Description
This fresh and vibrant Corn Salad combines tender, microwaved corn with juicy grape tomatoes, crisp cucumber, red onion, and tangy feta cheese. Tossed in a zesty dressing of olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, honey, and garlic, and finished with fresh herbs, this salad is a perfect, easy-to-make side dish or light meal that highlights summer flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 8 small ears of corn (or 20 ounces of fresh corn)
- 1 pint of grape tomatoes, sliced in half
- 1 English cucumber, diced
- ¼ cup of diced red onion
Dressing
- ¼ cup of olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar (or more to taste)
- 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice
- 1½ teaspoons of honey
- 1 teaspoon of minced or pressed garlic
- ½ teaspoon of salt (or more to taste)
- ½ teaspoon of ground black pepper (plus fresh cracked pepper for garnish)
Other
- 2/3 cup of crumbled feta cheese
- 3 tablespoons of minced fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons of minced fresh basil
- Additional salt, pepper, and vinegar to taste (if needed)
Instructions
- Husk the Corn: Fully husk the corn and remove as much of the silk as possible to prepare it for cooking.
- Prepare Corn for Microwaving: Place two moist paper towels on a microwave-safe plate, lay 4 ears of corn on the towels, cover with two more moist paper towels, and tuck the sides in to keep moisture in.
- Microwave First Batch: Microwave the corn on high for 3-5 minutes until the kernels are slightly tender. Then immediately transfer the corn to ice water to cool it quickly.
- Repeat for Remaining Corn: Repeat the moist towel preparation and microwaving process for the remaining four ears of corn to cook them similarly.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Cut Corn Kernels: Cut the cooled corn kernels off the cobs and place them into a large salad bowl.
- Add Vegetables and Cheese: Add the halved grape tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced red onion, crumbled feta cheese, minced parsley, and minced basil to the bowl.
- Toss Salad with Dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss everything gently to combine all flavors evenly.
- Adjust Seasonings and Serve: Taste the salad and adjust salt, pepper, and vinegar if needed before serving. Garnish with fresh cracked black pepper as desired.
Notes
- Microwaving the corn retains its natural sweetness and reduces overall cooking time.
- For extra crunch, serve immediately after tossing or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving.
- If fresh herbs are not available, dried herbs can be used but fresh is recommended for best flavor.
- Can be served chilled or at room temperature.
- To make this salad vegan, omit the feta cheese or substitute with a plant-based alternative.
