A simple and addictive summer side, you won’t believe how delicious fresh pesto tastes when brushed on sweet and juicy corn on the cob.
Although it goes without saying, I think it bears repeating: when you are cooking with fresh, seasonal ingredients there is very little effort required to produce maximum flavor. My easy and delicious Corn on the Cob with Basil Pesto is the perfect example of an almost embarrassingly simple side dish that is so flavorful you will be making it again and again.
Whether you’re growing basil in your backyard or picked up a large bunch at your local farmers market, pesto season is in full force.
Every summer, I like to make a huge batch and freeze it in one-ounce portions using this OXO Tot Baby Food Freezer Tray. You can use any ice cube tray you have on hand but this is my favorite one to use. In addition to baby food, it’s also ideal for freezing leftover coffee to use in iced coffee.
When boiling corn on the cob, it’s best to bring a pot of water and boil the corn for no more than 3 minutes. It’s the best way to ensure maximum flavor and nutrients. Grilled corn would also work well and you can grill the corn first or brush it with pesto before placing it on the grill.
Easy, peasy.
No forks required.
- 4 ears sweet corn husks removed
- 1/4 cup basil pesto homemade or store-bought
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Bring a large pot of water to a roaring boil and add corn. Cook for 3 minutes then set corn on a platter.
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Brush corn liberally with basil pesto and serve.
For more delicious corn ideas, check out these recipes created for Food Network’s #SummerSoiree!
Feed Me Phoebe: Grilled Corn on the Cob with Honey-Basil Butter
The Heritage Cook: Mexican Elote Corn Casserole (Gluten-Free)
The Cultural Dish: New England Seafood Boil
Dishing With Divya: Corn on the Cob with Roasted Garlic Herb Butter
Virtually Homemade: Grilled Corn with Tomato Basil “Butter” (Vegan)
Devour: 4 Cobs, 4 Ways
Daily*Dishin: Quick Thyme Corn Cobbettes
Napa Farmhouse 1885: Farmers Market Salad with Grilled Corn
Red or Green: Grilled Corn on the Cob
Elephants and the Coconut Trees: Buttery Corn on the Cob
Weelicious: Cheesy Corn on the Cob
Domesticate Me: Charred Corn with Bacon, Chiles and Cheese (aka Mexican Street Corn Salad)
Swing Eats: Corn Pasta with Fresh Summer Corn, Tomatoes and Chives
Haute Apple Pie: Roasted Corn off the Cob Salad
Taste With The Eyes: Grilled Corn, Soy Mirin Glaze and Wasabi Goat Butter
In Jennie’s Kitchen: Corn and Lemon Thyme Ice Cream + Homemade Creamed Corn
FN Dish: Off-the-Chart Corn on the Cob Recipes
Kelly Senyei | Just a Taste
Oh this is heavenly! Love that contrast of colors between the gorgeous yellow corn kernels and the bright green pesto. This is summer on a plate!
Liz DellaCroce
Thank you so much Kelly!!
Joanne
I basically spend my whole summer wanting to eat corn and drink pesto from a bowl with a straw. So LOVING THIS.
Liz DellaCroce
hahah SAME!!
Thalia @ butter and brioche
another awesome recipe liz. i love returning to your site as i always pick up so much inspiration. next time i make corn on the cob, definitely adding pesto. love it!
Liz DellaCroce
You are so sweet- thank you so much Thalia!!
Gaby
Must have this soon!
Carol at Wild Goose Tea
I am feeling boring. I had corn last night with plain ol’ salt and butter. I enjoyed it, but I am sure I would enjoy this more. If nothing else, the color of the pesto with the corn—-gorgeous!
Liz DellaCroce
Well nothing beats butter and salt thats for sure!
Deena kakaya
Funnily enough I have never eaten corn on the cob with pesto
Like this, but what a fabulous and colourful
Idea! Nice to e-meet you. X
Liz DellaCroce
I hope you try it one day Deena! Perfect for summer!
Phi @ The Sweetphi Blog
WOW-LIZ! These pictures look so beautiful, and corn on the cob with lemon basil pesto sounds absolutely fantastic! I actually have some lemon basil and regular basil going crazy in my little garden right now and am thinking I need to make some pesto asap – I tried your recipe for it last year and it was spot on!!
Liz DellaCroce
You’re so sweet!! I’m so glad you liked my pesto recipe!!! I hope you try it on corn – so dang good!
sue/the view from great island
I couldn’t pin this fabulous corn fast enough… sharing too!
Liz DellaCroce
haha Thank you!! Enjoy!!
Jessica @ A Kitchen Addiction
What a great use for pesto! Can’t wait to try this!
Liz DellaCroce
I hope you try it Jessica!!
Sophia @ NY Foodgasm
OMG I LOVE lemon basil pesto!!! On grilled corn? DIVINE!
Liz DellaCroce
It was so good Sophia!
Nikki @Seeded at the Table
I had to slow down and re-read the paragraph about the OXO freezer tray. I originally read that you were freezing pesto to put in your iced coffee later! WHAT?! haha!!!
The corn is BEAUTIFUL, Liz! I love me some pesto and corn on the cob, so the two together is a match made in heaven. xoxo
Liz DellaCroce
hahaha now that would be some crazy coffee!!!! Thank you so much friend!
Julia
I love pesto! I never thought to spread it on corn–love this idea!
Liz DellaCroce
So easy yet so so good!
Christine at Cook the Story
Awesome use for that food tray, and wow, does that pesto look good!
Liz DellaCroce
Thank you so much!! :)
Mariana @The Candid Kitchen
Never thought of adding anything other than butter to my beloved corn on the cob, but this pesto dip looks so inviting!
Liz DellaCroce
It’s worth it!!
Maryea {happy healthy mama}
*usually, not using.
Maryea {happy healthy mama}
I’m using a corn on the cob purist, preferring only butter+salt, but I have to admit, you have me very tempted to branch out and try it with pesto! Pesto is pretty magic and makes everything taste better. :)
Liz DellaCroce
I am normally a purist too ALTHOUGH pesto with fresh basil is pretty pure too. ;)
Vida Annunciation
I would like to know how to prepare the basil pesto
Liz DellaCroce
Do you see the recipe?
Heather Hickerson
Hmmmm, I don’t see the pesto recipe either, nor a link to it. But I sure would like to try it on corn! It looks delicious!