10-Minute Refreshing Cherry Tomato Corn Salad
A quick, refreshing salad featuring sweet corn, crisp cucumber, and juicy cherry tomatoes tossed in a zesty basil-lime dressing. Perfect for weeknight dinners, light lunches, or as a colorful side dish.
Equipment
- 1 Large mixing bowl
- 1 small jar with tight-fitting lid (for dressing)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Spoon or salad tongs
Ingredients
- ¼ cup fresh basil finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups frozen sweet corn thawed
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cup cucumber peeled, seeded, and chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Basil Dressing: Gather your fresh basil, olive oil, lime juice, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Place all these ingredients into a small jar with a tight-fitting lid. Seal the jar and shake vigorously for about 20–30 seconds, until the mixture is fully emulsified and the flavors are well combined. The basil should be evenly distributed, and the dressing should have a smooth, slightly thick consistency. Set this aside to allow the flavors to meld while you prepare the vegetables.
- Thaw and Drain the Corn: Measure 2 cups of frozen sweet corn and place them in a medium bowl. Allow the corn to thaw completely at room temperature, or use a quick method by microwaving for 30–45 seconds. Once thawed, drain any excess moisture thoroughly using a fine mesh strainer or paper towel. This step ensures your salad stays crisp and avoids becoming watery once the dressing is added.
- Prepare the Cherry Tomatoes: Wash 2 cups of cherry tomatoes under cold running water. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel. Using a sharp chef’s knife, carefully halve each tomato and place them into a large mixing bowl. Halving the tomatoes allows the dressing to coat each piece and enhances the overall flavor balance in every bite.
- Chop the Cucumber: Peel 1 medium cucumber, then cut it in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to remove the seeds, which helps prevent excess water from diluting your salad. Chop the cucumber into small, bite-sized pieces, about ½-inch cubes, and add them to the bowl with the tomatoes. The cucumber adds a refreshing crunch and balances the sweetness of the corn and tomatoes.
- Combine Vegetables in a Large Bowl: Add the thawed and drained corn to the bowl containing the cherry tomatoes and chopped cucumber. Using a large spoon or salad tongs, gently toss the vegetables together to combine evenly. This ensures that every scoop of salad includes a bit of corn, tomato, and cucumber for perfect flavor distribution.
- Add the Dressing: Open the jar of basil-lime dressing and pour it evenly over the mixed vegetables. Use the spoon or salad tongs to gently toss the salad again, making sure each vegetable piece is lightly coated with the dressing. Take care not to overmix, as this can bruise the vegetables and make the salad soggy.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the salad to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 10–15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. This salad can be served cold or slightly chilled, making it perfect for a quick weeknight side, a light lunch, or a refreshing addition to a picnic.
- Optional Garnish and Final Touches: For a final touch, sprinkle a few extra fresh basil leaves on top just before serving. You can also add a squeeze of lime or a drizzle of extra olive oil for a brighter flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy a crisp, colorful, and healthy salad that’s ready in under 15 minutes.
Notes
- Use fresh basil for the brightest flavor; dried basil will change the taste significantly.
- Thaw frozen corn fully and drain excess water to prevent a watery salad.
- Cherry tomatoes can be substituted with grape tomatoes or diced regular tomatoes if needed.
- Peeling and seeding the cucumber keeps the salad crisp and avoids excess moisture.
- Adjust lime juice, sugar, salt, and pepper to taste for your preferred balance of sweet and tangy.
- Toss the salad gently to avoid bruising the vegetables and keep a fresh, crunchy texture.
- This salad can be doubled easily for larger gatherings or meal prep.
- Optional: Add diced avocado, red onion, or bell peppers for extra color and flavor.
