Colorful Summer Bliss: Ina Garten’s Confetti Corn Salad Recipe

Summer’s vibrant corn season brings a delightful twist with this confetti corn salad recipe that captures Ina Garten’s elegance.

Fresh kernels dance with colorful bell peppers, creating a festive side dish that sparkles on any plate.

Each bite bursts with sweet corn and zesty herbs, promising a crowd-pleasing accompaniment to grilled meats or picnic spreads.

The combination of textures and bright flavors makes this salad a standout at potlucks and backyard gatherings.

Simple ingredients come together with remarkable ease, turning ordinary corn into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Crisp vegetables and a light dressing elevate this dish from basic to brilliant.

You’ll want to make this recipe again and again, sharing summer’s bounty with everyone at the table.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 160 kcal

Servings: 6

Ina Garten’s Confetti Corn Salad: What Goes In

• Olive Oil: Provides a silky base for sautéing vegetables and enhancing their natural flavors.
• Onion: Adds a sweet, foundational depth to the dish with its caramelized notes.
• Bell Pepper: Introduces a crisp texture and vibrant color to the salad.

• Corn, Butter: Creates a creamy, rich backdrop with sweet kernels that become tender and less starchy during cooking.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential for highlighting and balancing the natural sweetness of corn and vegetables.

• Basil or Herbs: Brings a bright, aromatic freshness that lifts the entire dish, adding a modern garden-inspired element.

Utensils for Making Ina Garten’s Confetti Corn Salad

• Large Pan: Heavy-bottomed skillet for even heat distribution and sautéing vegetables.
• Wooden Spoon: Perfect for stirring ingredients without scratching the pan surface.
• Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for chopping onions and bell peppers.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp knife for precise vegetable cutting.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately measure salt and pepper.
• Spatula: Useful for scraping and mixing ingredients evenly.

Method for Ina Garten’s Confetti Corn Salad

• Sizzling Aromatics

Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet and gently coax chopped onions into a soft, translucent dance. Invite colorful bell peppers to join the culinary party, letting them mingle and soften for a brief moment.

• Corn Symphony

Introduce a pat of butter, allowing it to melt and create a silky base. Tumble fresh corn kernels into the pan, seasoning with a whisper of salt and pepper. Let the ingredients harmonize and transform, stirring occasionally until the corn reaches peak tenderness and loses its raw edge.

• Final Flourish

Taste and adjust the seasoning, making sure every bite sings with flavor. Sprinkle in fragrant fresh herbs, gently folding them through the warm mixture. Serve immediately, capturing the vibrant essence of summer on each plate.

Flavor Upgrades for Ina Garten’s Confetti Corn Salad

• Swap bell peppers for diced zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or fresh green beans to match summer's harvest and add vibrant colors and textures.
• Stir in a dollop of sour cream or crumbled goat cheese just before serving to create a richer, more luxurious side dish that feels indulgent.
• Toss in grilled shrimp, crispy bacon bits, or diced rotisserie chicken to transform this corn salad into a complete and satisfying main course.
• Sprinkle red pepper flakes, add a dash of smoked paprika, or include diced jalapeños for those who love a zesty kick in their summer sides.

Best Ways to Plate Ina Garten’s Confetti Corn Salad

• Brighten Your Plate: Pair this colorful corn salad with grilled proteins like chicken, steak, or fish for a complete summer meal that pops with flavor.
• Picnic Perfect: Pack this dish in a portable container for outdoor gatherings, backyard barbecues, or potluck events where fresh, vibrant sides are always welcome.
• Elevate Your Presentation: Serve the corn salad in a beautiful white ceramic bowl, garnished with extra fresh basil leaves and a light sprinkle of chopped chives to add visual appeal and an extra herbal note.
• Quick Tip for Leftovers: Chill the corn salad and use it as a zesty topping for green salads, tacos, or as a delicious filling for wraps the next day.

Storage Tips for Ina Garten’s Colorful Corn Salad

• Refrigerate Wisely: Store this vibrant corn salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping its fresh flavors and crisp texture intact.
• Prevent Sogginess: Keep herbs separate until serving to maintain their bright color and prevent wilting, ensuring maximum crunch and flavor when you're ready to enjoy.
• Quick Reheat Strategy: Warm the salad gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a tiny splash of olive oil to revive its original texture and prevent drying out.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare corn mixture ahead of time and store separately from fresh herbs, making it a perfect make-ahead side dish for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings.

Vibrant Ina Garten Confetti Corn Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s confetti corn salad combines sweet summer corn with fresh herbs and zesty seasonings. Colorful ingredients create a delightful side dish perfect for backyard gatherings and you’ll savor each crisp, flavorful bite.

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Ingredients

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• 5 ears yellow or white corn (4 cups kernels)
• ½ cup (118 ml) chopped red onion
• 1 small orange bell pepper, ½-inch diced
• 2 tbsps good olive oil
• 2 tbsps unsalted butter
• 1 ½ tsps kosher salt
• 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tbsps julienned fresh basil
• 2 tbsps minced fresh chives
• 2 tbsps minced fresh parsley leaves

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Instructions

1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Caramelize onions until they turn golden and translucent, then introduce bell peppers, stirring continuously for even cooking.
2. Build Corn Base: Add butter and corn kernels, seasoning generously with salt and pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer, developing deep, rich flavors while stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
3. Enhance Texture: Cook the corn medley for 6-8 minutes, ensuring kernels become tender and slightly caramelized, creating a complex and nuanced vegetable dish.
4. Finish and Garnish: Remove from heat and incorporate fresh basil, tossing gently to distribute herbs evenly. Taste and adjust seasonings to balance the overall flavor profile.
5. Serve Immediately: Transfer the vibrant corn salad to a serving dish, presenting while the ingredients remain warm and the flavors are at their peak intensity.

Notes

• Master Corn Selection: Choose fresh corn for peak sweetness or high-quality frozen kernels if seasonal availability limits options.
• Perfect Caramelization Technique: Maintain medium-high heat to achieve golden edges on vegetables without burning, creating depth of flavor.
• Herb Enhancement Strategy: Add fresh basil or herbs at the final moment to preserve their bright, aromatic qualities and prevent wilting.
• Temperature Timing Trick: Serve immediately after cooking to capture the corn’s optimal texture and warmth, ensuring maximum flavor enjoyment.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 160
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 240 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg