Fresh and Crisp Corn Salad

This Fresh and Crisp Corn Salad is made with corn on the cob kernels, red onions, fragrant basil topped off with an easy apple cider vinaigrette. Delicious!

If you love fresh corn on the cob but find it messy and bothersome to eat, this salad is the perfect alternative! Get all the flavor of fresh corn on the cob in this simple and delicious salad. This Fresh and Crisp Corn Salad is a great summer, side dish. It pairs well with all your grilled mains like steak, chicken, and salmon! It’s light, fresh, crisp and easy to make. Take along to any summer BBQ or gathering.

Fun corn facts

• Corn was first grown by Native Americans more than 7,000 years ago in Central America. The corn leaves were used as chewing gum by Native Americans because of its sweet flavor. 
• Corn is grown on every continent, except Antarctica. 
• Although most of us classify corn as a vegetable, it’s actually a fruit. According to botanists that is. However, according to nutritionists corn can be classified as a starchy vegetable and a whole grain. So I guess that means when we eat corn, we are eating both our fruit and vegetables!
• Corn comes in all colors! Including blackish, bluish-gray, purple, green, red and white but the most common color grown is yellow corn.
• Corn stalks typically grow between 7 and 10 feet tall.
• On average corn has about 16 rows and consists of about 800 kernels! That’s a lot of kernels!
• A corn cob will always have an even number of rows.
• In most countries, corn is called maize that comes from the Spanish word ‘maiz’.

Fresh and Crisp Corn Salad-Ingredients and Substitutes

• Fresh corn: on the cob works best in this recipe. However, in a pinch you can use sweet, yellow, canned corn.
• Red onion: a small, diced onion adds flavor and texture. Green onion will work too!
• Fresh basil: adds flavor and freshness. If you don’t have basil, you can use cilantro or parsley instead.
• Olive oil: Use a good, flavorful olive oil. If you don’t have any good olive oil, you can substitute corn oil instead.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: adds a nice tart taste with that hint of apple flavor. Red wine vinegar can be used because of its fruity flavor as well.
• Kosher Salt and Fresh Ground Pepper: regular salt and pepper

Using fresh, high quality ingredients are always best in any recipe! If possible I recommended using them for the best results!

How to Boil the Perfect Corn on the Cob

1. Boil in Salted Water: Although many people disagree with salting your water, boiling corn in salty water will help to bring out its flavor. Don’t worry, it won’t make your corn salty! It will also ensure that the kernels are nice and crisp. However, many people like to add sugar to bring out more sweetness. Experiment and decide for yourself!
2. Shuck the Corn Well: Start at the tip, grab as much as the husk as possible and pull downwards. Repeat until all the husk is off. Make sure you rub off any lingering silk strings.
3. Don’t Boil the Corn Too Long: My husband swears by this method for the best and more delicious corn. Once the water comes to a boil, drop the corn in. Once it returns to a boil, cook for 8 minutes and remove. You want your corn to be juicy, crisp and crunchy. Not soggy and mushy!

For this recipe, once the corn is removed drop the ears into ice water to stop the cooking.

Fresh and Crisp Corn Salad and Dressing-Instructions

1. In a large sauce pan, add water and salt. Bring to a boil. Once boiling, drop the ears in. Return to a boil and cook for 8 minutes. Remove and immerse in an ice bath to stop the cooking. 
2. Once the corn is cooled, cut the kernels off the cob. Cut close to the cob. 
3. In a large bowl, add corn, diced red onion, apple cider, extra virgin olive oil, kosher salt and fresh ground pepper. Toss well.
4. Refrigerate for several hours. This salad can also be served at room temperature.
5. Just before serving, add in fresh basil and toss. In addition, add fresh basil for garnish if desired.
6. Serve and enjoy!

For other great vegetable sides try our:

Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

German Potato Salad

Grilled Parmesan Wedges

Easy Grilled Vegetables

Easy Summer Corn Caprese Salad