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I remember the first time I decided to make corn salad. It was a sunny afternoon, and my family had gathered for a backyard barbecue. My neighbor, a fabulous cook, brought over a bowl of something vibrant and colorful. One bite and I was hooked! The combination of sweet corn, fresh veggies, and creamy feta was unlike anything I’d ever tasted. Ever since that day, corn salad has held a special place in my heart—not only for its incredible flavors but also for the memories it brings back of laughter and good food shared with loved ones. Today, I want to share this delightful recipe with you so you too can bring a taste of joy to your table!
Process for preparing Corn Salad:
- Total time: 30 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 15 minutes
- Cost: Approximately $10
- Servings: 6
- Course: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
- Calories: About 150 per serving
Ingredients for preparing Corn Salad:
- Fresh corn – The star of the show! Sweet, juicy, and packed with flavor.
- Sweet red bell peppers – These add a wonderful crunch and vibrant color.
- Sun-ripened tomatoes – Their sweetness complements the corn perfectly.
- Cilantro – Fresh herbs brighten up the dish.
- Minced jalapeno – Adds a kick that’s easily adjustable to your taste.
- Chopped scallions – For a mild onion flavor that ties everything together.
- Feta cheese – Creamy and salty, it elevates the salad to the next level.
- Lime vinaigrette – A zesty dressing that brings all the flavors in harmony.
Personal note: A simple trick to enhance the flavors is to grill the corn instead of boiling it. It adds a smoky depth that will have everyone begging for seconds!
Steps to prepare Corn Salad:
Prepare the Corn
- Begin by preparing the fresh corn. You can grill it for a smoky flavor or boil it until tender. Once done, let it cool before cutting the kernels off.
Combine the Ingredients
- In a large bowl, combine the corn, diced sweet red bell peppers, chopped sun-ripened tomatoes, cilantro, minced jalapeno, and chopped scallions. Stir gently to mix.
Make the Vinaigrette
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together some lime juice, a bit of honey or sugar for sweetness, along with salt and pepper to create your lime vinaigrette.
Assemble the Salad
- Pour the vinaigrette over the salad mixture and mix gently, being careful not to mush the veggies.
Finish with Feta
- Finally, top your corn salad with generous crumbles of feta cheese. Let it chill before serving.
Why I love making this dish:
This corn salad is more than just a recipe for me. It symbolizes gatherings, laughter, and the simple joys in life. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a special celebration, this dish always finds a way to brighten the occasion. It’s colorful and refreshing, making it a great addition to any meal. I love how easy it is to prepare and how quickly the flavors come together!
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What you’ll need:
- A grill or pot for cooking the corn
- Large mixing bowl
- Small bowl for the vinaigrette
- Whisk or fork
Step-by-step guide to preparing Corn Salad:
- First, prepare the corn by grilling or boiling it until tender. Don’t forget to let it cool before cutting!
- Next, chop all your veggies and toss them into a large bowl.
- Remember to whisk the vinaigrette ingredients together in a separate bowl.
- Pour the dressing over the salad, mix gently, and top with feta.
- Finally, let it chill before serving. Trust me, a little time in the fridge makes all the flavors pop!
Tips for the best results:
- For added depth, grill your corn instead of boiling it.
- Use fresh ingredients whenever possible for the best flavor.
- If you prefer less heat, feel free to omit the minced jalapeno!
Serving suggestions:
This corn salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats, tacos, or even alongside a hearty sandwich. It can stand on its own as a light lunch, too!
What to pair Corn Salad with:
It goes wonderfully with grilled chicken, steak, or your favorite fish. You can also serve it with a side of guacamole or a zesty salsa for a complete meal.
What to do with leftovers:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll last for up to two days. Just remember to give it a good stir before serving again, as the vinaigrette may settle.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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- Can I use frozen corn instead? Yes, just thaw and drain it before using.
- Is there a vegan option? Absolutely! Simply omit the feta cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
- Can I make it ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare everything except for the vinaigrette a day in advance. Just add the dressing right before serving!
As I close, I can’t help but feel excited for you to try this corn salad. It’s not just about the ingredients but about the love and memories that come with sharing food. I hope it brings joy to your table like it has to mine! Enjoy every bite!
Corn Salad
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 4 ears Fresh corn The star of the show! Sweet, juicy, and packed with flavor.
- 1 cup Sweet red bell peppers, diced These add a wonderful crunch and vibrant color.
- 1 cup Sun-ripened tomatoes, diced Their sweetness complements the corn perfectly.
- 1/2 cup Cilantro, chopped Fresh herbs brighten up the dish.
- 1 each Minced jalapeno Adds a kick that’s easily adjustable to taste.
- 1/2 cup Chopped scallions For a mild onion flavor that ties everything together.
- 1 cup Feta cheese, crumbled Creamy and salty, it elevates the salad to the next level.
For the Lime Vinaigrette
- 1/4 cup Lime juice Freshly squeezed for best flavor.
- 1 tbsp Honey or sugar For sweetness.
- 1/2 tsp Salt To taste.
- 1/4 tsp Pepper To taste.
Instructions
Preparation
- Prepare the corn by grilling or boiling it until tender. Let it cool before cutting the kernels off.
- In a large bowl, combine the corn, diced sweet red bell peppers, chopped sun-ripened tomatoes, cilantro, minced jalapeno, and chopped scallions. Stir gently to mix.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together lime juice, honey or sugar, salt, and pepper to create your lime vinaigrette.
Assembly
- Pour the vinaigrette over the salad mixture and mix gently, being careful not to mush the veggies.
- Top your corn salad with generous crumbles of feta cheese.
- Let it chill before serving to enhance the flavors.