There’s nothing quite like the refreshing taste of a corn tomato and cucumber salad! It’s like a burst of summer in every bite, filled with vibrant colors and crisp textures. This salad isn’t just delicious; it’s packed with nutrients that make it a healthy choice for any meal or gathering. I remember serving this at a backyard barbecue, and it was gone in minutes! Friends couldn’t get enough of the sweet corn mingling with juicy tomatoes and cool cucumbers. Trust me, once you try this corn tomato and cucumber salad, it’ll become a go-to for your warm-weather feasts!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen, but I really recommend fresh for that sweet crunch!)
- 2 cups diced tomatoes (ripe and juicy, the more colorful the better!)
- 1 cup diced cucumber (peeled, if you prefer a smoother texture)
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion (adds a nice bite, but feel free to adjust to your taste)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (chopped, for a burst of flavor and freshness)
- 1/4 cup olive oil (extra virgin is my go-to for that robust flavor)
- 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed is key for that zing!)
- Salt to taste (don’t be shy; it brings all the flavors together)
- Pepper to taste (a little sprinkle can go a long way!)
How to Prepare Corn Tomato and Cucumber Salad
Making this corn tomato and cucumber salad is a breeze! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a fresh, vibrant dish ready in no time. Let’s dive right in!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, grab a large mixing bowl and combine the corn, diced tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and cilantro. I love using a big bowl so I can really toss everything together without any mess!
- Next, in a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper. This dressing is super simple but oh-so-delicious! Make sure to taste it and adjust the seasoning if needed—it should be bright and flavorful!
- Now, pour that lovely dressing over the salad mixture. Gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are well-coated. You want every bite to be bursting with flavor!
- Once everything is mixed, cover the bowl and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This is a crucial step as it allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Trust me, the wait is worth it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s super quick to prepare—ready in just 15 minutes!
- Packed with healthy ingredients, making it a guilt-free choice.
- Bright and refreshing, perfect for hot summer days or any occasion.
- Versatile enough to serve as a side dish, light lunch, or even a picnic staple.
- Easily customizable; feel free to add your favorite veggies or herbs!
- No cooking required, so it’s perfect for those busy weeknights.
Tips for Success
To make your corn tomato and cucumber salad shine, always opt for the freshest ingredients you can find. Sweet, seasonal corn will elevate the entire dish, so if you can, visit a local farmer’s market! When adjusting flavors, don’t hesitate to taste as you go; a squeeze more lime or a pinch of salt can make a world of difference. For serving, consider garnishing with extra cilantro or a sprinkle of feta cheese for a creamy contrast. And remember, this salad is best enjoyed fresh, so whip it up right before serving for that beautiful crunch!
Nutritional Information
This corn tomato and cucumber salad is not only delicious but also nutritious! Each serving (1 cup) typically contains around 150 calories, with 8g of fat, 4g of protein, and 17g of carbohydrates. Keep in mind that these values can vary slightly based on the specific ingredients you use, but rest assured, it’s a healthy choice!
FAQ Section
Here are some common questions I get about my corn tomato and cucumber salad. Let’s tackle them together!
Can I substitute any ingredients?
Absolutely! If you don’t have fresh corn, you can use canned corn; just be sure to drain it well. Cherry tomatoes work beautifully if you prefer those over diced tomatoes, and you can swap the cucumber for bell peppers for a different crunch.
What can I serve this salad with?
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish, making it a great side for summer barbecues. It also shines on its own as a refreshing light lunch!
How can I store leftovers?
If you have any leftovers (which is rare, trust me!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The flavors will continue to develop, but the salad is best enjoyed fresh for that delightful crunch.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
You can prepare the salad a few hours ahead, but I recommend adding the dressing just before serving to keep everything crisp and fresh.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! It’s a fantastic option for meal prep—just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat to maintain that fresh taste!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
This corn tomato and cucumber salad is best enjoyed fresh, as the vibrant flavors and crisp textures really shine right after you make it. However, if you happen to have any leftovers (which I doubt, but just in case!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just keep in mind that the longer it sits, the softer the veggies will get. If you want to serve it later, there’s no need to reheat—just give it a gentle toss, and it’s ready to enjoy straight from the fridge! Perfect for a quick, cool snack!
Serving Suggestions
This corn tomato and cucumber salad is incredibly versatile and can be paired with a variety of dishes! I love serving it alongside grilled meats like chicken or steak—it adds such a fresh contrast to the smoky flavors. If you’re in the mood for something a bit lighter, it’s also fantastic with fish tacos or shrimp skewers, bringing a burst of color and flavor to your plate. For a picnic spread, just toss it in with some crunchy tortilla chips or as a side to your favorite sandwiches. Trust me, it’s the perfect companion for any meal!
Drucken
Corn Tomato and Cucumber Salad: 7 Fresh Benefits Inside
- Gesamtzeit: 15 minutes
- Ertrag: 4 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Vegan
Beschreibung
A fresh and healthy corn tomato and cucumber salad.
Zutaten
- 2 cups corn kernels
- 2 cups diced tomatoes
- 1 cup diced cucumber
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Anweisungen
- In a large bowl, combine corn, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and cilantro.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh corn for the best flavor.
- Adjust lime juice and seasoning to your taste.
- This salad is best served fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 0 minutes
- Kategorie: Salad
- Methode: Mixing
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 cup
- Kalorien: 150
- Zucker: 3g
- Natrium: 50mg
- Fett: 8g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 1g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 17g
- Faser: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterin: 0mg
Keywords: corn tomato cucumber salad
