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Zesty Corn Salad with Feta Recipe

Zesty Corn Salad with Feta

A bright summer corn salad tossed with lime, red wine vinegar, fresh herbs, jalapeño, and crumbled feta. It is crisp, colorful, and ready in about 25 minutes.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 6 ears or 4 ears or cups Fresh corn, shucked, or frozen corn
  • 1 small Small red bell pepper, finely diced
  • 1/2 small Small red onion, finely diced
  • 1 small Jalapeño, seeded and minced
  • 1/3 cup Fresh cilantro or flat-leaf parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 cup Feta cheese, crumbled
Zesty Dressing
  • 3 tablespoons Extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon Red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Honey or sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon Ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon Chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon Freshly ground black pepper

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Cook the corn in salted boiling water for 4–5 minutes, grill it for about 8–10 minutes while turning, or sauté the kernels in a hot skillet for 5–7 minutes. If using frozen corn, thaw it first and briefly sauté it until hot and lightly colored.
  2. Let the corn cool slightly, then cut the kernels from the cobs if using whole ears. Hold each cob upright on a cutting board and slice downward with a sharp knife, keeping your hand above the blade.
  3. Whisk the olive oil, lime juice, red wine vinegar, honey or sugar, cumin, chili powder, kosher salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Taste a drop and adjust the balance only after all the dressing ingredients are combined.
  4. Place the corn, red bell pepper, red onion, jalapeño, and chopped cilantro or parsley in a large mixing bowl. Toss gently so the vegetables remain distinct and colorful.
  5. Pour the dressing over the corn mixture while the corn is still slightly warm and toss thoroughly. Rest the salad for 10–20 minutes so the lime and spices can soak into the kernels.
  6. Fold in the feta gently after the mixture has cooled somewhat, keeping the cheese in visible crumbles. Taste and adjust with more lime juice, salt, or chili before serving.

Notes

Lightly charring the corn in a grill pan or dry skillet adds roasted flavor. Add feta after the corn mixture cools slightly so it keeps its shape. Refrigerate leftovers in a covered container and enjoy within 2 days for the best texture.