An absolutely delightful summer salad that is both refreshing and savory. Fresh corn salad with scallions and basil is not only simple to prepare, but it's also packed with the vibrant flavors of fresh corn, crisp scallions, and aromatic basil. It's a perfect side dish for a barbecue or a light lunch on a hot day.
Most of the ingredients in this recipe are common and should be readily available in your pantry or local grocery store. The one to take note of is fresh basil. If you can't find it in your local supermarket, try checking in a farmers market or plant nursery. Fresh basil is essential for this recipe. Its unique flavor can't be replaced by dried basil.
Ingredients for Fresh Corn Salad with Scallions and Basil
Corn: Corn is the main ingredient in this salad. It gives the salad its sweet flavor and crunchy texture.
Scallions: Also known as green onions, scallions add a mild onion flavor without overpowering the salad.
Vegetable oil: This is used to dress the salad. Use a mild-flavored oil so as not to overpower the other flavors.
White wine vinegar: Adds a touch of acidity to balance out the sweetness of the corn.
Kosher salt: Used to enhance the flavors of the other ingredients.
Black pepper: Adds a bit of heat and complexity to the salad.
Basil: Fresh basil leaves give the salad a fresh, herby flavor and a beautiful pop of green color.
Sugar: Just a touch is used to enhance the natural sweetness of the corn.
One reader, Jada Koss says:
This fresh corn salad with scallions and basil recipe is a game-changer! The combination of sweet corn, zesty scallions, and aromatic basil creates a burst of flavors. The dressing is light and refreshing, making it the perfect summer side dish. It's a must-try for anyone who loves fresh, vibrant flavors.
Techniques Required for Making Fresh Corn Salad with Scallions and Basil
How to boil corn: Boil the corn in a large pot of salted water until tender-crisp, for about 3 to 4 minutes. Ensure not to overcook. After boiling, drain the corn and immerse it in very cold water to stop the cooking process.
How to cut corn kernels off the cob: After boiling the corn, place it on a clean dish towel set over a cutting board. Use a serrated knife to cut the kernels off the cobs. The dish towel helps to dry the corn and prevents it from bouncing around.
How to adjust seasoning: Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If the salad tastes too tart, add a bit more oil. If it tastes bland, add a bit more vinegar or salt and pepper. If the corn isn't as sweet as desired, try adding a 1/4 teaspoon of sugar.
How to serve: Serve the salad cold or at room temperature.
How To Make Fresh Corn Salad with Scallions and Basil
Spicy and peppery scallions, and minty basil, adds a touch of freshness and kick to this fresh corn salad! Whip up a serving in just under 30 minutes.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 5corn ears,shucked
- 2scallions,white and green parts, finely sliced
- ¼cupvegetable oil
- 2½tbspwhite wine vinegar
- ½tspkosher salt
- ½tspfreshly ground black pepper
- ⅓cupfresh basil leaves,finely sliced
- sugar,optional
Instructions
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Boil the corn for 3 to 4 minutes until tender-crisp. Do not overcook.
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Drain the corn and immerse it in very cold water to stop the cooking process. Place the corn on a clean dish towel set over a cutting board, then use a serrated knife to cut the kernels of the cobs.
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In a large bowl, combine the kernels with the oil, vinegar, scallions, salt, and pepper.
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Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
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Just before serving, toss in the fresh basil. Taste and adjust seasoning, if necessary.
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Serve the salad cold or at room temperature, and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
If the salad tastes too tart, add a bit more oil; if it tastes bland, add a bit more vinegar or salt and pepper. Try adding a ¼ teaspoon of sugar if the corn isn’t as sweet as desired.
Nutrition
- Calories: 164.10kcal
- Fat: 10.51g
- Saturated Fat: 0.89g
- Trans Fat: 0.08g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 7.09g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.02g
- Carbohydrates: 17.71g
- Fiber: 1.90g
- Sugar: 6.73g
- Protein: 2.93g
- Sodium: 170.56mg
- Calcium: 8.99mg
- Potassium: 249.96mg
- Iron: 0.58mg
- Vitamin A: 13.72µg
- Vitamin C: 6.96mg
Helpful Technique for Preparing Fresh Corn Salad with Scallions and Basil
When cutting kernels off the cob, stand the corn upright inside a deep bowl. This will catch the kernels and prevent them from scattering all over your kitchen counter. Using a sharp knife, cut downwards to remove the kernels. This method is safer and cleaner than cutting on a flat surface.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Salad
Prep ahead: Cut the corn and scallions in advance to save time on the day of making the salad.
Use a sharp knife: A sharp knife will make it easier to cut the corn kernels off the cob quickly and efficiently.
Multi-task: While the corn is boiling, prepare the dressing and chop the basil to make the most of your time in the kitchen.
Make it a team effort: Enlist a friend or family member to help with the prep work, making the process quicker and more enjoyable.
Organize your workspace: Having all your ingredients and tools ready and organized will streamline the cooking process and save time.
Substitute Ingredients For Fresh Corn Salad with Scallions and Basil Recipe
corn - Substitute with grilled zucchini: Grilled zucchini can provide a similar texture and mild sweetness to the salad, offering a delicious alternative to fresh corn.
scallions - Substitute with chives: Chives have a mild onion flavor similar to scallions and can be used as a substitute in this recipe.
vegetable oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can be used as a healthier alternative to vegetable oil and will add a rich, fruity flavor to the salad.
white wine vinegar - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar can provide a slightly sweet and fruity flavor similar to white wine vinegar, complementing the other ingredients in the salad.
kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a substitute for kosher salt, providing a similar level of salinity to the dish.
fresh basil leaves - Substitute with fresh mint leaves: Fresh mint leaves can offer a refreshing and aromatic flavor similar to basil, adding a unique twist to the salad.
