| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 10 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 154 | 8.9g | 1.3g | 19.4g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 3.6g | 2.9g | 3.5g | 0.2g |
As soon as I came across the recipe for the “Fresh Corn Salad with Scallions and Basil”, I instantly fell for its vibrancy and boldness. Every ingredient in this dish contrives to whisk you away to a verdant Californian farm in the peak of summer, the cob-embossed fields gently bending under the weight of succulent sweet corn. With origins tracing back to the West Coast, where fresh vegetables are somewhat a philosophy, this salad showcases the essence of how simple, fresh ingredients can often lead to the most delightful creations.
A Mélange of Flavors and Cultures
The Fresh Corn Salad with Scallions and Basil symbolically portrays my culinary style – a beautiful fusion between my West Coast upbringing and Gujarati roots. This medley of wholesome corn, crunchy scallions, and aromatic basil, kissed by a dressing of extra virgin olive oil and fresh lemon juice, is subtly reminiscent of the Indian “bhutta” spiked with lemon and spices. However, it keeps its feet firmly on Californian soil, similar to the flavor nuances in several of my other recipes.
Health Benefits and Pairing Opportunities
Beyond its incredible taste profile, this recipe is brimming with nutrition. Corn is a great source of fiber and comes packed with antioxidants. Paired with the health benefits of basil, scallions, and olive oil, this dish is not only a feast for the senses but also highly beneficial for your body.
This salad serves as an excellent fresh and healthy side to almost any main. Eat it with grilled fish or chicken for a light meal, or serve it alongside a hearty Spiced Lamb Burger for a contrast of flavors.
The Fresh Corn Salad with Scallions and Basil is a testament to the fact that regardless of the dish at the table, what ultimately matters is the love and care put into the preparation. Simplicity, I’ve come to realize, is the ultimate sophistication in cooking and in life. And I am tremendously excited for you to experience and enjoy this simple, yet elegant, embodiment of my culinary journey.
What You’ll Need
- 5 ears of fresh corn
- 2 bunches of scallions
- 1 cup of fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
Method
Step One
Begin by shucking the corn and then use a sharp knife to cut the kernels off the cob. Place the cut kernels in a large bowl and set them aside.
Step Two
Take the bunches of scallions, rinse them thoroughly under cold water, then pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel. Slice the scallions thinly and add them to the bowl with the corn.
Step Three
Wash the fresh basil leaves and pat them dry. Chiffonade the basil leaves, which involves stacking the leaves, rolling them tightly, then slicing the leaves perpendicular to the roll. This creates thin ribbons of basil. Add this to the bowl.
Step Four
In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, salt and black pepper. This will serve as your dressing.
Step Five
Drizzle the dressing over the corn, scallions, and basil in the large bowl. Toss everything together gently to ensure all ingredients are well coated in the dressing.
Step Six
Allow the salad to sit for at least 15-20 minutes to let the flavors meld together. This fresh corn salad with scallions and basil is best served at room temperature. Enjoy!
