Summer's bounty is at its peak, and what better way to celebrate than with a vibrant and refreshing Corn Arugula Salad? This easy recipe is packed with flavor and texture, making it a perfect light lunch, a healthy side dish, or even a delightful starter for a summer gathering. It's one of those quick dinner ideas that's both delicious and satisfying, proving that healthy meals don't have to be complicated. Let’s dive into this homemade cooking masterpiece!
Ingredients:
This simple recipe requires readily available ingredients, making it perfect for a weeknight meal or a last-minute addition to your next barbecue.
- 1 cup fresh or frozen corn kernels (about 2 ears of corn)
- 5 ounces baby arugula, washed and dried
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
Follow these easy steps to create this delightful Corn Arugula Salad.
- Prepare the Corn: If using fresh corn, remove the kernels from the cob. If using frozen corn, thaw it completely. Lightly sauté the corn in a pan with a teaspoon of olive oil for 2-3 minutes to enhance its sweetness. Let it cool slightly.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently combine the arugula, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and cooked corn.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining olive oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
- Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly. Be careful not to overmix, as you want the arugula to retain its vibrant green color.
- Add Feta: Gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese just before serving. This prevents the feta from becoming too soggy.
Tips for the Best Corn Arugula Salad:
- Corn Sweetness: For extra sweetness, grill the corn before removing the kernels. The char adds a smoky depth of flavor.
- Arugula Choice: Choose baby arugula for its tender leaves. Avoid using mature arugula, which can be quite peppery.
- Red Onion Bite: If you prefer a milder onion flavor, soak the sliced red onion in cold water for 10-15 minutes before adding it to the salad. This reduces its sharpness.
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses! Goat cheese or cotija cheese would be delicious substitutes for feta.
Variations:
This recipe provides a wonderful base for customization. Consider these delicious variations:
- Add protein: Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas add protein and make this a complete meal.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Add crunch: Toasted pepitas or sunflower seeds add a delightful crunch.
- Herby delight: Fresh herbs like cilantro or basil add another layer of freshness.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 200-250
- Protein: 5-7 grams
- Fat: 12-15 grams
- Carbohydrates: 15-20 grams
- Fiber: 3-4 grams
This Corn Arugula Salad is a testament to the beauty of simple, fresh ingredients. It's a delicious and healthy addition to any meal and a great way to showcase the flavors of summer. Enjoy!