Corn and Zucchini Salad: A Refreshing Summer Recipe with Basil Vinaigrette
Looking for a light, flavorful, and vibrant salad to brighten up your summer meals? This Corn and Zucchini Salad with Basil Vinaigrette is your answer! This recipe perfectly balances sweet summer corn, delicate raw zucchini ribbons, the satisfying crunch of crispy bacon, and the bright, herbal notes of a homemade basil vinaigrette. It’s a simple yet sophisticated salad that’s both refreshing and satisfying, ideal as a side dish or a light lunch.
Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love This Corn and Zucchini Salad
- Key Ingredients for the Best Corn and Zucchini Salad
- Ingredients for the Basil Vinaigrette
- Ingredients for the Salad
- Step-by-Step: Making the Basil Vinaigrette
- Essential Tips for Perfect Vinaigrette
- Assembling Your Corn and Zucchini Masterpiece
- Delicious Serving Suggestions
- How to Store Your Salad for Maximum Freshness
- Explore More Refreshing Summer Salad Recipes
- Recipe Card: Corn and Zucchini Salad with Basil Vinaigrette
For those familiar with a love for fresh, seasonal salads, this recipe is a must-try. Beyond the classic watermelon salad with feta and the timeless Caprese with burrata, this Corn and Zucchini Salad with Basil Vinaigrette introduces a new dimension of flavors and textures.
Imagine biting into sweet, juicy corn kernels mingled with the crisp, slightly sweet zucchini ribbons. Then, add the irresistible saltiness and crunch of bacon and the creamy, salty tang of crumbled Cotija cheese. All of these elements are brought together by a vibrant, homemade basil vinaigrette that elevates the entire dish. This salad is an ideal way to showcase the best of summer produce. It’s a fresh, light side dish that complements grilled meats beautifully, or it can stand alone as a satisfying and healthy meal.
Why You’ll Love This Corn and Zucchini Salad
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings.
- Fresh Summer Flavors: Packed with the quintessential tastes of summer – sweet corn, tender zucchini, and fragrant basil.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with wholesome, readily available ingredients that you can easily find at your local farmers market or grocery store.
- Light and Satisfying: Offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures without being heavy or overly filling.
- Versatile: Perfect as a cold appetizer for barbecues, picnics, or as a vibrant side dish to your favorite meals.
- Homemade Dressing: Tossed with a flavorful, easy-to-make DIY basil vinaigrette dressing that will become your new favorite.
- Nutritious and Delicious:Combines delicious flavors with wholesome ingredients.
Key Ingredients for the Best Corn and Zucchini Salad
The quality of the ingredients truly shines in this salad. Opt for the freshest corn and zucchini you can find for the best flavor and texture.
Ingredients for the Basil Vinaigrette
- Fresh Basil: Essential for that bright, herbal flavor. Basil’s aromatic profile complements the other ingredients perfectly.
- Spinach: Adds body and nutrients to the vinaigrette while remaining subtle in taste. Blends seamlessly into the dressing for a smooth texture.
- Garlic: Provides a pungent base that enhances the overall flavor profile of the vinaigrette. A rough chop is sufficient, as the blender will take care of the rest.
- Red Onion: Milder than yellow or white onions, making it ideal for raw preparations. Adds a subtle sharpness and sweetness to the dressing.
- Red Wine Vinegar: Lends a tangy kick to the vinaigrette. Alternatives include white wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or fresh lemon juice.
- Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Contributes a rich, fruity flavor to the dressing. Opt for extra-virgin olive oil for its superior taste and health benefits.
Ingredients for the Salad
- Bacon: Provides a smoky, salty crunch that elevates the salad. Cooking the bacon until perfectly crispy is key.
- Fresh Corn: Summer corn at its peak is essential for that sweet, juicy flavor. Using fresh corn kernels cut directly from the cob makes a significant difference.
- Zucchini: A versatile vegetable that adds a refreshing, slightly sweet element. Shaving it into thin ribbons provides a delicate texture.
