Corn Salad is a vibrant, refreshing dish that’s perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or as a side dish to complement any meal. This recipe brings together the natural sweetness of fresh corn with the zesty flavors of lime vinaigrette, a hint of heat from jalapenos, and the creamy richness of feta cheese. Packed with colorful vegetables like red peppers, grape tomatoes, and red onion, this salad is not only a treat for the taste buds but also for the eyes. The combination of fresh herbs, crunchy textures, and tangy dressing creates a harmonious balance of flavors that’s sure to delight at any table.
The key to this salad is using fresh, in-season corn for the best flavor and texture. The corn is briefly blanched in a sweetened lime-infused water to soften it slightly while maintaining its natural crunch. The addition of the homemade lime vinaigrette ties all the ingredients together, adding brightness and a subtle kick from the cayenne pepper. With a burst of cilantro and the savory touch of green onions, this salad is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Light and Refreshing: The salad is packed with fresh vegetables, making it light and perfect for warm weather.
- Balanced Flavors: The tangy lime vinaigrette, sweet corn, and creamy feta work together to create a perfect flavor profile.
- Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time and simple ingredients, this salad is quick to prepare and perfect for a crowd.
- Customizable: You can adjust the level of heat by adding more or less jalapeno, and substitute ingredients like cilantro or green onions to suit your preferences.
Ingredients
Lime Vinaigrette:
- 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- ½ tablespoon honey
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
- ⅛ teaspoon onion powder
- ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅛ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Corn Salad:
- 5 ears of corn, shucked and de-silked
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 red pepper, cut into small dice
- 1 cup grape tomatoes or cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
- 1 jalapeno, minced (seeds and veins removed)
- ½ cup feta cheese
- ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
Instructions
- Make the Lime Vinaigrette:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, honey, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously to emulsify the dressing.
- Prepare the Corn:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the sugar and lime juice, stirring to dissolve.
- Carefully add the corn to the boiling water, cover the pot, and turn off the heat. Let the corn sit for 10 minutes to cook through.
- Once the corn has cooled slightly, plunge it into ice-cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Once cooled, cut the kernels off the cob.
- Assemble the Salad:
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked corn kernels, diced red peppers, halved grape tomatoes, cilantro, green onions, minced jalapenos, feta cheese, and sliced red onion.
- Drizzle the lime vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately, or refrigerate for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
Tips for Success
- Fresh Corn: For the best flavor, use fresh, in-season corn on the cob. If fresh corn isn’t available, frozen corn can be substituted.
- Customize the Heat: Adjust the amount of jalapeno based on your preference for spiciness. You can also omit the jalapeno if you prefer a milder salad.
- Chill for Extra Flavor: Letting the salad chill for a short time before serving allows the flavors to develop more fully.
Storage Options
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad is best enjoyed fresh but will keep well for a short time.
- Make Ahead: This salad can be made up to a day in advance, though it’s best to add the dressing and mix in the feta just before serving to maintain freshness.
This Corn Salad is a perfect addition to any summer meal or as a vibrant side for barbecues and picnics. The combination of crunchy, fresh vegetables and the tangy, spicy dressing is sure to impress everyone at the table!
