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- 2 cups fresh corn kernels (sweet and bright; frozen is an acceptable alternative) - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 bell pepper (your choice of color for a vibrant dish), diced - ½ red onion, finely chopped - 1 jalapeño pepper, seeds removed and diced - ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped - Juice of 2 limes (freshly squeezed for best flavor) - 2 tablespoons high-quality olive oil - Salt and black pepper to taste - ½ teaspoon ground cumin - ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (adds depth) - ½ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional, for a creamy finish) The heart of this Fiesta Corn Salad lies in its fresh ingredients and zesty dressing. First, the corn kernels create a sweet base, making the salad lively. You can choose fresh corn for a bright taste or use frozen corn for ease. The cherry tomatoes add a juicy burst, while the bell pepper brings vibrant color and crunch. Next, the finely chopped red onion gives a nice bite and the diced jalapeño adds just the right heat. Don't forget the fresh cilantro; it brightens everything up with its herbaceous notes. Now, let's talk dressing. The freshly squeezed lime juice and high-quality olive oil create a tangy base. Season it with salt, black pepper, cumin, and smoked paprika for that extra depth of flavor. If you want a creamy finish, sprinkle in some crumbled feta cheese. This dressing will tie all the ingredients together and make your salad shine! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start with your fresh ingredients. In a large bowl, combine the corn, halved cherry tomatoes, diced bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, and diced jalapeño pepper. This colorful mix forms the base of your salad. Next, gently fold in the chopped cilantro using a spatula. This helps spread the fresh cilantro flavor evenly throughout the salad. Now, let’s make the dressing. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the freshly squeezed lime juice and high-quality olive oil. Add a pinch of salt and black pepper. Then, mix in the ground cumin and smoked paprika. This dressing adds a zesty kick to your salad. Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture in the large bowl. Toss everything together until all the ingredients are coated in the dressing. This step ensures that the fresh flavors blend well. If you like, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top just before serving. This adds a creamy finish that pairs well with the other flavors. Enjoy your beautiful Fiesta Corn Salad! For the best taste, let your Fiesta Corn Salad rest for 15-20 minutes. This time allows the flavors to mix well. If you skip this step, the salad may taste bland. Freshly squeezed lime juice is key. It brings a bright, zesty kick that bottled juice can’t match. The juice enhances the fresh ingredients, making every bite pop. Serve your salad in a large, colorful bowl. This showcases the bright corn, red tomatoes, and green peppers. It makes the dish inviting and fun. For garnishing, add a handful of fresh cilantro on top. A lime wedge on the side adds a nice touch. These small details make your salad look even more delicious. Pro Tips Fresh Ingredients Make a Difference: Use the freshest corn and vegetables available to enhance the flavor and texture of your salad. Customize Your Heat Level: Adjust the amount of jalapeño according to your spice preference. You can also substitute it with a milder pepper if desired. Chill for Better Flavor: For an even more refreshing taste, chill the salad in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes after mixing, allowing the flavors to meld. Experiment with Add-Ins: Try adding black beans, avocado, or corn chips for added texture and flavor to your Fiesta Corn Salad. {{image_4}} You can make Fiesta Corn Salad your own by adding different ingredients. Here are a few ideas: - Beans or Avocado: Adding black beans or diced avocado gives your salad more texture. Beans add protein, while avocado adds creaminess. Both enhance the flavor and make the salad more filling. - Changing Peppers: Try different bell peppers to add color and taste. Yellow or orange peppers brighten the dish. They can also bring a sweet flavor that contrasts well with the other ingredients. You can easily adjust this salad to fit different diets. Here are two common adjustments: - Vegan Option: To make it vegan, simply leave out the feta cheese. The salad remains fresh and vibrant without it. You can also add more avocado or nuts for creaminess. - Gluten-Free: The Fiesta Corn Salad is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure all your ingredients, like spices, are gluten-free. This makes it perfect for anyone with gluten sensitivities. To keep your Fiesta Corn Salad fresh, use an airtight container. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure the container seals tightly to keep air out. This helps prevent spoiling. Place the salad in the fridge right away. The fresh ingredients need cool temperatures to last longer. If you don’t eat it all, this method keeps it tasty for your next meal. Your Fiesta Corn Salad lasts about 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator. Store it properly, and it will stay fresh. Check for signs of spoilage, like changes in color or smell. If the salad looks slimy or smells off, it has gone bad. It is best to toss it out to avoid any stomach issues. Enjoy your salad while it’s fresh for the best taste! You can use other sweet vegetables. Try diced zucchini or peas. Both add nice color. You might also like using cooked quinoa for a grainy texture. Yes, you can make this salad a day ahead. Prepare all the veggies and store them in the fridge. Mix the dressing separately and add it when you're ready to serve. This keeps everything fresh and crunchy. Fiesta Corn Salad pairs well with grilled chicken or fish. It also goes great with tacos or burgers. Add it to a summer barbecue for a fresh touch. This blog post shared a simple, tasty Fiesta Corn Salad recipe. You learned about fresh ingredients and dressing components. I provided clear steps for preparation, making the dressing, and assembling the salad. We also explored tips to enhance flavor and ways to customize the dish. Proper storage methods help keep your salad fresh. Enjoy this vibrant salad as a side or a main dish. Take your time to experiment with flavors and textures. Your taste buds will thank you!

Fiesta Corn Salad

A vibrant and refreshing salad featuring fresh corn, tomatoes, and a zesty dressing.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 6
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups fresh corn kernels
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 whole bell pepper, diced
  • 0.5 whole red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 whole jalapeño pepper, diced
  • 0.5 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons high-quality olive oil
  • to taste salt
  • to taste black pepper
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 0.25 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 0.5 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preparing your fresh ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine the corn kernels, halved cherry tomatoes, diced bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, and diced jalapeño pepper.
  • Gently fold in the chopped cilantro using a spatula or wooden spoon.
  • In a separate small bowl, whisk together the freshly squeezed lime juice, high-quality olive oil, a pinch of salt and black pepper, ground cumin, and smoked paprika.
  • Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture in the large bowl, and toss everything together until all ingredients are evenly coated.
  • If desired, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top of the salad right before serving.
  • For best results, allow the salad to sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes.

Notes

Allow the salad to sit for 15-20 minutes for the best flavor.
Keyword corn, fresh, salad