Corn on the cob is one of those vegetables that many people love to eat. Whether it’s boiled, grilled, or roasted, there’s nothing quite like biting into a juicy piece of corn.
But what to serve with corn on the cob vegetarian to make it a complete meal? If you’re a vegetarian, finding the perfect side dishes to pair with corn on the cob can be a challenge. Thankfully, we’ve got you covered!
In this blog post, we’re going to share some quick and amazing vegetarian dishes that will complement corn on the cob perfectly.
So, elevate your corn on the cob with some delicious and quick vegetarian dishes that are guaranteed to complete the meal. From salads to dips, this blog post has got it all covered for you.
What is corn on the cob? What does corn on the cob taste like?
Corn on the cob is a comestible term used for a maize or sweetcorn cob that has been boiled, steamed, grilled, microwaved or roasted and served with butter and salt.
It typically has a sweet taste but can vary depending on how it’s cooked. Corn on the cob is often eaten as an accompaniment to main dishes like beef stew or pork sandwiches.
17 Best Sides to serve with corn on the cob vegetarian
1. Grilled Vegetable
Grill your favorite summer vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and onions and toss them with some feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, and balsamic dressing for a complete meal.
2. Guacamole and Chips
Whip up some quick guacamole with ripe avocados, garlic, cilantro, and lime juice to serve with a bowl of tortilla chips. It is a refreshing option to serve with corn on the cob.
3. Pesto Pasta Salad
Pesto Pasta Salad is an excellent choice to serve with corn on the cob vegetarian.
Cook some pasta and toss it with some classic pesto sauce made with basil, pine nuts, garlic, and olive oil. Add some cherry tomatoes, olives, and Parmesan cheese to make it delicious.
Discover More: The Perfect Side Dishes to Accompany Pesto Pasta
4. Caprese Salad
Keep it simple and classic with a Caprese salad. Sliced ripe tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil, leaves with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar; what’s not to love?
You can also consider to look at perfect side dishes to serve with Caprese Salad.
5. Grilled Halloumi Skewers
Grill some halloumi cheese and marinated vegetables on skewers, brush them with some olive oil and serve them as a side. It is a great option for a vegetarian BBQ. (Recipe)
6. Spinach and Artichoke Dip
Mix some chopped spinach, artichokes, cream cheese, and mozzarella cheese to make a creamy and delicious dip. Serve it with some pita bread, crackers, or vegetable crudites.
7. Watermelon, Feta and Mint Salad
A quick and refreshing option to serve with corn on the cob. Chop some watermelon and toss it with some feta cheese, mint leaves, and lime juice for a sweet and savory explosion.
8. Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
Cook some quinoa and mix it with some juicy tomatoes, cucumber, olives, feta cheese, and a lemon vinaigrette dressing. This will be a perfect side to serve with corn on the cob.
9. Roasted Cherry Tomatoes
A simple yet delicious side that can be made in minutes. Roast some cherry tomatoes with some garlic, olive oil, and herbs, serve it on a platter, and enjoy with corn on the cob.
10. Grilled Peach Salad
Grill some fresh peaches and toss them with some spinach, crumbled goat cheese, and balsamic vinegar dressing. It is an ideal salad to serve with summer corn on the cob.
Explore More: 10 Quick and Amazing Dishes to Serve with Chicken Caesar Salad
11. Avocado and Tomato Salad
Avocado and Tomato Salad is a simple salad that is refreshing and light, making it the perfect accompaniment to a rich, buttery piece of corn on the cob.
Simply chop up some avocados and tomatoes, dress them with olive oil and lemon juice, and serve.
12. Sweet Potato Fries
If you’re looking for a more filling side dish, sweet potato fries are the way to go.
Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, these fries are a delicious contrast to the sweet corn. (Recipe)
13. Green Beans with Almonds
Green Beans with Almonds is a classic side dish that provides a flavor boost from the addition of crunchy almonds.
Simply blanch some green beans, toss them in butter and chopped almonds, and serve.
