If you’re searching for a fresh, vibrant, and effortlessly delicious dish, let me introduce you to the Corn and Tomato Salad with Lime Dijon Dressing Recipe. This salad is a brilliant celebration of summer’s best produce, marrying sweet corn and juicy tomatoes with a tangy, zesty lime Dijon dressing that wakes up every bite. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a colorful side, or a crowd-pleaser for your next get-together, this recipe offers simplicity and flavor in every forkful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This salad shines because of its straightforward ingredient list, each playing a vital role in creating a harmony of flavors, textures, and colors. You’ll find fresh produce, a hint of sweetness, and a punch of tang that come together beautifully.
- 2 cups corn: Use fresh corn, or thawed frozen or drained canned corn; it provides the sweet, crunchy base of the salad.
- 3/4 cup cherry tomatoes: Quartered or diced, they add juicy bursts of acidity and brightness.
- 1 red bell pepper: Finely diced for a crisp, subtly sweet crunch and vibrant color contrast.
- 1/4 cup diced onion: Yellow, sweet, or red onion works great to add a mild pungency and texture.
- 1/3 cup ribboned fresh basil (optional): Offers a fresh, herbal note that elevates the salad when available.
- 1 large lime (juiced and zested): The lime juice and zest provide essential bright, citrusy flavor that livens the dressing.
- 2 teaspoons Dijon-style mustard: Adds tang and a little depth, making the dressing rich and flavorful.
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup: A touch of natural sweetness balances the tangy lime and sharp mustard.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances and ties all flavors together perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Brings smoothness and richness to the dressing, helping it coat the salad ingredients evenly.
How to Make Corn and Tomato Salad with Lime Dijon Dressing Recipe
Step 1: Assemble the Salad
Begin by combining the corn, cherry tomatoes, finely diced red bell pepper, and diced onion in a medium-sized bowl. If you’re choosing to include fresh basil, hold off on adding it until just before serving to keep its bright color and delicate flavor fresh and vibrant.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
Zest the lime, then juice it to yield about 2 tablespoons of lime juice. In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice and zest, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, salt, and olive oil. Alternatively, pour all these ingredients into a jar and give it a vigorous shake until the dressing is well emulsified and smooth.
Step 3: Combine and Serve
Pour your freshly made lime Dijon dressing over the bowl of salad ingredients. Gently stir everything to ensure each kernel of corn and slice of tomato is lightly coated with that bright, tangy dressing. Your salad is ready to enjoy immediately for the freshest taste.
How to Serve Corn and Tomato Salad with Lime Dijon Dressing Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh basil leaves, torn just before serving, makes a beautiful and flavorful garnish that complements the dressing perfectly. For an extra touch, consider a few cracked black peppercorns or a handful of toasted pepitas for some crunch and contrast.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled proteins like chicken, fish, or shrimp, making it a perfect summer barbecue side. It’s equally delicious alongside a soft, creamy goat cheese spread or atop a bed of greens for a light, refreshing meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the Corn and Tomato Salad with Lime Dijon Dressing Recipe in hollowed-out bell peppers or avocado halves for an eye-catching presentation. You can also spoon it into small lettuce cups for a fresh appetizer or set it beside a spread of crusty bread and dips for a casual picnic-style feast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, transfer the salad to an airtight container and refrigerate. Keep the basil separate and add it only at serving time to avoid wilting. The salad is best enjoyed within 24 hours when it stays crunchy and fresh.
Freezing
This fresh salad is not suited for freezing due to the high water content in the vegetables, which can cause texture changes when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or stored chilled for a short period.
Reheating
Because this salad is meant to be served fresh and chilled, reheating is not recommended. Enjoy it cold for the best flavor and texture experience.
FAQs
Can I use other types of mustard for the dressing?
While Dijon-style mustard is preferred for its smooth texture and tangy flavor, you can substitute with yellow mustard for a milder taste or whole grain mustard for added texture and flavor complexity.
Is this salad suitable for vegans?
Absolutely! The Corn and Tomato Salad with Lime Dijon Dressing Recipe is completely plant-based, making it a perfect vegan-friendly option full of fresh, natural ingredients.
Can I add protein to this salad?
Yes, adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas can turn this salad into a satisfying main dish. The light lime Dijon dressing pairs nicely with many protein options without overpowering the fresh veggies.
How important is fresh basil in this recipe?
The basil adds a lovely herbal brightness that elevates the salad, but if you don’t have any on hand, the salad will still be delicious. Just make sure to add it fresh at serving time if you do use it.
Can I prepare the salad in advance?
You can assemble most of the salad up to 24 hours ahead, but hold off on adding the basil and dressing until right before serving to keep everything tasting fresh and vibrant.
Final Thoughts
This Corn and Tomato Salad with Lime Dijon Dressing Recipe captures the essence of fresh, simple ingredients coming together to create something truly wonderful. It’s easy, colorful, and packed with flavor, making it a recipe you’ll want to reach for again and again. Give it a try—you’ll find yourself craving this salad all year round!
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Corn and Tomato Salad with Lime Dijon Dressing Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and vibrant Corn and Tomato Salad featuring sweet corn, cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, and fresh basil, all tossed in a zesty lime Dijon dressing. Perfect as a light side dish or a healthy snack, this salad comes together quickly and can be made ahead of time for convenience.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups corn (thawed if frozen, drained if canned)
- 3/4 cup cherry tomatoes (quartered or diced)
- 1 red bell pepper (finely diced)
- 1/4 cup diced onion (yellow, sweet, or red onion)
- 1/3 cup ribboned fresh basil (optional)
Dressing Ingredients
- 1 large lime (juiced and zested)
- 2 teaspoons Dijon-style mustard
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Assemble Salad: In a medium bowl, combine the corn, cherry tomatoes, finely diced red bell pepper, diced onion, and fresh basil if using. If preparing ahead, omit the basil until just before serving to maintain freshness.
- Make Dressing: Zest and juice the lime to yield about 2 tablespoons of juice. In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice and zest, Dijon-style mustard, maple syrup, salt, and olive oil until well emulsified. Alternatively, combine all dressing ingredients in a jar and shake vigorously until combined.
- Toss Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the corn and vegetable mixture. Gently stir to evenly coat all ingredients with the dressing.
- Serve: Enjoy the salad immediately for the freshest flavors, or cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve. This salad is best consumed the same day it is made.
Notes
- Use fresh or thawed corn for the best texture and flavor.
- If preparing ahead, add fresh basil just before serving to keep it vibrant and fresh.
- The salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours but is best enjoyed fresh.
- Feel free to customize with additional herbs or a pinch of chili flakes for some heat.
