There’s nothing quite like a bowl of *easy summer corn salad* to brighten up those warm, sunny days! I absolutely love whipping this up for picnics, barbecues, or just as a refreshing side at dinner. It’s so simple—just a few fresh ingredients tossed together, and you’ve got a vibrant salad that not only looks gorgeous but tastes amazing too! The sweetness of the corn combined with juicy cherry tomatoes and the zing from red onion really brings summer to your plate. Plus, it’s healthy and quick to prepare, which is perfect when you want to spend more time outside soaking up the sun rather than in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make this salad a regular at all your summer gatherings!
Ingredients for Easy Summer Corn Salad
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious salad. Make sure to grab these fresh ingredients so you can enjoy the best flavors of summer!
- 4 cups fresh corn kernels (about 6-8 ears of corn, or you can use pre-packaged fresh corn)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Feel free to adjust the quantities based on your taste or the size of your gathering. Freshness is key, so try to use the best ingredients you can find for a truly vibrant salad!
How to Prepare Easy Summer Corn Salad
Making this *easy summer corn salad* is a breeze! Just follow these simple steps and you’ll have a delicious dish ready in no time.
Step 1: Combine Fresh Ingredients
Start by grabbing a large bowl and toss in the fresh corn kernels, halved cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, chopped basil, and crumbled feta cheese. Give it a gentle stir to mix everything together. The colors alone will make you smile!
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. You want to create a lovely dressing that’ll bring all those fresh flavors together. It only takes a minute—so easy!
Step 3: Toss the Salad
Now, pour that delicious dressing over your salad mixture. Gently toss everything together until it’s nicely coated. Wow, it smells amazing already! You can serve it right away, or if you have a little patience, pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This will let all those flavors mingle and get even better!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Summer Corn Salad
- Quick to prepare: You can have this salad ready in just 15 minutes—perfect for last-minute gatherings!
- Refreshingly delicious: The combination of sweet corn and juicy tomatoes is like a taste of summer in every bite.
- Healthy and light: Packed with fresh veggies, it’s a guilt-free dish that’s full of flavor.
- No cooking required: Just chop, mix, and serve—ideal for those hot days when you don’t want to turn on the stove.
- Versatile: Great as a side dish, but also fantastic as a light main dish or even a picnic staple.
- Customizable: Feel free to adjust the ingredients based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.
- Kid-friendly: The sweet flavor of corn and colorful presentation make it a hit with kids of all ages!
Tips for Success with Easy Summer Corn Salad
Here are a few quick tips to make sure your *easy summer corn salad* turns out perfectly every time!
- Choose the best corn: Fresh corn really makes a difference! If you can, buy it from a local farmer’s market or get it straight from the cob. The sweetness and crunch are unbeatable.
- Adjust to your taste: Don’t hesitate to tweak the ingredients! If you love more basil or want extra feta, go for it! Make this salad your own.
- Let it chill: If you have time, refrigerate the salad for 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to come together beautifully.
- Mix it up: Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers or cucumbers for extra crunch, or throw in some avocado for creaminess!
- Season thoughtfully: Always taste before serving. A little extra salt or a dash more vinegar can elevate those flavors!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be a corn salad pro in no time! Enjoy every bite of your summer creation!
Nutritional Information for Easy Summer Corn Salad
Before diving into this delightful salad, here’s a quick overview of the nutritional information. Keep in mind that nutrition can vary based on the specific ingredients you use and their brands. But here’s a typical breakdown per serving to give you a good idea!
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
- Sodium: 250mg
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 5g
This salad is not only refreshing and delicious but also packed with nutrients that make it a great addition to any meal. Enjoy the summer flavors while keeping things light and healthy!
FAQ About Easy Summer Corn Salad
Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh?
Absolutely! You can use frozen corn if fresh isn’t available. Just make sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess water before mixing it into your salad. While fresh corn has that unbeatable sweetness and crunch, frozen corn can still give you a tasty salad—plus, it’s super convenient!
How long can I store leftovers?
If you have any leftovers (which is rare because it’s so good!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for about 3 days. Just give it a gentle toss before serving again to re-distribute the dressing, and enjoy those flavors a second time!
What can I serve with this salad?
This *easy summer corn salad* is incredibly versatile! It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, fish, or shrimp for a light meal. You can also serve it alongside burgers or hot dogs at a barbecue. If you’re looking for something vegetarian, it goes perfectly with quinoa or a hearty grain bowl. The possibilities are endless!
Serving Suggestions for Easy Summer Corn Salad
This *easy summer corn salad* is not just a star on its own; it shines even brighter when paired with the right dishes! Here are some delightful ideas to enhance your meal experience:
- Grilled Proteins: Serve it alongside juicy grilled chicken, shrimp, or fish. The fresh flavors of the salad complement the smoky char from the grill beautifully!
- Burgers and Hot Dogs: It’s the perfect side for summer barbecues! Whether it’s beef, turkey, or veggie burgers, this salad adds a refreshing crunch that balances the richness of grilled meats.
- Quinoa or Grain Bowls: For a light vegetarian option, mix it in with quinoa or farro bowls. The salad adds a fresh burst, and it’s a great way to incorporate more veggies!
- Tacos: Use it as a topping for tacos! Whether you’re going for fish tacos or black bean tacos, this corn salad adds a zesty kick that takes your meal to the next level.
- Pasta Salad: Mix it into a pasta salad for a delightful twist. It adds color, texture, and that summer vibe we all crave.
- Chips or Crackers: For a fun appetizer, serve it with tortilla chips or pita crackers. It’s a fantastic dip that everyone will love!
With these serving suggestions, you’ll create a well-rounded and satisfying meal that showcases the vibrant flavors of summer. Enjoy every bite!
Z nadrukami
easy summer corn salad: 7 Reasons to Love this Delightful Dish
- Całkowity Czas: 15 minutes
- Ustępować: 4 servings 1x
- Dieta: Wegańskie
Opis
A refreshing and simple corn salad perfect for summer.
Składniki
- 4 cups fresh corn kernels
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instrukcje
- In a large bowl, combine corn, tomatoes, onion, basil, and feta.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving.
Uwagi
- Use fresh corn for best flavor.
- Can be served as a side or a light main dish.
- Adjust ingredients based on personal preferences.
- Czas Przygotowania: 15 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 0 minutes
- Kategoria: Salad
- Sposób: No-cook
- Kuchnia: American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 cup
- Kalorie: 180
- Cukier: 3g
- Sód: 250mg
- Kwasy: 10g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 2g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 8g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 18g
- Włókno: 3g
- Białko: 5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Słowa kluczowe: easy summer corn salad
