Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a burst of summer flavors! Our Summer Fiesta Corn Salad is not just a side dish; it's a vibrant celebration of fresh ingredients that will have everyone reaching for seconds. With its sweet corn, zesty lime, and a kick of jalapeño, this salad is perfect for barbecues, picnics, or simply as a refreshing meal on a warm day. In just 25 minutes, you can whip up this colorful dish that serves six, making it ideal for gatherings or meal prep. Dive into this recipe and discover how to create a salad that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Salad
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups corn (fresh or frozen)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 jalapeño, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 3 tablespoons lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. If using fresh corn, remove the kernels from the cob. If using frozen corn, measure out 4 cups and allow it to thaw. You can quickly thaw frozen corn by placing it in a colander and running it under warm water.
- In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the corn to the skillet and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the corn is heated through and slightly charred. This will enhance the sweetness of the corn.
- While the corn is cooking, prepare the other vegetables. Dice the red bell pepper and jalapeño, making sure to remove the seeds from the jalapeño if you prefer a milder flavor. Finely chop the red onion and cilantro.
- Once the corn is cooked, remove it from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sautéed corn, diced red bell pepper, diced jalapeño, chopped red onion, and chopped cilantro.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, salt, and pepper. Pour this dressing over the corn salad mixture and toss everything gently to combine, ensuring that the vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lime juice as needed. If you like a little more heat, you can add more jalapeño or even a dash of hot sauce.
- Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together. Serve the Summer Fiesta Corn Salad chilled or at room temperature, and enjoy as a refreshing side dish or light meal.
Tips
- Fresh vs. Frozen Corn: If you have access to fresh corn, using it will enhance the flavor and texture of your salad. Just be sure to remove the kernels from the cob carefully. If using frozen, thaw it quickly under warm water for the best results.
- Sauté for Sweetness: Sautéing the corn in a skillet not only warms it up but also caramelizes the sugars, bringing out a delightful sweetness. Don’t skip this step!
- Customize the Heat: Adjust the jalapeño to your spice preference. For a milder salad, remove the seeds and membranes. If you love heat, leave them in or add extra jalapeño or hot sauce.
- Let It Marinate: After mixing the salad, let it sit for about 10 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste.
- Serve Chilled: For the best experience, serve the salad chilled or at room temperature. It’s a refreshing treat on a hot day!
- Perfect Pairing: This corn salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, tacos, or as a standalone dish for a light lunch. Enjoy the fiesta of flavors!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