14. Cucumber and Yogurt Dip
If you’re looking for a cooling side dish that will balance out the heat of the corn, try making a cucumber and yogurt dip.
Mix together diced cucumbers, plain yogurt, garlic, and dill, and serve with pita chips or crudites.
15. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
If you’re a true fan of roasted vegetables, try pairing corn on the cob with some roasted Brussels sprouts.
Simply toss the sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast them in the oven until crispy and brown.
16. Pineapple Salsa
Pineapple Salsa is a tropical salsa that is a delicious pairing for corn on the cob.
Simply chop up some pineapple, red onions, and jalapenos, and stir in some chopped cilantro and lime juice. Serve chilled.
17. Vegetable Soup
If you’re serving corn on the cob in the fall or winter, consider pairing it with some warm vegetable soup.
Make a big batch of your favorite soup and serve it alongside the corn for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Learn More: 29 Creative Side Dishes to Serve with Vegetable Soup
What are the best flavors to go with corn on the cob vegetarian?
Corn on the cob is an ideal classic summer side dish that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways.
To make it vegetarian-friendly, some of the best flavors for corn to pair with include garlic, lime, paprika, chili powder, and cumin.
These flavors can be sprinkled over the top of the cob before or after cooking to add an extra kick of flavor.
Garlic provides a pungent and savory taste, while lime adds a hint of tanginess. Paprika and chili powder give off a subtle spiciness, while cumin adds an earthy and smoky flavor.
To really elevate the flavor profile of this summer staple even further, try adding some fresh herbs such as parsley or basil as garnish.
This will bring in bright notes that contrast well with the savory spices used to season the corn.
How do you jazz up corn on the cob vegetarian?
To jazz up corn on the cob vegetarian, you can incorporate different herbs and spices into the butter or oil before brushing it onto your cobs.
Some flavorful options for topping your cobs include garlic powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, oregano, parsley flakes, thyme leaves, or freshly grated parmesan cheese.
You can also mix in some diced jalapeno peppers or roasted red peppers to create a spicier version of this tasty side dish.
How do you display corn on the cob on a platter vegetarian?
Serving corn on the cob on a platter vegetarian style is a simple yet tasty way to bring some summery vibes to your dinner table.
Start by selecting fresh, sweet corn and carefully shucking off the husks and silky threads underneath.
Once the ears of corn are cleaned, you can boil them for about 8 minutes until their kernels become slightly tender.
You may also opt for grilling or roasting the corn in the oven: simply brush each ear with oil and seasonings of your choice and wrap them in foil before placing them in the oven at 400°F for about 15 minutes.
To serve, arrange the cooked ears of corn on a large platter.
For further decoration, you may top them with vegan butter or olive oil and sprinkle them with freshly chopped parsley or chives.
Another great way to dress up your platter is to mix together some nutritional yeast, garlic powder, chili flakes, salt and pepper; then generously sprinkle this seasoning mixture over each ear of corn. Enjoy!
5 quick dinner ideas with corn on the cob
1. Mexican Corn & Bean Fajitas
Start by grilling two ears of corn on the cob, along with sliced bell peppers and red onions.
Once they’ve been cooked to perfection, mix them in a bowl with canned black beans and diced jalapenos.
Heat some oil in a skillet and add the mixture to cook until it’s warmed through. Serve with warm tortillas and your favorite toppings like sour cream, salsa, or cilantro for added flavor.
2. Grilled Corn & Avocado Salad
Slice avocado into cubes before lightly coating it in olive oil and grilling for about 5 minutes.
Grill two ears of corn on the cob until golden brown before cutting off the kernels to add to a large salad bowl.
Mix in cherry tomatoes, red onion slices, feta cheese crumbles, black olives, and a vinaigrette dressing of your choice for extra flavor.
3. Teriyaki-Glazed Veggie Skewers
Marinate eggplant slices in teriyaki sauce for about 30 minutes before threading them onto wooden skewers along with chunks of zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, and grilled corn on the cob pieces.
Grill the skewers over medium heat for 8-10 minutes or until all vegetables have been cooked through before serving over steamed white rice.
