbecue flavors we’re all used to having with grilled meat, this crockpot vegan bbq is the perfect dish for you.

It features freshly baked seitan that is so filled with flavor you won’t even notice you’re not eating real meat. The seitan is made even better with the addition of warm barbecue sauce.

Calories Per Serving: 151

Preparation Time: 1 Hour

4. Instant Pot Ribs

Ribs are a juicy and super satisfying rack of meat that always goes great with corn on the cob. If you’re looking for an easy way to prepare them for dinner, these instant pot ribs are going to be your new go-to dish.

All you’ll need to do is coat the ribs with a flavorful dry rub and then place them in the instant pot along with apple cider vinegar, and in less than one hour, you have tender, juicy ribs all ready to be devoured.

Calories Per Serving: 423

Preparation Time: 40 Minutes 

5. Mini Hasselback Potatoes

Potatoes are one side dish that no one can ever seem to resist, and if you’re looking for a way to serve them with a crispy texture, Hasselback potatoes are the way to go.

To ensure they aren’t too big and overly filling, these Hasselback potatoes are mini-sized and made from baby potatoes. They are loaded with butter, ground sage, and onion powder.

Calories Per Serving: 240

Preparation Time: 45 Minutes 

6. Marinated Tofu Vegetable Skewers

Tofu is always a great option if you’re a vegetarian looking for a meat-free side dish.

But when serving it with corn on the cob, it is important to make sure the tofu is flavorful and served in a fun way. Enter marinated tofu vegetable skewers.

These skewers feature tofu, onions, peppers, mushrooms, and zucchinis marinated in a soy, ginger, sriracha, and sesame marinade and then grilled to perfection for a smoky flavor.

Calories Per Serving: 171

Preparation Time: 1 Hour 

RELATED: Corn Meal VS Corn Starch: Key Differences

7. Air Fryer Zucchini Fries

If you’re the type who likes to enjoy your corn on the cob with a simple serving of butter, serving it with crispy zucchini fries is a great way to enjoy some more chewy crunch.

Soft on the inside while remaining crispy on the exterior, these zucchini fries feature a coating of parmesan and panko bread crumbs that are just loaded with flavor.

Calories Per Serving: 213

Preparation Time: 30 Minutes 

8. Broiled Lobster Tail

Lobster tail is always an indulgent dish that fills you with satisfaction but broils it till tender and serves it with corn on the cob, and you take things to a whole new level of deliciousness. 

This lobster tail is an impressive meal that is decadent, creamy, and bursting with flavor from ingredients like butter, lemon, garlic, and cayenne pepper. 

Calories Per Serving: 170

Preparation Time: 25 Minutes

9. Hawaiian Beef Skewers

There’s just some magic that happens when sweet and savory flavors come together. These Hawaiian beef skewers go to further prove why that combination is always a banger.

It features beef chunks marinated in a sweet soy marinade and loaded on skewer sticks with bell peppers and pineapples before being grilled to tender, juicy perfection.

Calories Per Serving: 410

Preparation Time: 4 Hours 20 Minutes

10. Philly Cheese Steak Calzones

A cheesy and flaky pastry like calzone makes a delicious pairing when served with corn on the cob, as the flavors and texture of both dishes tend to complement each other.

If you’re a fan of Philly cheese steak, then you’ll love incorporating those flavors into this delicious calzone. It is super easy to make as you’ll only need to use pizza dough instead of making a fresh dough from scratch.

Calories Per Serving: 190

Preparation Time: 39 Minutes

11. BBQ Pork Nachos

If you’re entertaining a small crowd and need a fun dish to serve with corn on the cob, these BBQ pork nachos are a great option to try. 

They are crunchy and loaded with shredded BBQ pork, cheese, jalapenos, and cilantro lime coleslaw.

When paired with corn on the cob, the combination of chewy, savory, and crunchy just creates a fiesta of deliciousness in the mouth.

Calories Per Serving: 548

Preparation Time: 20 Minutes 

12. BBQ Pulled Pork

If you’re craving the smoky barbecue sauce grilled pork but don’t want to actually go through the hassle of taking out your grill, bbq pulled pork is the perfect alternative.

It is tangy, smoky, and sweet and features perfectly seasoned pork shoulder cooked in a slow cooked till tender and smothered in barbecue sauce.

