This Summer Corn and Tomato Salad is a vibrant and fresh dish that perfectly captures the essence of summer. With the sweetness of corn, juicy tomatoes, and creamy avocado, it’s the ideal side for barbecues, picnics, or family gatherings. The homemade basil dressing adds a unique touch that enhances the flavors beautifully. Delight your guests with this crowd-pleaser that is as appealing to the eyes as it is to the taste buds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: This salad comes together in just 20 minutes, making it a quick addition to any meal.
- Fresh Ingredients: Enjoy the taste of summer with fresh corn, ripe tomatoes, and creamy avocado.
- Versatile Side Dish: Perfectly complements grilled meats, fish, or can stand alone as a light meal.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The combination of sweetness from corn and tanginess from the dressing will leave everyone asking for more.
- Healthy Option: Packed with nutrients and healthy fats, this salad makes for a guilt-free indulgence.
Tools and Preparation
To make this delicious Summer Corn and Tomato Salad, you will need some essential kitchen tools. These tools will help streamline your preparation and ensure everything goes smoothly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mason jar
- Pot
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Serving plate
Importance of Each Tool
- Mason jar: Ideal for shaking up your dressing; it ensures all ingredients mix well without making a mess.
- Pot: A good pot is essential for cooking corn perfectly without overcooking.
- Knife: A sharp knife allows for easy cutting of vegetables and fruit, ensuring clean slices for presentation.
Ingredients
This sweet corn and tomato salad is the ultimate summer side dish! It’s tossed with creamy avocado, red onion, and a homemade fresh basil salad dressing. It’s absolutely delicious and always a crowd-pleaser!
For the Salad Base
- 2-3 corn on the cobs (it should amount to about 1 heaping cup of corn)
- 2 cups tomatoes (sliced for bigger tomatoes or halved if they’re cherry tomatoes)
- 1/3 cup red onion (sliced or diced)
- 1 avocado (pit removed and sliced)
For the Dressing
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/3 cup red apple vinegar
- 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder (or one large garlic clove finely minced or pressed)
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 3 tablespoons fresh basil (finely chopped)
- Generous pinch of black pepper and salt
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
How to Make Summer Corn and Tomato Salad
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
First, add all the salad dressing ingredients to a mason jar. Seal it with a lid and shake until all ingredients come together smoothly. Set aside for later use.
Step 2: Cook the Corn
Bring a pot of water to a boil. Season it with a generous pinch of salt. Cook the corn for about 3-5 minutes until fully cooked. Afterward, remove the cooked corn from heat and transfer it to a large bowl filled with ice water. This stops further cooking and cools down the corn quickly.
Step 3: Remove Corn from Cob
Once cooled, use a knife to carefully slice the corn off the cob onto a plate or cutting board. Ensure you collect all kernels for your salad.
Step 4: Assemble Salad
On a serving plate, arrange the sliced tomatoes, corn kernels, avocado slices, and red onion. Drizzle your prepared dressing over top. Shake it well before serving! Serve immediately and enjoy your refreshing Summer Corn and Tomato Salad!
How to Serve Summer Corn and Tomato Salad
This vibrant Summer Corn and Tomato Salad is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or enjoying a family dinner, this salad adds a fresh touch to your meal.
Pair with Grilled Meats
- Grilled Chicken: The smoky flavor of grilled chicken complements the sweetness of the corn and tomatoes.
- Steak Skewers: Juicy steak skewers provide a hearty contrast to the lightness of the salad.
Use as a Picnic Dish
- Portable Meal: This salad is easy to pack, making it an excellent choice for picnics or outdoor gatherings.
- Cold Serving: It can be enjoyed cold, so no need to worry about reheating!
Serve with Bread
- Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread offers a crunchy texture that pairs well with the creamy avocado in the salad.
- Crusty Baguette: A fresh baguette is perfect for scooping up the salad and enjoying every bite.
Enhance Your Taco Night
- Taco Filling: Add this salad as a topping for tacos for an extra layer of flavor and freshness.
- Side Dish for Burritos: Serve alongside burritos to balance out the richness of the fillings.
How to Perfect Summer Corn and Tomato Salad
To make your Summer Corn and Tomato Salad truly shine, consider these helpful tips.
- Fresh Ingredients: Always use the freshest corn and ripe tomatoes for the best flavor.
- Chill Before Serving: Letting the salad chill in the fridge allows all flavors to meld beautifully.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste before serving; feel free to add more salt or pepper based on your preference.
- Add Protein: For a heartier dish, consider adding grilled shrimp or chicken chunks.
