Summer Fresh Corn Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This corn salad is a celebration of fresh ingredients, combining the sweetness of corn with the crispness of cucumber and the richness of avocado. The fresh basil and mint add a burst of herbal flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully, while the tangy apple cider vinegar and red wine vinegar dressing bring a zesty kick. With minimal prep and no cooking required, this salad is easy to make and incredibly versatile. It’s perfect for a quick side dish or a light lunch that’s both satisfying and refreshing.

Ingredients

• 5 ears fresh corn, shucked
• 2 medium roma tomatoes, diced
• 1 medium English cucumber, diced
• 1 medium avocado, diced
• 1/2 medium red onion, minced
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves, chopped
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Corn:
   • Shuck the ears of corn and remove the husks and silk. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the kernels off the cobs, placing them in a large bowl.
2. Prepare the Vegetables:
   • Dice the tomatoes, cucumber, and avocado. Mince the red onion. Add all the chopped ingredients (tomatoes, cucumber, avocado, red onion) to the bowl with the corn.
3. Add Fresh Herbs:
   • Add the chopped fresh basil and mint to the bowl. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients.
4. Make the Dressing:
   • In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, red wine vinegar, salt, and black pepper.
5. Combine and Serve:
   • Pour the dressing over the corn mixture and toss everything gently to coat. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve immediately or refrigerate for about 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves about 6 people as a side dish. The total preparation time is around 15-20 minutes, making it a quick and easy dish to prepare. You can also make it ahead of time and refrigerate it for a short time to allow the flavors to develop.

Variations

• Add Protein: To make this salad a more complete meal, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even black beans for some protein.
• Spicy Kick: For a little heat, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing.
• Cheese: Crumbled feta or cotija cheese can be added for a salty and creamy touch.
• Citrus Twist: Swap the vinegars for fresh lime juice for a zesty citrus flavor.
• Grilled Corn: If you prefer a smoky flavor, grill the corn on the cob before cutting the kernels off. The char adds a delicious depth to the salad.

Storage/Reheating

This corn salad is best served fresh, but it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. The avocado might brown slightly, but the flavors will still be delicious. It’s not recommended to freeze this salad due to the texture changes in the vegetables and avocado.

FAQs

Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh?

Fresh corn is recommended for the best flavor and texture, but you can use frozen corn. Just be sure to thaw it and give it a quick toss in a hot pan for a minute or two to get a bit of char.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the salad ahead of time, but it’s best to add the avocado and dressing right before serving to maintain freshness. You can prepare everything else and keep it in the fridge.

Can I use other types of vinegar?

Yes, you can swap the apple cider vinegar and red wine vinegar for white wine vinegar, champagne vinegar, or even balsamic vinegar for a slightly different flavor.

What can I add for extra crunch?

To add some crunch, consider adding nuts like toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds, or even roasted chickpeas for extra texture.

Can I make this salad without avocado?

Yes, you can omit the avocado if you prefer. For a similar creamy texture, you could add a little extra olive oil or some crumbled feta cheese.

Can I serve this warm?

This salad is best served cold or at room temperature. However, if you prefer it warm, you can serve it shortly after mixing the ingredients.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. The salad is best enjoyed within a day for optimal freshness.

Can I use other herbs in this salad?

Yes, you can experiment with other fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley, or dill for a slightly different flavor.

Is this salad vegan?

Yes, this Summer Fresh Corn Salad is vegan as long as you omit any dairy (like cheese) or meat that you might add. The dressing is made with olive oil and vinegar, making it plant-based.

Can I add other vegetables to this salad?

Absolutely! You can add other vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or even roasted sweet potatoes for extra texture and flavor.

Conclusion

This Summer Fresh Corn Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that perfectly captures the essence of summer. With fresh corn, creamy avocado, juicy tomatoes, and the fragrant addition of mint and basil, this salad is light, healthy, and bursting with flavor. Whether you serve it as a side at a BBQ or enjoy it as a light lunch, this dish is sure to become a favorite. Easy to make and full of fresh ingredients, it’s a great addition to any summer meal!

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