Description
This Sweet and Zesty Refreshing Corn Salad is a vibrant summer dish bursting with fresh garden flavors. Combining tender-crisp boiled corn kernels, juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, sharp red onion, and creamy feta cheese, all tossed in a tangy, honey-sweetened dressing with fresh herbs, this salad is perfect for warm-weather gatherings and light meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Herbs
- 4 ears Fresh Corn (Look for bright green husks and golden-brown silk)
- 2 cups Tomatoes (Seeded to prevent excess moisture)
- 2 cups Cucumbers (Seeded and drained, English cucumbers recommended)
- 1 medium Red Onion (Alternatively, green onions for a milder taste)
- 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley (or any preferred soft herbs)
- 1/4 cup Fresh Basil (or any preferred soft herbs)
Dairy
- 1 cup Feta Cheese (Add just before serving)
Dressing
- 1/3 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 3 tablespoons Red Wine Vinegar (apple cider vinegar can be substituted)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice
- 1 tablespoon Honey (adjust to taste)
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced fresh)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon Pepper (adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined. Chill in the refrigerator to let the flavors meld while you prepare the rest of the salad.
- Cook the corn: Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the fresh ears of corn and cook for 2-3 minutes until they are tender-crisp. Immediately transfer the corn to an ice bath to halt the cooking process and preserve freshness.
- Slice the corn kernels: Drain the corn from the ice bath and carefully slice the kernels off each ear using a sharp knife. Set aside the kernels in a large mixing bowl.
- Combine salad ingredients: Add the seeded and diced tomatoes, chopped seeded cucumbers, finely chopped red onion, crumbled feta cheese, fresh parsley, and basil to the bowl with the corn. Toss gently to mix the ingredients evenly.
- Toss with dressing: Re-whisk the chilled dressing and pour it over the salad mixture. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure all components are coated well with the dressing.
- Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste the salad and adjust salt, pepper, or honey as desired. Serve immediately for the freshest flavor or chill for 15-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully before serving.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh and in-season corn and vegetables.
- Seeding the tomatoes and cucumbers helps prevent the salad from getting watery.
- Adding the feta cheese just before serving keeps it from becoming soggy.
- This salad can be made a few hours ahead and kept chilled to enhance the flavors.
- Feel free to substitute fresh herbs based on availability and preference, such as cilantro or mint.
