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Corn salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish that’s perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or as a side dish any time of the year. Its combination of sweet corn, tangy lime juice, and savory seasonings makes it a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare. In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know to make this delicious salad, including the ingredients, kitchen equipment needed, step-by-step directions, tips for customization, and more.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Quick and easy to make
- Bursting with fresh flavors and textures
- Can be made ahead of time
- Perfect for parties, barbecues, or weeknight dinners
- Appeals to a variety of tastes, including vegetarians and gluten-free diets
Ingredients:
- Fresh lime juice
- Honey
- Seasoning (ground cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper)
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Corn
- Red bell pepper
- Grape tomatoes
- Green onions
- Jalapeno
- Red onion
- Granulated sugar
- Cilantro
- Feta cheese (or cotija or Parmesan cheese)
Kitchen Equipment Needed:
- Large pot
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
Directions:
- In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, honey, ground cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the sugar and lime juice and stir to dissolve. Carefully add the corn to the boiling water, cover the pot, turn off the heat, and let the corn sit for about ten minutes. Plunge the corn into cold water to stop the cooking process. Once the corn has cooled, cut it from the cob.
- In a large bowl, add the cooked corn, diced red peppers, grape tomato halves, cilantro, green onions, minced jalapenos, feta, and red onion. Drizzle with the lime vinaigrette and toss to coat.
Tips and Variations:
- For a sweeter salad, add more honey to the dressing.
- Add avocado for extra creaminess.
- Substitute the feta cheese with cotija or Parmesan cheese for a different flavor.
- Grill the corn for a smoky flavor.
Storing Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad may become a bit watery as it sits, so drain off any excess liquid before serving again.
Food and Drink Pairings: This corn salad pairs well with grilled chicken, fish tacos, or as a topping for nachos. Serve it alongside a refreshing beverage like iced tea or a crisp white wine.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use frozen corn? Yes, you can use thawed frozen corn if fresh corn is not available. Just be sure to drain off any excess liquid before adding it to the salad.
- Can I make this salad ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the salad up to a day in advance. Just wait to add the dressing until right before serving to keep the salad fresh and crisp.
Call to Action:
Try this zesty corn salad for your next gathering or weeknight dinner. It’s sure to be a hit with your family and friends!