This fast and easy raw corn salad with basil vinaigrette highlights three of summer’s superstars: tomatoes, basil and sweet corn.
The three foods that most remind me of summer are corn, tomatoes and basil. I returned from vacation a few days ago to a beast of a basil plant. Apparently it liked the soaker hose I left on it for two weeks (and some TLC from my Dad!). Couple that with the fact that this week’s CSA share included corn and tomatoes and I was in heaven. I was also VERY hungry when I got home from the farm.
This salad comes together in minutes (and disappears even faster.) Raw corn, tomatoes and a little onion drizzled with this delish basil vinaigrette and lunch was served. Use the freshest ingredients you can find for this one. It’s literally summer on a plate. To make it a meal, top it with a few grilled shrimp or seared scallops.
Note well, the recipe makes a lot more dressing than you’ll need. Store the rest in the fridge for future use. Or drink it. It’s that good.
If you want to make this a little more complex, you could grill the corn and/or tomatoes. But as I said, I was hungry. Raw is fast 🙂
Like corn salads? Try this one with black beans for a Southwestern spin…
- ½ small clove of garlic
- Pinch of coarse salt
- 2 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
- ½ cup loosely packed basil leaves
- ¼ cup canola oil
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 tsp. smooth Dijon mustard
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Kernels from 1 ear of corn
- 14 grape and/or cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 slice of onion, rings separated
- To make the vinaigrette, mash the garlic and salt with a mortar and pestle to a paste. Add the vinegar, swirl, then pour into a food processor or cup for an immersion blender. Add remaining ingredients and pulse until basil is pureed. Add pepper to taste.
- To make the salad, toss the corn, tomatoes and onion in a bowl. Divide among two plates and drizzle with a little of the vinaigrette. Serve immediately.
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This looks wonderful and I haven’t had any sweet corn yet this year. I am going to make it this weekend!
I loved it! So good with fresh summer ingredients. Let me know how you like it.