- Experiment with Herbs: Try adding cilantro or parsley for a different twist on flavor.
- Use Seasonal Variations: Swap ingredients with seasonal produce like peppers or cucumbers for variety.
Best Side Dishes for Summer Corn and Tomato Salad
This salad pairs wonderfully with various side dishes. Here are some great options to consider!
- Grilled Zucchini: Lightly seasoned zucchini adds another layer of summer freshness.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides crunch and complements the sweetness of the corn.
- Potato Salad: Classic potato salad offers heartiness, balancing out lighter salads like this one.
- Caprese Skewers: Fresh mozzarella and basil skewers bring Italian flair that pairs well with the flavors.
- Roasted Asparagus: Tender asparagus adds elegance while enhancing your table’s color palette.
- Couscous Salad: A light couscous dish can serve as a wonderful base beneath your summer salad.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Summer Corn and Tomato Salad can be simple, but there are a few common mistakes that can affect the taste and texture. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Skipping the dressing shake: Not shaking the dressing well can lead to uneven flavor. Make sure to seal the jar tightly and shake until fully combined.
- Overcooking the corn: Cooking corn for too long can make it tough. Aim for just 3-5 minutes in boiling water for perfect tenderness.
- Using unripe tomatoes: Unripe tomatoes can ruin the salad’s flavor. Always choose ripe, flavorful tomatoes for the best results.
- Cutting avocados too early: Cutting avocados too soon can lead to browning. Slice them just before serving to keep them fresh and vibrant.
- Neglecting seasoning: Failing to season adequately with salt and pepper can make your salad bland. Be generous with seasoning to enhance the flavors.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Keep avocado slices separate to prevent browning.
- Ensure the dressing is stored separately if possible.
Freezing Summer Corn and Tomato Salad
- Freezing is not recommended due to the texture of tomatoes and avocado.
- If necessary, freeze only the corn (up to 6 months) after cooking it.
Reheating Summer Corn and Tomato Salad
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm corn gently without overcooking.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals (about 30 seconds) on medium power, stirring in between.
- Stovetop: Warm in a pan over low heat, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Summer Corn and Tomato Salad?
Summer Corn and Tomato Salad is a refreshing side dish made with sweet corn, ripe tomatoes, creamy avocado, and a flavorful homemade dressing. It’s perfect for summer gatherings!
Can I customize this Summer Corn and Tomato Salad?
Yes! You can add bell peppers, cucumbers, or even feta cheese for extra flavor. Feel free to experiment with herbs like cilantro or parsley as well.
How do I ensure my corn is sweet?
Choose fresh corn on the cob that feels plump and has bright green husks. The fresher the corn, the sweeter it will taste!
Is this salad healthy?
Absolutely! This salad is packed with nutrients from fresh vegetables and healthy fats from avocado. It’s a great option for those looking for nutritious side dishes.
Final Thoughts
The Summer Corn and Tomato Salad is not only delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion. Its colorful ingredients make it a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. Don’t hesitate to try different variations or add your favorite ingredients! Enjoy this delightful salad at your next gathering or picnic!
Summer Corn and Tomato Salad
Capture the essence of summer with this vibrant Summer Corn and Tomato Salad. Bursting with sweet corn, juicy tomatoes, and creamy avocado, this dish is perfect for barbecues, picnics, or family gatherings. Topped with a homemade basil dressing that beautifully enhances the flavors, this salad is not just a feast for the eyes but also a delicious crowd-pleaser. In just 20 minutes, you can whip up this healthy and versatile side dish that pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or can stand alone as a light meal. Delight your guests with this refreshing salad that embodies the spirit of summer.
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Ingredients
- 2–3 corn on the cobs (1 heaping cup corn)
- 2 cups tomatoes (sliced or halved)
- 1/3 cup red onion (sliced or diced)
- 1 avocado (sliced)
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/3 cup red apple vinegar
- 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 3 tablespoons fresh basil (chopped)
- black pepper and salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
Instructions
- Make the Dressing: Combine all dressing ingredients in a mason jar. Seal and shake until smooth.
- Cook the Corn: Boil water in a pot with salt. Cook corn for 3-5 minutes until tender. Transfer to ice water to cool.
- Remove Corn Kernels: Slice corn off the cob into a bowl.
- Assemble Salad: On a serving plate, layer sliced tomatoes, corn kernels, avocado slices, and red onion. Drizzle with dressing and serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No cooking required after dressing and corn cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Always use fresh ingredients for optimal flavor. Chill the salad before serving to enhance flavor meld. Customize by adding bell peppers or feta cheese for extra flair.
