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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Enhance Texture: Cook the corn medley for 6-8 minutes, ensuring kernels become tender and slightly caramelized, creating a complex and nuanced vegetable dish.
- 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.
- 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