Fiesta Corn Salad

$Fresh corn kernels are the star of this dish. I use 2 cups of kernels. You can use sweet summer corn or frozen corn if fresh isn't available. Fresh corn gives a bright taste that's key to this salad. Next, we need colorful veggies. Grab 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes for sweetness. A bell pepper, any color, adds crunch and flavor. You’ll also need ½ red onion, finely chopped, and 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced. The jalapeño brings a little heat, but you can skip it if you prefer mild flavors. Finally, add ½ cup of chopped cilantro for a fresh kick. The dressing makes this salad pop. Mix the juice of 2 limes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add salt and pepper to taste. For depth, include ½ teaspoon of cumin and ¼ teaspoon of smoked paprika. These spices give the salad a warm, earthy base. Want to make it richer? You can add ½ cup of crumbled feta cheese. It brings a salty flavor that pairs well with the sweet corn. If you want a twist, feel free to customize with your favorite herbs or nuts. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, grab a large mixing bowl. You will need 2 cups of fresh corn kernels. If fresh corn is out of season, use frozen corn instead. Next, cut 1 cup of cherry tomatoes in half. Dice 1 bell pepper of any color, and finely chop ½ of a red onion. Then, take 1 jalapeño, seed it, and dice it. Combine all these veggies in the bowl. Don’t forget to add ½ cup of chopped cilantro for a fresh touch. In a small bowl, whisk together the juice of 2 limes and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Then, add salt and pepper to taste. For extra flavor, mix in ½ teaspoon of cumin and ¼ teaspoon of smoked paprika. This dressing will brighten up your salad and tie all the flavors together. Now, pour the dressing over your vegetable mixture. Toss everything gently until all the veggies are well coated. If you like, sprinkle ½ cup of crumbled feta cheese on top for extra creaminess. This step adds a nice salty kick and a bit of texture. Let your salad sit for about 15 to 20 minutes. This wait allows the flavors to meld nicely. Serve it chilled or at room temperature. This Fiesta Corn Salad is colorful, fresh, and perfect for any gathering. Enjoy your delicious creation! Fresh corn makes this salad shine. Look for bright yellow kernels. They should feel firm and sweet. If fresh corn is not an option, frozen corn works too. Just thaw it and drain well before using. Want more heat? Add more jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce. For a milder taste, use less jalapeño or skip it altogether. Always taste as you go, so you can get the spice just right for your family. To boost flavor, try adding lime zest along with the lime juice. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or mint adds freshness. You can also swap smoked paprika for regular paprika for a different taste. Serve this salad chilled for the best flavor. Let it sit for about 15-20 minutes before serving. This time allows the flavors to mix well. For a pop of color, add some extra cherry tomatoes or cilantro on top right before serving. Pro Tips Use Fresh Corn: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh corn kernels when they are in season. If using frozen, make sure they are thawed and drained properly. Customize Your Heat: Adjust the amount of jalapeño to control the spice level of your salad. If you prefer a milder flavor, consider omitting the seeds or using a less spicy pepper. Let It Marinate: Allow the salad to sit for 15-20 minutes before serving. This resting period enhances the flavors as the ingredients meld together. Experiment with Add-ins: Feel free to add other ingredients like black beans, avocado, or corn chips for added texture and flavor. This salad is versatile and can be tailored to your taste. {{image_2}} You can boost the Fiesta Corn Salad by adding proteins. Grilled chicken or shrimp works great. Simply chop cooked chicken or shrimp and mix it in. You can also use black beans for a hearty touch. They add texture and a nice flavor. Tofu is another option if you want a plant-based protein. For a vegan version, skip the feta cheese. Instead, try adding avocado for creaminess. You can also use nutritional yeast to give a cheesy flavor without dairy. Another good choice is to add chickpeas. They add protein and a nice bite to the salad. To change up the flavor, consider adding diced avocado or mango. These fruits add sweetness and creaminess. You can also mix in some corn salsa for a spicy kick. If you like heat, try adding more jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. Fresh herbs like basil or mint can add a fresh twist too. To keep your Fiesta Corn Salad fresh, place leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure to seal it tightly to lock in flavor. If you use a bowl, cover it with plastic wrap. The salad tastes best when you eat it within three days. I recommend glass or plastic containers with tight lids. These containers keep moisture in and air out. Glass is great for easy reheating too. If you have smaller portions, use smaller containers. This helps prevent waste and keeps flavors fresh. You can enjoy Fiesta Corn Salad cold or at room temperature. If you prefer it warm, heat it gently in a pan. Add a splash of olive oil to help it heat evenly. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the salad soggy. Always taste before serving again; the flavors may change. Yes, you can use canned corn. It’s quick and easy. Just drain and rinse it first. Fresh corn tastes sweeter, but canned corn works well in a pinch. Fiesta Corn Salad lasts about 3 days in the fridge. The veggies still taste fresh. However, the flavors may change a bit over time. Yes, you can make it ahead. Just prepare it a few hours before serving. Letting it sit helps the flavors blend. It’s best to add cheese right before serving. Yes, Fiesta Corn Salad is gluten-free. All the ingredients are safe for gluten-free diets. Enjoy it without worry! This blog post covered how to make Fiesta Corn Salad with fresh corn and other veggies. You learned to prepare ingredients, make a tasty dressing, and combine everything well. I shared tips on choosing corn and adjusting spice levels, plus ideas for variations and storing leftovers. Fiesta Corn Salad is fun and easy to customize. Whether you prefer it spicy, vegan, or packed with protein, you can adapt it to your taste. Enjoy making and sharing this delicious salad!$

A vibrant and refreshing salad featuring fresh corn, tomatoes, and a zesty dressing.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 20

Total Time 35

Course Appetizer

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 6

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

2 cups fresh corn kernels
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 whole bell pepper, diced
0.5 whole red onion, finely chopped
1 whole jalapeño, seeded and diced
0.5 cup cilantro, chopped
2 whole limes, juiced
2 tablespoons olive oil
to taste salt and pepper
0.5 teaspoon cumin
0.25 teaspoon smoked paprika
0.5 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the corn kernels, halved cherry tomatoes, diced bell pepper, chopped red onion, and diced jalapeño.
Add the chopped cilantro to the bowl, stirring gently to incorporate all the vegetables.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, salt, pepper, cumin, and smoked paprika to create the dressing.
Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss everything together until well coated.
If using, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top before serving.
Let the salad sit for about 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.

Notes

Let the salad sit for 15-20 minutes to enhance the flavors.

Keyword corn, fresh, salad, vegetarian