Summer Corn Salad Recipe

Introduction

Fresh, colorful, and bursting with flavor, the summer corn salad with cucumber, peppers, and feta is the perfect dish to brighten up your summer meals. This easy-to-make recipe combines crisp vegetables, creamy feta, and a delightful dressing, offering a refreshing side dish or standalone delight for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, enjoying a picnic, or just craving something light and tasty, this salad is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Detailed Ingredients With Measures

To prepare this vibrant summer salad, you will need the following ingredients:

– Fresh corn kernels (4 cups, boiled or grilled for enhanced flavor)
– Chopped cucumber (1 cup, peeled or unpeeled according to preference)
– Chopped sweet peppers, any color (1 cup)
– Crumbled feta cheese (about 1/2 cup or more to taste)
– Chopped fresh parsley (a handful for added freshness)
– Diced red onion (1/4 cup, to bring a mild crunch)
– Dressing: olive oil (2 tablespoons), fresh lime juice (2 tablespoons), salt and pepper to taste

These wholesome ingredients come together to create a salad that is both light and nutritious.

Prep Time

The preparation for this summer corn salad takes only about 20 minutes. This includes time to chop the vegetables, cook the corn (if needed), and whisk together the simple dressing.

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

As this is a fresh salad, there’s technically no cook time unless you wish to grill the corn beforehand, which could take an additional 10 minutes. Total time for preparing this dish, including grilling corn if desired, is approximately 30 minutes. The yield of this recipe is perfect for 4-6 servings, making it suitable for either a small gathering or a family meal.

This summer corn salad with cucumber, peppers, and feta is a wonderful addition to your culinary repertoire. With its vibrant colors, bold flavors, and ease of preparation, it’s sure to make every meal feel like an indulgent feast while still being wholesome and refreshing. Enjoy!
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Detailed Directions and Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Corn

– Begin by cooking the corn. You can either boil, grill, or roast it to your preference. Once cooked, let it cool completely.
– After the corn has cooled, slice the kernels off the cob and transfer them to a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Chop the Vegetables

– Dice the cucumber and bell peppers into small, bite-sized pieces.
– Slice the green onions into thin rounds.
– Add all the chopped vegetables to the mixing bowl with the corn.

Step 3: Prepare the Dressing

– In a small bowl, combine olive oil, freshly squeezed lime juice, and minced garlic.
– Season the mixture with salt and pepper, adjusting to taste.
– Whisk the ingredients together until fully combined.

Step 4: Combine the Salad

– Pour the prepared dressing over the vegetables in the mixing bowl.
– Gently toss everything together until the vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.

Step 5: Add the Feta Cheese and Herbs

– Crumble the feta cheese over the salad mixture.
– Chop the fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro, or your choice of herbs) and sprinkle them on top of the salad.
– Gently toss everything again to ensure the feta and herbs are distributed throughout.

Step 6: Refrigerate and Serve

– Place the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
– Serve the salad chilled as a side dish or a refreshing appetizer.

Notes

Note 1: Corn Preparation

If fresh corn is unavailable, frozen or canned corn can be used as an alternative; just ensure it’s thawed or drained well.

Note 2: Additional Toppings

Feel free to add other ingredients such as cherry tomatoes, avocado, or cooked quinoa to enhance the salad’s flavor and texture.

Note 3: Herb Substitutions

If you’re not a fan of cilantro or parsley, you can use basil, dill, or your favorite fresh herbs for a personalized twist.

Note 4: Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Avoid leaving it at room temperature for extended periods.

Note 5: Serving Suggestions

Serve this salad alongside grilled chicken, fish, or as a topping for tacos to make a complete meal.
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Cook Techniques

How to Cook Corn Perfectly

To achieve the perfect flavor and texture for your corn, you can either grill, boil, or steam it. Grilling adds a smoky depth to the flavor, while boiling or steaming keeps it soft and juicy. Regardless of the method, ensure you don’t overcook the corn, as it may become tough.

Prepping the Vegetables

Wash and dice the cucumber and bell peppers into small, consistent pieces to ensure they blend well with the corn. Removing excess moisture from the cucumbers will help to keep the salad fresh and crisp.

Efficiently Removing Corn from the Cob

Use a sharp knife and carefully slice the kernels from the cob. A handy tip is to place the cob vertically inside a large bowl to catch the kernels as they fall, preventing a mess.

Combining the Ingredients

Mix the corn, vegetables, and feta gently to avoid crushing any of the soft components. This helps maintain texture and ensures each ingredient stands out in every bite.

Letting the Salad Chill

Allow the salad to sit in the fridge for a little while before serving. This step enhances the flavors as the ingredients meld together, making it even more delicious.

FAQ

Can I Use Frozen Corn Instead of Fresh Corn?

Yes, frozen corn can be used if fresh corn is unavailable. Thaw and drain it completely before using to avoid excess water in the salad.

What Type of Feta Cheese is Best for This Recipe?

A good-quality block feta cheese gives the best results. Crumbling it yourself ensures a fresher texture compared to pre-crumbled options.

Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! This salad can be prepared a few hours in advance. Just wait to stir in the feta until just before serving to keep it from becoming too soft.

How Do I Properly Store Leftovers?

Place any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the fridge. The salad will stay fresh for up to two days, but it’s best when enjoyed sooner.

Can I Add Any Other Ingredients?

Yes, feel free to customize the salad with extras like cherry tomatoes, fresh herbs such as parsley or basil, or even a touch of olive oil or lemon juice for added flavor.

Conclusion

This Summer Corn Salad is a refreshing, vibrant dish that’s perfect for warm weather gatherings or as a flavorful side dish for any meal. With its crunchy cucumbers, sweet corn, vibrant peppers, and salty feta, it brings together a delightful medley of flavors and textures. It’s quick to prepare and is sure to become a staple on your summer menu.

More recipes suggestions and combination

Grilled Chicken with Lemon and Herbs

Pair your summer corn salad with tender grilled chicken seasoned with lemon and fresh herbs for a complete and satisfying meal.

Roasted Vegetable Quinoa

Combine the salad with a bed of roasted vegetable quinoa for a delicious and colorful vegetarian option.

Garlic Butter Shrimp Skewers

Serve the corn salad alongside juicy garlic butter shrimp skewers for an impressive dinner or barbecue spread.

Avocado and Lime Rice Bowl

Create a hearty bowl by adding avocado and lime-flavored rice to your summer corn salad for a zesty combination.

Stuffed Bell Peppers

Use the ingredients as a topping or side dish with stuffed bell peppers for a creative and complementary meal.

Grilled Salmon

Match the refreshing flavors of the salad with a perfectly grilled salmon fillet seasoned with a hint of dill.

Chili Lime Tacos

Top your tacos with this salad for an extra layer of crunch and freshness. Perfect with chili lime seasoned meats or beans.

Caprese Bruschetta

Pair the corn salad with bites of caprese bruschetta for a vibrant appetizer combo full of summer flavors.