Caprese Corn Salad

Why You’ll Fall in Love With This Salad

• Fresh and Flavorful: This salad bursts with the bright, fresh flavors of summer4.
• Quick & Easy: It takes minimal time to prepare, perfect for busy days4.
• Versatile: It works as a side dish, a light lunch, or even a topping for grilled chicken or fish1.
• Customizable: You can easily adapt the ingredients to suit your taste1.

Quick Facts

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Serving Size: 6

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 3 ears of sweet corn, shucked (or 1 can of sweet corn, 15.25 ounces, drained)2
• 8 ounces mozzarella pearls2
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved2
• 1 ripe avocado, diced2
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced2
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, finely diced2
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil2
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt2
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper2

For the Honey-Balsamic Reduction:

• 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar2
• 2 tablespoons honey2

How to Make Caprese Corn Salad

1. Make the Honey-Balsamic Reduction: In a small saucepan, bring balsamic vinegar to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid is reduced by half and thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Remove from heat, stir in honey, and let cool2.
2. Cook the Corn: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the corn and cook for 3-5 minutes. Drain and let cool before cutting off the kernels2. Alternatively, grill the corn for a charred flavor1.
3. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine corn, mozzarella, tomatoes, avocado, red onion, basil, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss gently to combine2.
4. Dress the Salad: Drizzle the honey-balsamic reduction over the salad2.

Serving Suggestions

• As a Side Dish: Perfect alongside grilled meats, chicken, or fish4.
• Light Lunch: Enjoy a refreshing and light lunch2.
• Potlucks and Gatherings: A guaranteed hit at any gathering2.
• Add Protein: Add grilled chicken or shrimp to make it a complete meal1.

Tips for Customization

• Cheese: Try different types of mozzarella, such as marinated mozzarella balls1.
• Tomatoes: Use a variety of heirloom tomatoes for a colorful twist1.
• Dressing: Substitute Italian dressing or balsamic vinaigrette for the honey-balsamic reduction31.
• Spice: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
• Greens: Serve on a bed of mixed greens for added freshness1.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?Yes, you can! Prepare the salad and the honey-balsamic reduction separately, then combine them just before serving to prevent the salad from becoming soggy3.Can I use frozen corn?Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it completely before adding it to the salad4.How do I store leftovers?Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The avocado may brown slightly, but the salad will still taste great.Can I grill the corn?Definitely! Grilling the corn adds a smoky flavor that enhances the salad1. Brush the corn with oil and grill until slightly charred, then cut off the kernels.

Nutritional Information (approximate, per serving)

• Calories: 230kcal4
• Protein: 8g
• Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 10g

Enjoy this Caprese Corn Salad! It’s a fantastic way to celebrate summer flavors.