Ina Garten’s Confetti Corn Salad is a vibrant, flavor-packed side dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Made with sweet corn, bell peppers, red onion, and fresh basil, it delivers bursts of color and freshness in every bite. Lightly sautéed and served warm or at room temperature, this salad is a summer favorite that’s perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a colorful side for any main.

Simple ingredients, quick prep, and unbeatable flavor make this salad a go-to dish for any warm-weather gathering.

What Is Ina Garten’s Confetti Corn Salad?

This dish combines fresh corn kernels with finely diced red bell pepper, red onion, and basil, all quickly sautéed in butter and olive oil. It’s called “confetti” corn because of its bright, colorful mix of ingredients, like edible confetti on a plate.

Other Ina Garten Recipes

Reasons to Try Ina Garten’s Confetti Corn Salad

Quick to make – Ready in under 20 minutes
Naturally sweet and savory – A delicious balance of flavors
Vibrant presentation – Looks beautiful on any table
Perfect for summer – Light and fresh with seasonal produce
Versatile side dish – Pairs well with meats, seafood, and more
Kid-friendly – Sweet corn and mild flavors appeal to everyone
Can be served warm or room temp – Great for entertaining

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten’s Confetti Corn Salad

4 cups fresh corn kernels (from about 5–6 ears of corn)
2 tablespoons good olive oil
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 cup chopped red bell pepper
½ cup chopped red onion
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
¼ cup chopped fresh basil

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten’s Confetti Corn Salad

Step 1: Prepare the vegetables

Shuck the corn and remove the kernels from the cob. Chop the red pepper and red onion finely.

Step 2: Sauté the aromatics

In a large sauté pan, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the red onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly softened.

Step 3: Add the bell pepper and corn

Stir in the red bell pepper and corn kernels. Sauté for another 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are just tender but still crisp.

Step 4: Season and finish

Add the salt, pepper, and chopped basil. Stir to combine, then remove from heat.

Step 5: Serve

Serve warm, or let cool to room temperature before transferring to a serving dish.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten’s Confetti Corn Salad

Grilled chicken or ribs – Sweet corn pairs beautifully with smoky meats
Baked salmon or grilled shrimp – Light and fresh complement
Burgers or hot dogs – Classic barbecue pairing
Quiche or frittatas – Ideal for brunch or lunch spreads
Black bean or lentil tacos – Adds a sweet, crisp texture
Fresh green salad or pasta salad – Complete summer spread
Cold lemonade or chilled rosé – Refreshing drink pairings

Key Tips for Making Ina Garten’s Confetti Corn Salad

Use fresh corn if possible – Sweet, juicy kernels make the best salad
Don’t overcook the corn – Keep it slightly crisp for texture
Finely dice the red onion – Ensures balanced flavor without overpowering
Add the basil at the end – Keeps its flavor and color vibrant
Serve warm or room temp – Both are equally delicious
Use different colored bell peppers – Adds even more color
Double the recipe for large gatherings – It disappears fast!

Creative Variations of Ina Garten’s Confetti Corn Salad

Add crumbled feta or goat cheese – Creamy, tangy twist
Toss in black beans – Makes it heartier and adds protein
Include diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne – For a spicy version
Squeeze in fresh lime juice – Adds citrusy brightness
Add avocado chunks – Rich, buttery texture
Use scallions instead of red onion – Milder onion flavor
Top with toasted pine nuts or pepitas – Adds crunch

Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten’s Confetti Corn Salad

Store in an airtight container in the fridge – Best within 2 days
Let salad cool completely before refrigerating – Preserves texture
Do not freeze – Fresh vegetables lose texture after thawing
Stir before serving leftovers – Redistributes flavors evenly

Reheating Tips for Ina Garten’s Confetti Corn Salad

Microwave: Warm in short intervals – Stir gently between each
Stovetop: Sauté briefly over low heat – Preserves texture
Serve straight from the fridge – Great as a cold salad too
Refresh with extra basil or a drizzle of olive oil before serving – Brightens leftovers

Nutritional Value (per serving, approx.)

Calories: 180
Protein: 4g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fat: 10g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 300mg

A wholesome, colorful dish that’s low in calories and big on taste.

FAQs

Can I make Ina Garten’s confetti corn salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours ahead. Let it cool, refrigerate, and bring it to room temperature before serving to preserve its fresh flavor and texture.

Do I need to use fresh corn for confetti corn salad?

Fresh corn offers the best flavor and texture, but you can use frozen corn in a pinch—just thaw and drain it well before sautéing.

What can I substitute for red bell pepper in this salad?

You can use yellow or orange bell peppers, or even chopped cherry tomatoes for added color and sweetness.

Can I serve this corn salad cold?

Yes, it can be served warm, at room temperature, or chilled. It’s very versatile and tastes great at any temperature.

Wrapping Up

Ina Garten’s Confetti Corn Salad is everything you want in a summer side dish—bright, fresh, colorful, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or just need a quick weeknight side, this easy recipe is a standout. It’s as beautiful on the plate as it is on the palate.