My Favorite Summer Side Dish

corn salad



This was my family's most requested side dish last summer.

The original recipe from Sara Foster from Foster's Market in Durham, N.C. calls for grilled corn on the cob, however, Jersey corn is not in season until September in New Jersey, so I use a bag of frozen corn, defrosted and toasted in a pan.

Throw it in with grilled asparagus, fresh herbs, oil and vinegar, and you have the tastiest, easiest summer side.
Serve along with a potato salad and some grilled steaks, and we have a party!



Grilled Asparagus & Corn Salad:

2 bunches of fresh asparagus, woody stems trimmed
1 bag of frozen sweet corn, defrosted

a bunch of fresh parsley, chopped
a bunch of fresh basil, chopped
a few scallions sliced

3 tbsp of white balsamic vinegar
3 tbsp of good extra virgin olive oil
squeeze of honey
sea salt and pepper to taste

In a heavy cast iron skillet, heat some olive oil and butter (you can skip the butter if you want) and toast your corn for about 15 minutes.



*Don't stir the corn. Lay it in a single layer and really toast it, until you hear it pop, like popcorn!
Then you can move it around to toast the other side.



Grill your asparagus spears w/ kosher salt and olive oil for a few minutes.
Take off the grill and slice the spears on the diagonal into 2" pieces.

Place your corn and asparagus in a large bowl.
Toss w/ fresh herbs and add oil, vinegar, salt & pepper to the bowl.

You can make this hours ahead and keep on the counter at room temperature.



Enjoy!

Comments

Ciao Chow Linda said…
A new way to eat corn for me - I'll bet the corn gets a real nutty flavor from the roasting. will have to try this one.
What a great idea to toast the frozen corn in a pan - I've been pretty lax in grilling lately, so this is a fantastic idea!
SarahB said…
This looks SO good! I'd be sneaking extra spoonfuls after dinner!
Great salad. We had corn from Wegman's last night and it was really sweet. But I can't wait to get the Jersey corn from the farmers markets.
kat said…
I bet that is fantastic. I love the flavors of grilled corn & grilled asparagus so together even bettedr
The Food Hunter said…
this sounds really good...boy do I miss Jersey corn...sold on the side of the road...coming back from the Jersey shore...
Bob said…
Oooooo, that looks good. I'm definitely stealing that recipe. :)
LaDue & Crew said…
Perfect side dish... I love it when dishes can stay out for awhile, too.
excellent side - that 'gray' picture looks wierd
Kerstin said…
I love this! It's so pretty and would be great to enjoy all summer long - yum!
Great side Stace, I might just use it this weekend! Happy 4th!
Danielle said…
What a perfect summer side dish! I love the vibrant colours!
Claudia said…
I was looking for something other than the green salad that no one eats. This is perfect and oh so summery! Thanks.
Culinary Cory said…
I LOVE the combo of asparagus and corn. This recipe sounds like it rocks!
I'm trying this recipe this weekend. I just bought 6 ears of corn for $1. Looks yummy.
Anonymous said…
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Lyss said…
I made this for a summary BBQ and everyone loved it! I only wish I had gotten my butt in gear to make quiche with the leftovers the next day.