Sweet Corn Salad with Cherry Tomatoes & Balsamic Glaze

Prep: 15 mins

Cook: 15 mins

Difficulty: Easy

Serves: 6

kcal	fat	saturates	carbs
265	11g	1.5g	37g

sugars	fibre	protein	salt
9g	4g	6g	0.1g

One of the recipes that genuinely catches the essence of my culinary lineage is the vibrant, flavourful Sweet Corn Salad with Cherry Tomatoes & Balsamic Glaze. Organic corn kernels kirad with ripe cherry tomatoes, bathed in a rich infused olive oil and balsamic glaze dressing, this salad represents a simple and healthy dish with exquisite taste and nutritional benefits.

Nutritional Powerhouse

This Sweet Corn Salad with Cherry Tomatoes and Balsamic Glaze is not just a feast for your taste buds but also a powerhouse of nutrients. Corn is a good source of several vitamins, minerals, fibre, and antioxidants that may aid digestion and eye health. Cherry tomatoes, aside from giving a sweet and tangy flavour to the salad, are rich in vitamin C and potassium. Both the primary ingredients of this salad are low in fat, making it an excellent choice for those monitoring their calorie intake. The olive oil and balsamic glaze dressing, apart from upping the taste quotient, offer additional health benefits. Athena olive oil is packed with anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants, while the balsamic glaze has probiotic characteristics beneficial for gut health.

Companion Dishes

The sweet corn salad can be served as a standalone dish or paired with other meals. Its mild and refreshing taste acts as a palate cleanser, making it an excellent side dish for heavy, flavourful Southern main courses, like Cajun chicken or barbequed ribs. For individuals seeking an Afro-Southern taste, this salad pairs well with Jollof rice, a famous West African dish. Alternatively, it can also be tossed onto a classic burger to add a layer of crunch and freshness.

Being born in Atlanta to Nigerian parents, my cooking is heavily influenced by both Southern and West African cuisines. This salad, for me, is a classic example of Afro-Southern fusion – a dish that brings together the warmth of Southern cooking with a hint of West African undertones. It’s simple, it’s nutritious, and it’s vibrantly flavourful, just like the melting pot of cultures it represents.

What You’ll Need

4 cups sweet corn kernels (from 4-5 corn cobs)
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1 large red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves, chopped
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
Salt, to taste
Ground black pepper, to taste

ALLERGENS: None

Method

Step One

Begin by preparing the corn kernels. If you are using fresh corn, shuck it and remove all the silk. Using a sharp knife, cut the kernels off the cob. You should have around 4 cups of sweet corn kernels from 4-5 cobs.

Step Two

Next, prepare the cherry tomatoes. Rinse them in cold water and pat them dry. Cut the cherry tomatoes in half until you have about 2 cups of halved tomatoes.

Step Three

Peel the red onion and finely chop it into small pieces. Set aside.

Step Four

Chop the fresh basil and parsley leaves. You will need about 1/4 cup of each. Set aside.

Step Five

In a large bowl, combine the prepared corn kernels, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped red onion, and the chopped basil and parsley leaves.

Step Six

Add the extra virgin olive oil to the bowl. Stir well to ensure all the ingredients are coated.

Step Seven

Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the salad mixture and stir again to evenly distribute. Season with salt and ground black pepper to taste.

Step Eight

Before serving, allow the salad to sit for a few minutes so the flavors can meld together. Enjoy your Sweet Corn Salad with Cherry Tomatoes & Balsamic Glaze!