4. Sweet Potato & Corn Hash
Begin by sautéing chopped sweet potatoes until they’re tender before mixing them together with grilled corn on the cob kernels in a large pan with some butter or vegan butter substitute and a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg for added sweetness.
Cook everything together until it is golden brown before topping off your hash with some fresh herbs or salt & pepper to taste if desired.
5. Chili-Lime Grilled Corn
Spread mayonnaise or vegan mayonnaise substitute onto two ears of corn on the cob before sprinkling them generously with chili powder, garlic powder, lime juice concentrate, paprika, and salt & pepper mix as desired.
Grill your seasoned cobs over medium heat until they become slightly charred, and serve hot as a savory side dish!
Find Out More: 31 Best Side Dishes to Serve with Corn on the Cob
Wrap Up on what to serve with corn on the cob vegetarian
Corn on the cob is a delicious and versatile vegetable, but finding the perfect side dish to serve with it can be a challenge.
Luckily, there are plenty of fantastic vegetarian side dishes that will complement corn on the cob perfectly.
From grilled vegetables to sweet potato fries to pineapple salsa, the possibilities are endless.
So, the next time you’re preparing corn on the cob, try pairing it with one of these amazing side dishes for a meal that’s sure to satisfy.
FAQs
How much corn on the cob per person?
When it comes to corn on the cob, the general rule of thumb is about one ear per person. However, depending on the size and type of corn, this can vary.
For instance, baby corn, which are smaller ears of corn, will require two or three per person. On the other hand, large ears may only need one ear per person.
Additionally, if you’re having a more relaxed gathering with lots of side dishes and appetizers available for snacking, you may want to adjust the portion size accordingly.
What main dish goes well with corn on the cob?
Grilled or barbecued chicken is a great main dish to accompany corn on the cob.
Not only does the flavor of the charred meat compliment the sweetness of the corn, but both dishes also require similar cooking methods and cook times, making it easy to prepare them together.
You can even get creative and stuff some of your grilled chicken with roasted corn, peppers, and other vegetables for an extra-tasty meal.
Alternatively, you could opt for a classic like grilled steak or pork chops to accompany your succulent ears of corn. Whichever you choose, you’ll be in for a delicious summertime meal!
What veg protein goes with corn on the cob?
Pairing corn on the cob with a vegetarian protein is an easy way to make a delicious and nutritious meal.
A great option is black beans, which offer plenty of fiber, protein, and vitamins.
Another excellent choice is tempeh or tofu, both of which are high in protein and low in saturated fat while providing plenty of flavor.
All three of these proteins pair perfectly with the sweetness of the corn on the cob.
To make it even more interesting, you could add other vegetables like zucchini, squash, or bell peppers to roast alongside your vegan proteins.
This will add some extra flavor and nutrients to your meal.
What is the best way to eat corn on the cob?
One of the best ways to savor corn on the cob is to cook it on the grill. Grilling creates a sweet, smoky flavor that can’t be replicated any other way.
To prepare, simply remove husks and silk from the cobs and soak them in water for 10-15 minutes before putting them onto direct heat.
This allows for even cooking and keeps the kernels moist. When grilling, try adding butter or oil to create an extra layer of flavor.
Additionally, seasoning with herbs like thyme or rosemary adds complexity to this simple dish.
Once you’ve cooked your corn for 8-12 minutes on each side, sprinkle with salt and pepper for a delicious side dish. Enjoy!
What can I do with leftover corn husks?
Leftover corn husks can be used for a variety of different projects.
For example, the husks can be dried and used to make crafts like corn husk dolls or traditional Mexican decor pieces such as angels and garlands.
The dried husks can also be used to make wreaths, placemats, and other decorative items.
Additionally, the fibrous texture of the husks makes them great for making natural scrubbers that are perfect for cleaning dishes or even exfoliating skin.
They can also be boiled and mixed with water to make a nutritious broth called ‘atole’ that is popular in Mexico.
Finally, you can store dry grains in the husks, which will protect them from moisture or insects.