Calories Per Serving: 168

Preparation Time: 9 Hours 25 Minutes

RELATED: 15 Amazing Corn Bread Pudding Recipes

13. Chili

When it comes to meaty comfort food, chili is always at the top of the list, and the best thing about it is that it goes with so many things. Corn included.

This hearty and flavor-filled combination of ground beef, beans, tomatoes, garlic, and seasonings is very easy to assemble and so delicious you’ll want to go for multiple servings.

Calories Per Serving: 613

Preparation Time: 1 Hour 10 Minutes 

14. Stuffed Bell Peppers

If you’re looking to make a hearty and filling dinner out of your corn on the cob, then serving them with stuffed bell peppers is a great way to have some fun with your dinner.

These baked bell peppers feature a wholesome combination of ground beef, rice, tomatoes, onions, Worcestershire sauce, and loads of perfectly melted Mexican blend cheese.

Calories Per Serving: 299

Preparation Time: 45 Minutes 

15. Spanish-Style Potato Salad

Potato salad makes a great side for corn on the cob, but if you want to make them gluten-free while still ensuring they are filled with flavorful, Spanish-style potato salad is the perfect variation to try.

It is very easy to make, and aside from the cooked potatoes, all you’ll need is chorizo sausage, tomatoes, and a freshly made garlicky mayo dressing.

Calories Per Serving: 304

Preparation Time: 30 Minutes

16. Baked Turkey Wings

Baked turkey wings are a great side dish for corn that you can make during the holidays, as that’s when there is an abundance of turkey leftovers and wings.

They are very easy to make and only require three basic ingredients. Once baked, feel free to get creative and toss these delicious turkey wings in hot sauce, barbecue sauce, or even sweet chili sauce.

Calories Per Serving: 804

Preparation Time: 1 Hour 5 Minutes

17. Kielbasa And Fried Cabbage

Cabbages are a great vegetable pairing for corn on the cob.

However, if you want to make them taste sweeter and embed them with bold flavors, frying them up with some spices, as done in this kielbasa and fried cabbage combo, is the way to go.

With a combination of kielbasa sausage, onions, paprika, garlic, butter, dijon mustard, and pepper, this skillet fried cabbage is sure to be a crowd pleaser.

Calories Per Serving: 276

Preparation Time: 30 Minutes

18. Beef Rice Pilaf

A flavor-filled rice like this beef rice pilaf is a hearty and easy dish you can serve with corn on the cob when you want an easy one-pan meal that won’t require much wash-up after cooking.

To make things much easier and stress-free, this rice is cooked in an instant pot with beef chunks, tomato sauce, beef broth, onions, carrots, and a rich spice mix featuring paprika, bay leaf, and black pepper.

Calories Per Serving: 530

Preparation Time: 1 Hour 15 Minutes 

RELATED: How to Keep Your Corn Tortillas From Breaking

19. Chicken Quesadillas

Chicken quesadillas are a cheesy and comforting Mexican classic that are super easy to make, and when you’re looking for a quick side dish to pair with corn on the cob, they’re a great option to reach for.

Crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, these quesadillas feature pan-fried flour tortillas filled with cheese, chicken, onions, peppers, and taco seasoning.

Calories Per Serving: 529

Preparation Time: 30 Minutes

20. BBQ Chicken Salad

If you’re looking to keep your meals healthy and rich with veggies, serving your corn on the cob with a salad is always a great idea but let’s be honest, most salads can often taste bland and depressing.

Well, with a flavorful serving of this bbq chicken salad, you won’t have that issue anymore.

It is a very filling salad featuring a bed of romaine lettuce loaded with black beans, chicken breast, onions, tomatoes, ranch, and barbecue dressing.

Calories Per Serving: 510

Preparation Time: 15 Minutes

21. Garlic Butter Mushrooms

Garlic butter mushrooms are a great side dish perfect for vegetarians or anyone looking for something healthy to enjoy with corn on the cob.

All you’ll need for this dish are butter, garlic, oil, lemon juice, and thyme to finish it off with an herbaceous flavor.

Calories Per Serving: 110

Preparation Time: 25 Minutes 

22. Tostadas

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Tostadas are a Mexican favorite loaded with delicious goodies like browned beef, refried beans, cheese, avocados, salsa, sour cream, and hot sauce. 

They are crispy and savory and could very well be a meal on their own, but they taste even better with some corn on the side.

