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Corn Salad with Creamy Italian Dressing

This Italian corn salad is simple deliciousness and one of my favorite summer side dishes. It's a perfect complement to just about any meat you pull off the grill, and it can be dressed in countless ways. Serve at room temperature.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 8 hours 35 minutes
Course lunch/dinner
Cuisine Italian, Mediterranean
Servings 6 people
Calories 1840.4 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Medium Mixing Bowl For preparing the dressing.
  • 1 Whisk To thoroughly combine dressing ingredients.
  • 1 Large Skillet For toasting the corn.
  • 1 Large Serving Bowl For assembling and serving the salad.
  • 1 Chef's knife For slicing fresh basil and other prep.

Ingredients
  

Main

  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup red wine vinegar
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons water
  • 1 clove garlic crushed
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon white sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper or more to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 16 ounce package frozen sweet corn, thawed
  • 1 cup diced roasted red peppers
  • salt and ground black pepper to taste
  • 5 fresh basil leaves thinly sliced, or more to taste
  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper or to taste

Instructions
 

  • Whisk together mayonnaise, vinegar, 1/4 cup olive oil, water, garlic, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, sugar, 1/4 teaspoon salt, Italian seasoning, and pinch of cayenne pepper in a medium bowl until thick and creamy. Cover dressing with plastic wrap and refrigerate 8 hours to overnight.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add corn; cook and stir until light golden brown and toasted, about 15 minutes.
  • Transfer corn to a large bowl; stir in red peppers until combined. Pour and stir enough dressing into corn mixture until completely coated; season with salt and black pepper.
  • Stir in basil and pinch of cayenne pepper.

Notes

The 8-hour chilling period for the dressing is crucial for optimal flavor integration and a creamy texture; do not skip or shorten it. When toasting the corn, aim for a deep golden brown, allowing sufficient time for the sugars to caramelize. This step adds a vital layer of sweetness and nutty complexity. While frozen corn is convenient, fresh corn cut from the cob and lightly blanched before toasting would provide superior texture and a brighter flavor. Adjust final seasoning—salt, pepper, and cayenne—after combining all ingredients, tasting as you go for perfect balance. Serve at room temperature to allow the dressing's flavors to fully express themselves.