Fresh Corn Salad
This refreshing Fresh Corn Salad combines blanched corn kernels with finely diced red onion and a bright cider vinegar-olive oil dressing. Finished with fresh basil, it's a vibrant, easy-to-make side dish perfect for warm weather, offering a delightful balance of sweet, tangy, and herbaceous flavors with a satisfying crisp texture.
Equipment
- 1 Large Pot For boiling corn
- 1 Large Bowl For ice bath and mixing salad
- 1 Colander or Strainer For draining corn
- 1 Sharp Chef's Knife For cutting corn kernels, dicing onion, and julienning basil
- 1 Cutting Board For safe and efficient prep
Ingredients
Main
- 5 ears of corn shucked
- 1/2 cup small-diced red onion 1 small onion
- 3 tablespoons cider vinegar
- 3 tablespoons good olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup julienned fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the corn for 3 minutes until the starchiness is just gone. Drain and immerse it in ice water to stop the cooking and to set the color. When the corn is cool, cut the kernels off the cob, cutting close to the cob.
- Toss the kernels in a large bowl with the red onions, vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Just before serving, toss in the fresh basil. Taste for seasonings and serve cold or at room temperature.
Notes
This salad thrives on freshness, so prioritize quality ingredients. When blanching the corn, ensure the water is aggressively boiling and the cooking time is precise (3 minutes) to remove starchiness without overcooking, preserving its crisp-tender texture and vibrant color. The ice bath is crucial for shock-chilling, immediately halting the cooking process and 'setting' the corn's bright yellow hue. When cutting kernels off the cob, stand the cob upright on a cutting board and slice downwards, taking care to cut close but not into the cob to avoid tough bits. Dice the red onion finely to ensure it integrates seamlessly without overpowering. Add the fresh basil just before serving to prevent wilting and maintain its aromatic integrity.