- Red Onion: Adds a touch of sharpness and color. If the onion is too pungent, soak it in ice water before adding it to the salad.
- Cotija Cheese: A crumbly, salty cheese that complements the sweetness of the corn and zucchini. Feta cheese can be used as a delicious substitute.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
This recipe consists of two key parts: preparing the flavorful basil vinaigrette and assembling the fresh, vibrant salad.
Step-by-Step: Making the Basil Vinaigrette
Creating the basil vinaigrette is incredibly simple and requires only a few minutes and a blender. The fresh flavors will elevate your salad to a whole new level.
- Place all ingredients except the olive oil into a blender.
- Pulse to roughly chop the ingredients.
- With the blender running on low, slowly drizzle in the olive oil.
- Continue blending until the dressing is completely smooth and emulsified.
Essential Tips for Perfect Vinaigrette
- Emulsify the Dressing: Always add the olive oil while the blender is running to ensure the dressing emulsifies properly.
- Avoid a Food Processor: A blender is crucial for achieving a creamy texture and finely processing the garlic and onion.
- No Need to Chop Finely: Save time by adding roughly chopped garlic and onion to the blender.
Assembling Your Corn and Zucchini Masterpiece
With the vinaigrette ready, assembling the salad is a breeze. The most “difficult” part is cooking the bacon to crispy perfection!
- Cook the Bacon: Fry bacon in a skillet over medium-low heat until crispy. Remove bacon, leaving a little bacon fat in the pan.
- Cook the Corn: Add corn to the pan with bacon fat and cook for just a couple of minutes to soften.
- Prepare the Zucchini: Use a vegetable peeler to shave the zucchini into ribbons.
- Combine Ingredients: Place zucchini ribbons in a large bowl, add the cooked corn, diced red onion, and basil vinaigrette. Toss gently to combine.
- Add the Finishing Touches: Crumble the cooked bacon over the salad and top with crumbled Cotija cheese.
Delicious Serving Suggestions
This Corn and Zucchini Salad with Basil Vinaigrette is a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Stuffed Jalapeno Popper Chicken: The coolness of the salad complements the spicy chicken perfectly.
- Baked Salmon with Honey-Garlic Glaze: The sweet and savory flavors of the salmon are enhanced by the fresh salad.
- Spicy Shrimp Tacos: The salad provides a refreshing contrast to the heat of the tacos.
- Oven-Baked Baby Back Ribs: The light and zesty salad balances the richness of the ribs.
- Pimento Cheese BLT Sandwich: Adds a fresh and healthy element to this classic sandwich.
- Glazed Honey Garlic Shrimp: The perfect complement to the sweet and savory shrimp.
Don’t forget to complete your summer meal with refreshing peach sangria popsicles or a decadent easiest-ever ice cream cake for dessert!
How to Store Your Salad for Maximum Freshness
To prevent the salad from becoming soggy, it’s best to store the components separately until you’re ready to serve.
Store salad ingredients separately: Place the salad ingredients (corn, zucchini ribbons, red onion, and bacon) in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Store the dressing separately: The basil vinaigrette can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Explore More Refreshing Summer Salad Recipes
If you love this Corn and Zucchini Salad, be sure to check out these other delicious summer salad recipes:
- Melon Salad with Basil Vinaigrette: A fruity and refreshing twist on the classic basil vinaigrette.
- Greek Pasta Salad with Red Wine Vinaigrette: A hearty and flavorful salad perfect for picnics and potlucks.
- Elote Corn Salad: A creamy and spicy Mexican-inspired corn salad.
- Steakhouse Tomato Salad with Blue Cheese: A classic combination of ripe tomatoes and tangy blue cheese.
- Watermelon Salad with Balsamic Syrup: A sweet and savory salad that’s perfect for hot summer days.
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Recipe Card: Corn and Zucchini Salad with Basil Vinaigrette
Corn and Zucchini Salad with Basil Vinaigrette
