Corn Salad

A Corn Salad is the perfect dish to celebrate summer! This refreshing salad combines sweet corn with vibrant vegetables and tangy feta cheese, making it a delightful addition to any meal. Ideal for picnics, barbecues, or family gatherings, this Corn Salad is not only easy to prepare but also bursting with flavor. Enjoy it as a side dish alongside grilled chicken, steak, or salmon for a complete meal that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bright and Fresh Flavors: The combination of fresh corn, tomatoes, and herbs creates a vibrant taste experience.
• Quick and Easy: With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this salad in no time.
• Versatile Side Dish: Pairs perfectly with a variety of main dishes or can be enjoyed on its own.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with vitamins and nutrients from fresh produce for a guilt-free indulgence.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for summer barbecues, potlucks, or as a light lunch on warm days.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Corn Salad experience enjoyable, having the right tools is essential. These tools will help streamline your preparation process and ensure you create the perfect salad.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Bowl for ice water
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Necessary for boiling the corn quickly and efficiently.
• Mixing bowl: Ideal for preparing the dressing and mixing all ingredients together.
• Knife and cutting board: Essential for chopping vegetables like cucumbers and onions safely.

Ingredients

A delicious summer salad! It pairs well with grilled main dishes like chicken, steak or salmon and it’s the perfect thing to bring along on a picnic.

Main Ingredients

• 4 larger ears fresh corn, shucked (yields about 4 cups, 20 oz corn kernels)
• 1 heaping cup halved grape tomatoes
• 1 cup diced English cucumber
• 1/3 cup diced red onion
• 2/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 3 Tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley
• 2 Tbsp finely chopped fresh basil

Dressing Ingredients

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 1/2 Tbsp red apple vinegar
• 1 Tbsp lemon juice
• 1 1/2 tsp honey
• 1/2 tsp minced garlic
• 1/2 tsp each salt and freshly ground black pepper

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Corn Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing

In a mixing bowl, whisk together:
1. Olive oil
2. Red apple vinegar
3. Lemon juice
4. Honey
5. Minced garlic
6. Salt and pepper

Refrigerate while preparing the salad.

Step 2: Cook the Corn

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Have a large bowl of ice water ready nearby.
1. Once the water boils, add corn.
2. Cook for 3 minutes (or 2 minutes if you prefer it crisp).

Step 3: Cool the Corn

Transfer cooked corn to ice water immediately to cool for a few minutes. Drain well once cooled.

Step 4: Cut the Corn Kernels

Cut kernels from corn cob into a large bowl.

Step 5: Add Vegetables

Add these ingredients to the bowl:
* Halved grape tomatoes
* Diced cucumber
* Diced red onion
* Crumbled feta cheese
* Chopped parsley
* Chopped basil

Step 6: Combine Salad

Whisk dressing again before pouring over the salad mixture. Toss well to coat everything evenly. Season with additional salt if desired.

Enjoy your refreshing Corn Salad, perfect for any occasion!

How to Serve Corn Salad

Corn salad is a versatile dish that can elevate any meal. Its vibrant colors and fresh flavors make it an excellent side for various occasions, from summer barbecues to casual dinners.

Pair with Grilled Meats

• Chicken: The lightness of grilled chicken complements the sweetness of the corn salad.
• Steak: A juicy steak paired with corn salad creates a delightful contrast in flavors.
• Salmon: The freshness of salmon works beautifully with the crisp vegetables in the salad.

Serve at Picnics or Potlucks

• Easy Transport: Corn salad is simple to pack and stays fresh for hours, making it perfect for outdoor gatherings.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Its bright flavors appeal to a wide range of tastes, ensuring guests will enjoy it.

Use as a Topping

• Tacos: Add corn salad on top of tacos for an extra crunch and burst of flavor.
• Burgers: Use corn salad as a topping for burgers to enhance the taste with a fresh twist.

