This spicy corn and peas salad is sure to tantalize your taste buds! Made with frozen sweetcorn, frozen green peas, and a few spices, this salad is packed full of flavors. The best part? It comes together in 5 minutes!

These days it has been so cold and mostly raining here in Manchester. On days such as these, I crave some delicious food that could just appear in front of me (sigh!).
This peas and corn salad was just the kind of fast food that I was craving.
It is warm, zingy, spicy, and juicy. And it comes together so quickly as if it just appeared in front of me 😀.
This salad is my take on the popular street-style spicy sweetcorn that we get here in the UK and in India.
Knowing me, I had to make it healthier 😆 and so in went some green peas! I mean, why not?! We all love peas, don't we? They go well with anything!
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Allergen Free Labels
This sweet corn and green peas salad is free of these allergens:
- gluten
- soy
- alliums
- nuts
- mustard
- dairy
This recipe will work for you if you are on a grain-free diet and/or plant-based diet. It can be made nut free - see notes below.
Why you will love this sweetcorn salad
In addition to the fact that is free of many allergens, here are the reasons why this salad will be a super hit with your family.
- Requires store-cupboard ingredients
- Is quick and easy to make.
- Delicious and healthy
- It is a tasty way to have your daily dose of veggies
- No chopping or prepping is required - yay!
- Is versatile - have it on its own or as a side to your main dish.
Ingredients
Combining peas with sweetcorn is my second favorite combination, after potatoes and peas (aloo matar).
This recipe requires very few ingredients.
See the recipe card for quantities.
Peas: I have used small green peas (known here in the UK as petit pois) for their sweeter flavor and faster cooking time. You can use regular garden peas but do bear in mind that they may take longer to cook.
Corn: I have used frozen corn here. You can use fresh or tinned corn for this recipe. See the notes below.
Oil: I like almond oil in this recipe. You can use any other oil of your choice or butter if you are ok with it.
Lime juice: Fresh, preferably.
Red chili powder: This is more for the color than the heat.
Chaat masala: A zingy spice mix that is added to Indian salads (such as these spiced onions). You can get it in most Indian stores and in many mainstream supermarkets these days. See notes below for alternatives.
Have a question regarding the ingredients? Feel free to ask in the comments section below and I will try my best to answer it for you.
Instructions
The best part about this salad is that it is quick and easy to whip up, so you can have it on the table in no time!
Let's make it.
Also, see the video at the end of the recipe card.
Step 1: Place a skillet or wok over medium-high heat. When the pan is hot, add the frozen corn and frozen peas.
Place the lid and let them cook in their steam for 4-5 minutes.
I like them to still have a bit of crunch. If you want them softer, then cook them for another minute or two.
Step 2: Take the lid off and add the spices - chaat masala, salt, and red chili powder. Add the lime juice and oil (or butter).
Mix.
Turn the heat to high and cook for a few more seconds.
Take off from the heat and serve warm.
And that's pretty much it!
Notes
Frozen or not? I like to make this recipe all year round and therefore make it with frozen corn and frozen peas. You can, however, make it with fresh ones, if you have them. Do note that the cooking time will be more.
Corn from a tin: Since these are already cooked, drain the liquid and add them after the peas have cooked.
Are peas and corn good for you? Frozen peas and corn are rich sources of protein and carbohydrates. They also are rich in many nutrients and micronutrients. Plus they are fiber-rich and count towards your daily dose of vegetables!
Almond oil: I have used this oil because of its thick, creamy taste and texture. You can use any other oil (such as avocado) of your choice or butter if you are ok with it.
No chaat masala? No worries, add your favorite curry powder. Or increase the quantity of chili powder.
This recipe is as forgiving as it is easy! There are times when I have gone totally out of the box and tried other flavors - thyme, black pepper, and butter for instance, and this flavorsome substitute for curry powder instead of chaat masala. It has turned out to be delicious every time!
Use this recipe as an inspiration and go ahead and be as creative as you want! Do share your creativity with me, either in the comments below or through social media.
Any doubts or questions? Feel free to ask via the comments below. I will try my best to answer them for you.
Storage
This dish will keep well for 2-3 days. Store it in a clean, fridge-safe container with a lid.
Top tip: If making a big batch and storing it for later, then do not add the lime juice yet. Add it after you have reheated the salad.
FAQs
A quick and easy way to jazz up a can of corn is to add some red chili powder or crushed black pepper, salt, and melted butter.
Other spices and flavorings that you can add are:
* Red chili flakes
* Thyme
* Lime juice
* Popcorn seasoning
* green chilies and cilantro
No, you should not eat frozen peas and sweetcorn. You can, however, cook them from frozen - they cook really fast - and add spices and flavorings as per your choice.
If you have made this quick and easy corn and peas salad, please take a moment to leave a comment and a rating below. This will make me super happy and motivate me to create more good content for you! You can also engage with me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram xx Padma
📖 Recipe
5 minutes Spicy Corn and Peas Salad
Equipment
- 1 skillet or wok
- 1 spatula
Ingredients
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 cup frozen small peas
- ¾ teaspoon salt (adjust as per taste)
- ¾ teaspoon red chili powder (mild)
- ¾ teaspoon chaat masala
- 3 teaspoons almond oil (see notes)
- 3 teaspoons lime juice
Instructions
- Place a skillet or wok on medium-high heat. When the pan is hot, add the frozen corn and peas. Place the lid and let them cook in their steam for 4-5 minutes.I like them to still have a bit of crunch. If you want them softer, then cook them for another minute or two.1 cup frozen corn, 1 cup frozen small peas
- Uncover and add the spices, oil, and lime juice. Mix well.¾ teaspoon salt, ¾ teaspoon red chili powder, ¾ teaspoon chaat masala, 3 teaspoons almond oil, 3 teaspoons lime juice
- Turn the heat to high and cook for a few more seconds. Take off from the heat and serve warm.
Video
Notes
Alternative quantities provided in the recipe card are for 1x only.
Note: The nutrition information is based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
Holly says
Very easy and flavorful! I will make this again. 🙂
Padma Kumar says
Thank you Holly, looking forward to you making it soon.
Erin says
This spicy corn and green peas salad is so good! I love the spices and this easy vegan recipe is fun to make. Thanks for the great recipe!
Padma Kumar says
So pleased to know that you find it to be a fun recipe 🙂
Conchetta says
I love the spices on the vegetables- especially the chat masala. Delicious twist!
Padma Kumar says
Absolutely agree with you Conchetta!
Katie says
I love this easy salad! Super easy to make and so delicious! I've been loving meal prepping this for an easy lunch.
Padma Kumar says
Thank you Katie, I love this salad as a light lunch on days when I want to eat a grain free meal/snack.
Poitras Catherine says
I’ll never see my peas the same way! This recipe is amazing and do simple! Love it
Padma Kumar says
You said it! Thank you 🙂
Stephanie says
The spices make this corn and peas dish so special! This will be one of those recipes I will make often this winter to warm up our spirits.
Padma Kumar says
Loved reading this Stephanie! Thank you.
Maayke says
This corn salad looks so easy! I love the combination with the spices.
Padma Kumar says
It is indeed super easy to make. Hope you can make it soon.
Kristen Osborne says
I would never think of doing this with peas, but now I am so excited to try it! Thank you for sharing!
Padma Kumar says
Kristen, I am so happy that you have this simple recipe in your repertoire. Hope you can try it soon.