Catch the essence of summer with a delightful dish that sings with flavors—the Summer Corn Tomato Salad. Imagine biting into juicy tomatoes that burst like tiny flavor bombs while sweet corn dances on your palate like it’s auditioning for Dancing with the Stars. This salad isn’t just food; it’s a celebration of all things fresh and vibrant!
a picnic blanket spread out under the sun, laughter echoing through the air, and your friends gathered around this colorful bowl of joy. Each bite brings memories of sunshine-filled days and carefree moments. Whether it’s a family barbecue or a cozy dinner on the patio, this salad is here to elevate those moments!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Summer Corn Tomato Salad is incredibly easy to prepare—perfect for busy days!
- The explosion of flavors will have everyone coming back for seconds.
- Its vibrant colors make it a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
- You can easily customize ingredients based on what’s in season or what you have available at home.
I still remember the first time I made this salad for my family. My kids devoured it so quickly that I thought they’d sprout corn kernels themselves!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Fresh Corn: Sweet summer corn is best; pick ears that feel heavy with plump kernels.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Choose ripe tomatoes; their sweetness will shine in this dish!
- Cucumber: A crisp cucumber adds freshness; opt for English cucumbers to avoid seeds.
- Red Onion: Adds a pop of color and sharpness; soak in water to mellow its flavor if desired.
- Fresh Basil: Fragrant basil brightens up the salad; use whole leaves for maximum flavor.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice enhances all flavors; bottled just won’t cut it.
- Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil brings richness; don’t skip it!
- Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings that tie everything together; adjust to your taste.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Your Ingredients: Start by shucking the corn and cutting off the kernels with a sharp knife. Rinse cherry tomatoes and slice them in half while enjoying their juicy aroma!
Chop It Up!: Dice cucumber and red onion finely—make sure to keep them small for easy munching! Toss them together in a large mixing bowl.
Add Flavorful Herbs!: Gently tear fresh basil leaves into smaller pieces before adding them to your bowl. Their fragrance will fill your kitchen with joy!
Dress It Right!: In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice and olive oil until emulsified—this dressing brings everything together beautifully.
Toss Together & Season!: Pour your dressing over the veggie mix and toss gently until everything is well-coated. Don’t forget to sprinkle salt and pepper!
Serve & Enjoy!: Allow the salad to sit for about 10 minutes before serving—it lets all those fabulous flavors mingle! Serve chilled or at room temperature.
This fabulous Summer Corn Tomato Salad not only tantalizes taste buds but also embodies the essence of summer gatherings. It’s quick to prepare, bursting with freshness, and visually stunning—everything you could want in a seasonal dish!
You Must Know
- Fresh corn and ripe tomatoes make summer the best time for this salad.
- Use sweet corn for a burst of flavor, and let your taste buds dance with every bite.
- Always taste before seasoning to avoid overdoing it.
- I once made a salad so salty my friends joked it could double as ocean water.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by boiling or grilling the corn first, then chop the tomatoes while it cools. This ensures everything is fresh and ready to mix without wasting time.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap in cucumbers or peppers for extra crunch. A squeeze of lime or lemon juice can also amp up the brightness of flavors.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For best results, enjoy it cold and fresh.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Fresh corn is key; frozen lacks that sweet crunch.
- Remember to cut kernels off the cob using a sharp knife for best results.
- Toss gently to keep ingredients intact and vibrant.
The first time I served this salad, my family gobbled it up so fast I barely got a serving! It became our go-to dish every summer gathering since then.
FAQ
What can I use instead of tomatoes in Summer Corn Tomato Salad?
You can use diced cucumbers or bell peppers for a crunchy texture.
How long does Summer Corn Tomato Salad last in the fridge?
It stays fresh for about three days if stored properly in an airtight container.
Can I add protein to Summer Corn Tomato Salad?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken or chickpeas work wonderfully to make it more filling.
Summer Corn Tomato Salad
This vibrant Summer Corn Tomato Salad is a delightful blend of fresh ingredients, perfect for summer gatherings and outdoor picnics. Enjoy a burst of flavor in every bite!
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh corn kernels (about 3 ears of corn)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup diced English cucumber
- 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Shuck the corn and cut the kernels off the cob.
- In a large bowl, combine the corn, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and basil.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together lemon juice and olive oil until well combined.
- Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to coat.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
- For added crunch, consider incorporating bell peppers or additional herbs like cilantro.
- This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra protein.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
