Super Easy Fresh Corn Salad: A Perfect Summer Dish
Looking for a refreshing and vibrant dish that’s quick to prepare and packed with fresh flavors? Look no further than this Super Easy Fresh Corn Salad! Ideal for summer picnics, cookouts, or simply to enjoy as a side with your weeknight meals, this corn salad features the sweet, natural flavors of summer corn, fresh basil, and a tangy dressing that brings everything together in a delightful and healthy way.
Whether you’re heading to a BBQ or just want a quick and nutritious dish to enjoy at home, this corn salad checks all the boxes. The best part? It’s ready in under 15 minutes!
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fresh corn on the cob | 5 ears |
| Red onion, thinly sliced | ½ medium |
| Apple cider vinegar | 3 tablespoons |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 3 tablespoons |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon |
| Fresh ground black pepper | ½ teaspoon |
| Fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced | ½ cup |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 132.7 kcal |
| Fat Content | 7.7 g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 1.1 g |
| Cholesterol Content | 0 mg |
| Sodium Content | 206.2 mg |
| Carbohydrate Content | 15.9 g |
| Fiber Content | 2.4 g |
| Sugar Content | 3 g |
| Protein Content | 2.6 g |
This recipe yields 6 servings, making it perfect for a family meal or a crowd.
Instructions:
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Cook the Corn: Start by boiling 5 ears of fresh corn in a large pot of salted water for about 5-7 minutes. The corn should be tender and perfectly cooked, so keep an eye on it and avoid overcooking.
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Cool the Corn: Once cooked, transfer the ears of corn into a bowl of ice water. This will stop the cooking process and help preserve the corn’s bright color and crunch.
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Remove Kernels: After the corn cools, carefully cut the kernels off the cob using a sharp knife. Be sure to remove as much of the kernel as possible to maximize flavor in each bite.
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Prepare the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced red onion, apple cider vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix everything together, ensuring the onions soak up the tangy flavors of the vinegar and oil.
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Toss the Salad: Add the freshly cut corn kernels into the bowl with the dressing and toss everything gently until evenly mixed. The dressing should coat the corn and onion nicely.
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Add Fresh Basil: Just before serving, toss in the fresh basil ribbons. This adds a fragrant and herby finish to the dish. The basil will elevate the salad with its bright, peppery flavor.
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Taste and Adjust: Taste the salad to see if it needs any additional salt or pepper. Feel free to adjust according to your taste preferences.
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Serve: This salad can be served cold or at room temperature, making it perfect for a picnic or a quick side dish that can be prepared ahead of time.
Why You’ll Love This Fresh Corn Salad
This corn salad is a showstopper in its simplicity. It celebrates the best of summer produce, especially sweet corn and fragrant basil, all brought together with a light, tangy dressing. Here are a few reasons why this dish is so beloved:
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 15 minutes, this recipe is perfect when you’re short on time but still want a healthy, flavorful dish.
- Vibrant & Fresh: The colors of fresh corn, red onions, and green basil make for a visually stunning side dish that will brighten any meal.
- Healthy: With minimal added fat and a balanced mix of fresh vegetables, this salad is low in cholesterol and calories while being rich in vitamins, fiber, and healthy fats from olive oil.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or bringing it to a gathering, this dish is versatile enough to serve at almost any event.
Expert Tips for the Best Corn Salad:
- Use Fresh Corn: The key to this salad’s deliciousness is fresh corn. Visit your local Farmer’s Market to find the sweetest, most flavorful ears of corn. If you can’t find fresh corn, frozen corn works as a substitute, though the texture won’t be quite the same.
- Basil Substitutes: While basil adds a unique fragrance and flavor, you can substitute it with other fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley if preferred.
- Make Ahead: This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld together, making it even more delicious the next day!
- Add More Veggies: Want to take this salad to the next level? You can easily incorporate diced tomatoes, avocado, or cucumbers for added texture and flavor.
- Serve It With: This corn salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, steaks, or fish. It also works well as a side dish to other picnic classics like potato salad, grilled vegetables, or cold pasta salads.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re hosting a cookout, attending a picnic, or simply preparing a healthy side dish for the week, this Super Easy Fresh Corn Salad will be a hit every time. The combination of fresh ingredients, the burst of flavor from the corn, and the aromatic basil makes it a dish that’s not only easy to prepare but also a delight to the tastebuds. This light, healthy salad is the perfect addition to any summer meal and will leave everyone coming back for more.
Feel free to share this recipe on your social media or save it for your next summer gathering! For more easy, healthy, and delicious recipes, visit Love With Recipes.
