Are you ready to elevate your summer gatherings with a vibrant burst of flavor? Look no further than this Mexican Corn Tomato Feta Salad! With its colorful blend of fresh ingredients and zesty lime dressing, this dish is not just a feast for the eyes but also a delightful explosion of taste that will leave your guests asking for seconds. Perfect as a side dish or a light meal, this salad comes together in just 15 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy days or impromptu barbecues. Dive into this recipe and discover how easy it is to create a refreshing salad that captures the essence of Mexican cuisine!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Fresh corn
- Cherry tomatoes
- Feta cheese
- Red onion
- Cilantro
- Lime juice
- Olive oil
- Salt
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: fresh corn, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, and salt.
- If using fresh corn, remove the kernels from the cob. You can do this by standing the cob upright in a bowl and carefully cutting down the sides with a sharp knife. If using canned or frozen corn, ensure it is thawed and drained if necessary.
- Rinse the cherry tomatoes under cold water. Slice them in half or quarters, depending on your preference for size.
- Finely chop the red onion. If you prefer a milder onion flavor, you can soak the chopped onion in cold water for a few minutes, then drain before adding it to the salad.
- Chop a handful of fresh cilantro, removing any thick stems. You can adjust the amount based on your taste preference.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the corn, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro. Gently toss the ingredients together to ensure they are evenly mixed.
- Next, crumble the feta cheese over the salad mixture. Be careful not to break it down too much; you want to maintain some larger pieces for texture.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Adjust the amount of salt to taste, keeping in mind that feta cheese is already salty.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together until well combined, ensuring the feta and dressing coat the other ingredients evenly.
- Let the salad sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This can be done while you prepare any additional dishes or simply enjoy the fresh flavors.
- Serve the Mexican Corn Tomato Feta Salad chilled or at room temperature. It makes a great side dish for grilled meats or as a light lunch on its own.
Tips
- Fresh vs. Frozen Corn: For the best flavor, use fresh corn on the cob when in season. If using frozen corn, ensure it's thawed and drained to avoid excess moisture in your salad.
- Cherry Tomato Variations: Experiment with different types of cherry tomatoes (like yellow or heirloom) for a unique twist and added color to your salad.
- Onion Soaking: If you find red onions too pungent, soak them in cold water for about 10 minutes before adding them to the salad. This will mellow their flavor significantly.
- Feta Cheese Texture: Crumble the feta cheese with your fingers instead of using a knife to keep larger pieces intact. This adds a delightful texture to your salad.
- Flavor Infusion: Allow the salad to sit for about 10 minutes after tossing it with the dressing. This resting period helps the flavors meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste.
- Serving Suggestions: This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish, making it a perfect side dish for summer barbecues or a light lunch on its own.
- Customization: Feel free to customize the salad by adding ingredients like avocado, black beans, or jalapeños for an extra kick!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 15mg
