Sunny Days Call for Barefoot Contessa’s Fresh Corn Salad Recipe

Summer’s golden rays invite us to savor the delightful Barefoot Contessa fresh corn salad that bursts with vibrant flavors and garden-fresh ingredients.

Sweet corn kernels dance alongside crisp herbs, creating a symphony of seasonal goodness.

Ina Garten’s touch brings this simple yet elegant dish to life with minimal effort.

Each colorful bite promises a refreshing escape from ordinary side dishes.

The salad bright medley of ingredients captures the essence of relaxed, sunny afternoons.

Gathered around the table, people will marvel at this effortless culinary creation that celebrates summer’s bounty.

Grab your freshest ingredients and get ready to dive into a salad that turns ordinary moments into memorable feasts.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 3 minutes

Total Time: 13 minutes

Calories: 150 kcal

Servings: 6

Barefoot Contessa Fresh Corn Salad Ingredients

• Corn: Sweet summer corn bursts with natural sugars, picked at peak ripeness for maximum flavor and crisp texture.
• Red Onion: Provides sharp, zesty contrast to the sweet corn, adding a delightful crunch and vibrant color.

• Cider Vinegar: Tangy liquid that balances the sweetness, bringing brightness and depth to the salad.
• Olive Oil: Smooth, rich component that helps blend flavors and create a silky texture.
• Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of each ingredient, creating a harmonious taste profile.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity, complementing the fresh vegetables.

• Fresh Basil: Herbaceous leaves that introduce a fragrant, peppery note, elevating the entire salad's freshness and appeal.

Tools for Tossing Fresh Corn Salad

• Large pot: Essential for boiling corn and creating the base of the recipe.
• Cutting board: Sturdy surface for slicing corn kernels off the cob.
• Sharp knife: Precise tool for cutting corn kernels cleanly and efficiently.
• Large mixing bowl: Roomy container for tossing and combining all salad ingredients.
• Colander: Helpful for draining corn after boiling.
• Ice bath container: Needed to quickly cool corn and stop the cooking process.
• Measuring spoons: For accurately adding salt, pepper, and vinegar.

Instructions for Making Fresh Corn Salad

• Corn Preparation

Get fresh corn and set up a quick cooking station with boiling water and an ice bath to preserve the bright yellow color and crisp texture.

• Kernel Extraction

Carefully slice corn kernels away from the cob using a sharp knife, creating a pile of golden sweet pieces ready for mixing.

• Flavor Fusion

Combine corn with zesty red onion and a tangy splash of cider vinegar, letting the ingredients mingle and develop a vibrant taste profile.

• Herbal Finishing Touch

Gently fold in fragrant basil leaves just before serving, allowing the herb’s bright green notes to elevate the summer-inspired salad. Enjoy at a comfortable temperature that highlights the corn’s natural sweetness.

Helpful Tips for Fresh Corn Salad Flavor

• Use a sharp chef's knife and hold the corn cob vertically on a cutting board, carefully slicing downward to remove kernels cleanly without losing precious corn meat.
• Let the corn salad sit for 15-30 minutes before serving to allow the vinegar and olive oil to deeply marinate the ingredients, enhancing overall taste profile.
• Replace red onion with green onions or chives for a milder onion flavor, or add diced cucumber for extra crunch and freshness during hot weather months.
• Prepare this salad up to 24 hours in advance, storing in a sealed container in the refrigerator – the flavors will actually deepen and become more complex overnight, making it perfect for picnics and potlucks.
• Toss in crumbled feta cheese, diced grilled chicken, or toasted pine nuts to transform this side dish into a light, satisfying main course for quick summer meals.

Serving Suggestions for Fresh Corn Salad

• Elevate Your Corn Salad Experience
• Pair with Grilled Proteins: Serve alongside juicy grilled chicken, succulent steak, or flaky white fish to create a complete summer meal that bursts with fresh flavors.
• Create a Picnic Platter: Arrange the corn salad with chilled sliced watermelon, crusty bread, and a selection of cold cuts for a stunning outdoor dining spread that screams warm-weather fun.
• Transform into a Hearty Lunch: Toss the corn salad over mixed greens, add crumbled feta cheese, and top with grilled shrimp to turn this side dish into a satisfying main course perfect for hot days.
• Use as Vibrant Topping: Spoon the salad over grilled tacos, stuff into sandwiches, or use as a zesty garnish for baked fish to add bright, fresh texture and tangy notes to your favorite dishes.

How to Store Fresh Corn Salad Properly

• Maximize Freshness: Quick Refrigeration Tips
• Chill Quickly: Cool corn salad to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container within 2 hours of preparation.
• Extend Flavor Lifespan: Store in sealed container in refrigerator for up to 3 days, keeping ingredients crisp and vibrant.
• Smart Ingredient Separation: Keep fresh basil separate until serving to maintain optimal texture and prevent wilting.
• Revive Leftover Magic: Gently stir salad before serving and add a splash of fresh olive oil to refresh flavors and restore moisture.

Vibrant Fresh Corn Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 13 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Summer’s classic Barefoot Contessa fresh corn salad combines sweet kernels with basil, red onion, and vinaigrette. Ina Garten’s signature side dish brings garden-fresh flavors to picnics and summer gatherings.

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Ingredients

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• 5 ears corn, shucked
• 75 grams / ½ cup small-diced red onion (1 small onion)
• 10 grams / ½ cup loosely packed fresh basil, chiffonade
• 3 tbsps cider vinegar
• 3 tbsps good olive oil
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Corn Preparation: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook corn ears for 3 minutes until crisp-tender, then immediately transfer to an ice bath to halt cooking and preserve vibrant color.
2. Kernel Extraction: Position cooled corn vertically on a cutting board and slice kernels off the cob using a sharp chef’s knife, capturing maximum kernel content in a mixing bowl.
3. Onion Integration: Finely dice red onion into uniform pieces and add to corn kernels, creating a textural base for the salad.
4. Flavor Infusion: Drizzle cider vinegar and extra virgin olive oil over the corn and onion mixture, seasoning with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance natural flavors.
5. Herb Finish: Gently toss all ingredients until thoroughly combined, then moments before serving, chop fresh basil leaves and sprinkle across the salad for a fragrant herbal dimension.
6. Final Touch: Perform a taste test, adjusting seasonings as needed to achieve a balanced flavor profile, and serve chilled or at room temperature for optimal enjoyment.

Notes

• Corn Cooking Tip: Boil corn for exactly 3 minutes to preserve its crisp-tender texture and vibrant color, ensuring peak freshness and optimal taste.
• Kernel Cutting Technique: Use a sharp chef’s knife at an angle when removing kernels from the cob to maximize kernel extraction and minimize waste.
• Flavor Balancing Strategy: Allow the vinaigrette to sit with corn and onions for 15-30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld and intensify.
• Herbal Freshness Hack: Add basil leaves just before serving to maintain their bright, aromatic quality and prevent wilting or flavor degradation.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg