(This article first appeared in the June print edition of the Hendersonian.)
What do you get when you combine fresh sweet corn, cucumber, and vine-ripened fresh tomatoes? Answer: Sweet Corn Salad.
These stars of summer produce are joined by a supporting cast of ingredients like red pepper and red onion, with black beans, cilantro, and feta cheese thrown in for good measure. Every ingredient shines. The flavors are complimented by a light and refreshing Lime Vinaigrette Dressing. It’s a little sweet with a little heat. Serve the salad with grilled or baked chicken or fish to make a delicious, summer-fresh meal.
Sweet Corn Salad
Prep time: 30-45 minutes
Salad (7 ingredients)
3 ears sweet corn
1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes
1 – 15 oz. can black beans, rinsed & drained
1/2 red pepper, seeded & diced
1/2 English cucumber, sliced
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
4 oz. crumbled feta cheese
1/4 – 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
Vinaigrette Dressing (5 ingredients)
1/2 cup avocado oil
1 lime, juiced
1 tbsp. hot honey
1 tsp. onion powder
1 pinch chili flakes
Instructions
Cook each ear of corn for two minutes in the husk in the microwave. This will yield a tender-crisp ear of corn, perfect for this salad and cutting off the cob. Cut corn off the cob and place in a large mixing or salad bowl. Slice tomatoes in half and add to the mixing bowl. Rinse and drain one can of black beans and add to salad mixture. Dice pepper and slice cucumber, adding to mixing bowl. Add crumbled feta cheese and cilantro.
In a small Mason jar using a whisk or in a dressing shaker, mix avocado oil, lime juice, hot honey, onion powder, and chili flakes. Pour over the salad mixture and toss gently with a spoon or spatula to blend all the ingredients together. Note: The flavor is best when served fresh or adding the dressing to individual servings.
Merritt Bates-Thomas is a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) who has been sharing recipes with a healthier twist on WBKR FM 92.5’s What’s Cooking since 2017. In May 2023, she joined ABC 25 Local Lifestyles to share recipes and tips for flavorful cooking. She also appears on CW7’s Daybreak Extra’s Joe’s Kitchen and is a contributor to Kentucky Monthly. You can follow her on Instagram @thekitchentransition and now on Facebook at The Kitchen Transition.
