If you're looking for a refreshing and easy-to-make dish, this Garden Corn Salad is your answer. With its vibrant colors and fresh flavors, it's the perfect addition to any summer meal or a light lunch on its own.
Corn is the star of this dish, bringing sweetness and a satisfying crunch. Use fresh ears for the best flavor. Cherry tomatoes add a juicy burst of sweetness and color contrast. Cucumber contributes a refreshing, crisp bite that complements the other ingredients. Red onion, finely chopped, provides a bit of sharpness and depth. Fresh basil infuses the salad with a fragrant, slightly peppery aroma. The olive oil and apple cider vinegar dressing ties everything together with a light, tangy finish. Add salt and black pepper to taste to enhance all the flavors.
This salad is fantastic alongside grilled meats like chicken or steak. It also pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine or a refreshing iced tea. For a light meal, serve it over a bed of mixed greens or with a slice of crusty bread to soak up the dressing.
Start by boiling a large pot of water. Once it's bubbling away, add your husked corn ears and let them cook for about five minutes. This should bring out their natural sweetness and ensure they're tender. While the corn's cooking, you can prep the rest of your ingredients. Halve your cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, and finely chop the red onion and basil.
Once the corn is tender, remove it from the pot and set it aside to cool. This is a good time to mix up your dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper until they're well combined.
When the corn has cooled enough to handle, stand each ear upright on a cutting board and carefully slice downward to remove the kernels. Add these to a large bowl along with the tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and basil. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together until it's nicely coated.
You can serve this salad right away, or let it chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together. Either way, it's a winner!