As excited as I am to start cooking and baking with my favorite fall foods, I’ve convinced myself to take full advantage of late summer’s in-season produce for the time being.
Although the official Autumnal Equinox is a little over two weeks away, Labor Day weekend marks the end of summer for many, and is thus the perfect time to post a salad recipe featuring three of summer’s stellar ingredients: corn, tomatoes, and basil.
I wanted to showcase the fresh produce in all of its natural glory, so I decided to keep the corn uncooked. If you’ve shied away from raw corn in the past, I hope that this recipe serves as inspiration enough to try it. Sweet, juicy, and crisp, corn in its pure state is remarkably delicious.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Name | Raw Corn, Tomato, & Basil Salad |
| Cuisine | Italian |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 0 minutes (No cooking required) |
| Total Time | 15 minutes |
| Servings | 4 servings |
| Yield | 4 cups of salad |
Ingredients
- 3 ears of fresh corn, shucked and cleaned
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Corn
Start by husking the fresh corn and removing the silk. Once cleaned, stand the corn on its end and carefully slice the kernels off the cob using a sharp knife. Collect the kernels in a large bowl.
Prep the Vegetables
Halve the cherry tomatoes and finely chop the red onion. Add them to the bowl with the corn.
Embrace the Basil
Tear the fresh basil leaves and add them to the bowl with the other ingredients. Basil adds a fragrant and aromatic element to the salad, complementing the sweetness of the corn and tomatoes.
Dress it Up
In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil and lime juice to create the dressing. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.
Season and Chill
Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the flavors to meld by refrigerating the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Serve and Enjoy
Present this vibrant and refreshing salad at your next gathering. The colorful combination of raw corn, juicy tomatoes, and fragrant basil is sure to be a hit.
Pro Tips
- Freshness Matters
Opt for the freshest and juiciest ingredients for the best flavor and texture. Visit your local farmers’ market for the most vibrant produce. - Customize to Taste
Feel free to personalize this salad by adding other vegetables like cucumbers or bell peppers. You can also experiment with different herbs to suit your taste. - Texture Variation
For an added crunch, consider adding a handful of toasted pine nuts or pumpkin seeds just before serving.
| Nutrition (per serving) | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 22g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Fat | 8g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sugar | 6g |
| Vitamin C | 18% of DV |
| Vitamin A | 10% of DV |
| Calcium | 2% of DV |
| Iron | 6% of DV |
Please note that the nutrition values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients and quantities used. It’s always a good idea to calculate nutrition based on the exact ingredients and serving sizes you use.
This Raw Corn, Tomato, & Basil Salad is a celebration of seasonal produce, offering a burst of flavor that embodies the essence of summer. Enjoy this simple and delightful dish as a side or a light meal, perfect for warm, sunny days.
And here’s an additional row for estimated nutrition per serving (values may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes):
The pairing of fresh corn with succulent tomatoes and fragrant basil captures the essence of bright summer flavors. This salad is sure to be a well-received accompaniment to any Labor Day barbeque menu, and can be made a few hours in advance.
Pumpkins, sweet potatoes, and apples are ingredients to look forward to, but right now it’s time for the flavors in this Raw Corn, Tomato, & Basil Salad to shine.
Embrace the essence of summer with this Raw Corn, Tomato, & Basil Salad. Fresh corn kernels, juicy cherry tomatoes, and fragrant basil leaves mingle in a delightful medley. Drizzle with olive oil and lime juice, toss, and let the flavors dance on your taste buds. A burst of freshness in every bite!