Calories Per Serving: 271

Preparation Time: 25 Minutes

23. Bacon-Wrapped Meatballs

If you’re serving corn on the cob to guests at a barbecue party and need an elegant dish to go with it, these bacon-wrapped meatballs are just the thing you need.

They are sweet and tangy and require very few ingredients.

Calories Per Serving: 163

Preparation Time: 1 Hour 10 Minutes

24. Grilled Swordfish

If you’re on a pescatarian diet and are craving the smoky flavor of grilled steak to go with your corn, grilled word fish is the perfect dish for you.

Swordfish has a very meaty texture, and when paired it spices like paprika and cumin and grilled, the end result is an incredible fish steak that even meat eaters will love.

Calories Per Serving: 398

Preparation Time: 23 Minutes 

RELATED: What Are The Best Substitutes For Corn Flour?

25. Grilled Blackened Shrimp

Blackened shrimp is a juicy and flavorful side dish that is sure to be a crowd pleaser as shrimp is one seafood almost no one can resist.

These grilled shrimp are easy to make and only require a mix of spices for blackening and a coating of garlic butter just before serving.

Calories Per Serving: 394

Preparation Time: 15 Minutes 

26. Stuffed Pork Tenderloin

This stuffed pork tenderloin is an indulgent dish that is perfect for corn on the cob, especially for days when you’re feeling fancy.

It is buttery and succulent, and with a filling of onions, butter, bread crumbs, pepper, and fresh herbs, this one dish you’ll want to make all the time.

Calories Per Serving: 368

Preparation Time: 2 Hours 

27. Blt Salad

Blt salad is another great salad filled with the simple yet delicious ingredients we all love about a Blt sandwich.

It is creamy and consists of lettuce, bacon, grape tomatoes, cheese, chives, croutons, and a rich mayo dressing.

Calories Per Serving: 276

Preparation Time: 10 Minutes 

28. Taco Stuffed Summer Squash Boats

Got extra summer squash you don’t know what to do with?  Fill them with flavorful taco meat to make these delicious summer squash boats, and serve them up with some corn on the cob.

These veggie boats are loaded with turkey meats, cheese, salsa, scallions, and peppers.

Calories Per Serving: 286

Preparation Time: 50 Minutes

29. Coleslaw

If you’re having a summer cookout, there’s no better side dish for corn on the cob than creamy coleslaw.

This slaw features the usual coleslaw mix, but the main star of the show is the tangy mayo dressing used.

Calories Per Serving: 120

Preparation Time: 5 Minutes 

30. Shredded Beef Tacos

Shredded beef tacos with their gooey cheese and beef filling are a super satisfying dish perfect for taco night. Serve them with corn on the cob, and you’ve got a winning combo.

Calories Per Serving: 210

Preparation Time: 8 Hours 40 Minutes

31. Cowboy Steak

Also known as rib-eye steak, this juicy and flavor-filled cowboy steak is a great dish to pair with corn on the cob if you’re entertaining guests at a dinner or simply want something filling for date night.

It requires minimal effort to make as the steak is prepared in a cast iron skillet. Top it off with some freshly made chimichurri sauce, and you’ll be floored by the taste.

Calories Per Serving: 280

Preparation Time: 50 Minutes

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Do You Boil Corn On The Cob?

Corn on the cob takes about 5-8 minutes to boil. Sometimes, you may not even need to boil it for up to that long. It depends on how soft the kernels of the fresh corn are.

However, once you notice the kernels turn a bright yellow color and are tender, the corn is fully cooked.

How Do You Keep Corn On The Cob Warm For A Party?

If you’re serving corn on the cob to a crowd at a party and have prepared it hours before serving time, there are two ways to keep it warm.

First, you can place the corn in the slow cooker and ensure you set it to the lowest setting, then take it out when you’re ready to serve them.

You can also try wrapping the corn in aluminum foil and placing it in an insulated cooler to trap the heat until you’re ready to serve.

How Long Will Corn On The Cob Last In The Fridge?

Uncooked corn on the cob will typically last about 1-4 days in the fridge. However, you can make it last a bit longer than that if you buy the corn with the husks still intact.

Once the corn is cooked, though, it can last anywhere from 1-5 days until it goes bad. However, since we all love our corn on the cob and want to have it last as long as possible, you can extend the shelf life by freezing it.

Whether cooked or raw, once it is stored in an air-tight container and frozen, corn on the cob can last for up to six months in the freezer.