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can be used as a natural sweetener in place of sugar, adding a touch of sweetness to the salad while enhancing its overall flavor profile.
Best Presentation Ideas for This Fresh Corn Salad
Elevate the corn kernels: Arrange the corn kernels in a neat and visually appealing manner on the plate, ensuring they are evenly distributed and not piled up.
Garnish with scallions and basil: Sprinkle finely chopped scallions and basil over the corn kernels, adding a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
Drizzle with a delicate vinaigrette: Use a squeeze bottle to delicately drizzle the vinaigrette over the corn salad, ensuring an even distribution without overwhelming the dish.
Incorporate edible flowers: Introduce edible flowers such as nasturtium or marigold to add an elegant and sophisticated touch to the presentation.
Utilize a unique serving vessel: Consider serving the corn salad in a visually striking vessel, such as a hollowed-out gourd or a handcrafted ceramic bowl, to enhance the overall presentation.
Add a touch of microgreens: Sprinkle a small amount of microgreens, such as pea shoots or amaranth, on top of the corn salad to introduce a subtle hint of earthy flavor and a visually appealing texture.
Create a symmetrical arrangement: Arrange the components of the salad in a symmetrical and balanced manner on the plate, paying attention to visual harmony and proportion.
Accent with a dusting of seasoning: Lightly dust the plate with a complementary seasoning, such as smoked paprika or sumac, to add a hint of complexity and visual interest to the dish.
Essential Tools for Making Fresh Corn Salad
- Large pot: A large pot is essential for boiling the corn until tender-crisp.
- Serrated knife: A serrated knife is used to cut the kernels off the cobs of corn.
- Cutting board: A cutting board provides a stable surface for cutting the corn kernels.
- Large bowl: A large bowl is used to combine the corn kernels with the other ingredients.
- Dish towel: A dish towel is used to dry the corn and prevent it from bouncing while cutting the kernels.
Storing and Freezing Tips for Fresh Corn Salad
This fresh corn salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld together and intensify over time, making it even more delicious.
If you want to make this salad ahead of time, prepare the corn, scallions, and dressing separately. Store them in separate containers in the refrigerator, and then combine them just before serving for the freshest taste and texture.
To freeze this salad, follow these steps:
- Blanch the corn kernels in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process.
- Drain the corn thoroughly and pat it dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
- Place the corn kernels in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and freeze until solid (about 2 hours).
- Once frozen, transfer the corn to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, label it with the date, and store it in the freezer for up to 6 months.
- When ready to use, thaw the corn in the refrigerator overnight and then proceed with the recipe as directed, adding the fresh scallions, basil, and dressing.
Note that the texture of the corn may be slightly softer after freezing and thawing, but the flavor will still be delicious. The scallions and basil should always be added fresh for the best taste and appearance.
Interesting Fact About Fresh Corn Salad
The recipe for fresh corn salad with scallions and basil is a great source of dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Corn is rich in antioxidants and can help promote healthy vision and skin. Scallions are a good source of vitamin K, which is essential for blood clotting and bone health. Basil contains essential oils that have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. This salad is a nutritious and delicious addition to any meal.
Is Making Fresh Corn Salad at Home Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this fresh corn salad with scallions and basil recipe is quite high. The main ingredients, such as corn, scallions, and basil, are generally affordable and widely available. The addition of simple pantry items like vegetable oil and white wine vinegar doesn't significantly increase the cost. Considering the minimal expense and the fact that this recipe can serve 4 people, the approximate cost for a household of 4 would be around $8-$10. Overall Verdict: 9/10.
Is This Salad Healthy or Unhealthy?
The fresh corn salad with scallions and basil recipe is a relatively healthy dish, thanks to its use of fresh ingredients like corn, scallions, and basil. Corn is a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, while scallions and basil provide additional nutrients and flavors. The recipe also uses a moderate amount of vegetable oil, which is a healthier option compared to saturated fats.
However, there are a few aspects of the recipe that could be improved to make it even healthier:
- Reduce the amount of oil used in the dressing or replace it with a healthier alternative like olive oil or avocado oil
- Use less salt or replace it with herbs and spices for flavoring
- Add more vegetables to the salad, such as cherry tomatoes, cucumber, or bell peppers, to increase the nutrient content and fiber
- Consider using a whole grain like quinoa or bulgur wheat to make the salad more filling and nutritious
To further enhance the healthiness of this recipe, you could:
- Use fresh, locally sourced ingredients whenever possible to ensure maximum nutrient content
- Experiment with different herbs and spices to add flavor without relying on salt
- Include a lean protein source, such as grilled chicken or tofu, to make the salad a complete meal
- Serve the salad over a bed of leafy greens like spinach or arugula for an extra nutrient boost
Editor's Opinion on This Fresh Corn Salad Recipe
The fresh corn salad with scallions and basil recipe is a delightful summer dish that celebrates the natural sweetness of corn. The combination of scallions, basil, and white wine vinegar adds a refreshing and vibrant flavor to the salad. The addition of sugar, if needed, enhances the natural sweetness of the corn. This recipe is simple, yet elegant, and is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for a barbecue. It's a great way to showcase the flavors of fresh, seasonal produce.
Why trust this Fresh Corn Salad with Scallions and Basil Recipe:
This recipe uses fresh corn and scallions that are in season, ensuring the highest quality and flavor. The addition of fresh basil adds a burst of aromatic freshness. The use of white wine vinegar and vegetable oil provides a perfect balance of acidity and richness. The inclusion of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients. The option to adjust the seasoning with a touch of sugar ensures that the salad's taste is perfectly balanced.
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