How to Perfect Corn Salad

To make the best corn salad, consider these helpful tips:

• Bold Flavors: Use fresh herbs like parsley and basil for an aromatic kick.
• Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh corn; it makes a significant difference in taste.
• Chill Before Serving: Refrigerating the salad for at least 30 minutes allows flavors to meld beautifully.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste the dressing before tossing it into the salad; adjust salt and pepper as needed.

Best Side Dishes for Corn Salad

Corn salad pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that complement its flavors. Here are some great options:

1. Grilled Vegetables: Charred veggies add depth and smokiness alongside your fresh corn salad.
2. Potato Salad: A classic choice, potato salad brings heartiness that balances lighter dishes.
3. Coleslaw: The crunchiness of coleslaw contrasts nicely with the soft textures in corn salad.
4. Quinoa Salad: A nutritious option, quinoa salad enhances your meal with added protein and fiber.
5. Garlic Bread: Crisp garlic bread makes a delightful pairing that adds flavor and texture.
6. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad offers sweetness that harmonizes well with savory dishes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a corn salad can seem simple, but there are common mistakes that can affect the taste and texture of your dish. Here are some tips to avoid those pitfalls.

• Overcooking the Corn: Cooking corn for too long makes it mushy. Only boil for 2-3 minutes for the best crunch.
• Skipping the Dressing: A common mistake is not properly dressing the salad. Make sure to whisk together all ingredients and coat the salad evenly for flavor.
• Using Stale Ingredients: Freshness is key in a corn salad. Always use fresh corn and vegetables to ensure vibrant flavors.
• Ignoring Seasoning: Don’t forget to season properly. Taste before serving and adjust salt or pepper as needed for balance.
• Not Chilling the Salad: Serving a warm corn salad isn’t ideal. Chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Keep it refrigerated to maintain freshness.

Freezing Corn Salad

• Freezing is not recommended as it alters texture; however, if needed:
• Store in a freezer-safe container, but aim to eat within one month.

Reheating Corn Salad

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm covered for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Warm gently over low heat in a skillet, stirring frequently until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Corn Salad?

Corn salad is a fresh dish made primarily with sweet corn, vegetables, and dressing. It’s perfect as a side for summer meals.

Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen corn. Just make sure to thaw and drain it before adding it to your salad.

How can I customize my Corn Salad?

You can add ingredients like bell peppers, avocados, or black beans for extra flavor and nutrition.

Is Corn Salad healthy?

Yes! Corn salad is nutritious, packed with vitamins from fresh vegetables while being low in calories.

What main dishes pair well with Corn Salad?

Corn salad goes well with grilled chicken, steak, or fish like salmon, making it versatile for any meal.

Final Thoughts

This corn salad is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. It’s perfect for summer picnics or as a refreshing side dish at family gatherings. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite veggies or proteins! Try this recipe today and enjoy its delightful flavors!

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Corn Salad

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• Author: Aileen
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x

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Description

Corn Salad is a delightful summer dish that captures the essence of fresh produce. This vibrant salad combines sweet corn, juicy grape tomatoes, crisp cucumber, and tangy feta cheese, all tossed in a zesty dressing. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or family gatherings, this salad not only adds color to your plate but also bursts with flavor. Easy to whip up in just 20 minutes, it can be enjoyed as a refreshing side or on its own. Pair it with grilled chicken, steak, or salmon for a complete meal that everyone will love.

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Ingredients

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• 4 large ears of fresh corn (yielding about 4 cups of kernels)
• 1 cup halved grape tomatoes
• 1 cup diced English cucumber
• 1/3 cup diced red onion
• 2/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
• Fresh herbs: parsley and basil
• Dressing: olive oil, red apple vinegar, lemon juice, honey, garlic, salt, and pepper

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Instructions

1. Whisk together olive oil, red apple vinegar, lemon juice, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl and set aside.
2. Boil a large pot of water; cook corn for 2-3 minutes. Transfer to ice water to cool.
3. Cut kernels from the cobs into a bowl; add tomatoes, cucumber, onion, feta cheese, parsley, and basil.
4. Pour dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to combine; season with extra salt if desired.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 320mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 15mg