Zesty Corn & Blueberry Fiesta Salad
This delightful and refreshing salad is a symphony of sweet and savory flavors that will surprise your taste buds. Featuring fresh sweet corn and juicy blueberries, paired with crisp cucumber, aromatic cilantro, and a bit of heat from jalapeno, this salad is dressed in a tangy lime and honey dressing that ties it all together. Whether you're hosting a summer barbecue, a potluck, or just preparing a light meal, this dish is sure to impress and leave your guests asking for more. Perfect for preparing ahead of time as it can be chilled overnight to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
7
Servings
120
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fresh sweet corn
6 ears (husked)
Fresh blueberries
1 cup
Cucumber
1 small (sliced)
Red onion
1/4 cup (finely chopped)
Fresh cilantro
1/4 cup (chopped)
Jalapeno pepper
1 (seeded and finely chopped)
Fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons
Extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons
Honey
1 tablespoon
Ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon
Salt
1/2 teaspoon ((plus additional for water))
Instructions
1
Begin by filling a Dutch oven with water and adding a generous pinch of salt. Bring it to a boil over high heat.
2
Once boiling, carefully add the husked ears of corn. Cover and cook for 5 minutes, or until the corn is tender and the kernels have a vibrant yellow hue.
3
Remove the corn from the water and let it cool until it is safe to touch. Use a sharp knife to slice the kernels off the cob and place them into a large serving bowl.
4
To the bowl, add fresh blueberries, sliced cucumber, finely chopped red onion, chopped cilantro, and finely chopped jalapeno.
5
In a separate jar with a lid, combine the lime juice, extra virgin olive oil, honey, ground cumin, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Secure the lid and shake vigorously to create a well-mixed dressing.
6
Pour the dressing over the corn and blueberry mixture. Gently toss all the ingredients together until the salad is evenly coated with the dressing.
7
Cover the salad with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least an hour or ideally overnight to let the flavors meld together.
8
Before serving, give the salad a quick toss to mix and adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed.
Nutrition Information
4g
Fat
24g
Carbs
2g
Protein
3g
Fiber
12g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Zesty Corn & Blueberry Fiesta Salad?
It is a refreshing summer salad that combines sweet fresh corn and juicy blueberries with crisp cucumber, red onion, cilantro, and jalapeno, all tossed in a lime and honey dressing.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 7 servings.
How many calories are in a serving of this salad?
Each serving contains approximately 120 calories.
What are the main ingredients in the dressing?
The dressing is made from fresh lime juice, extra virgin olive oil, honey, ground cumin, and salt.
Do I need to cook the corn for this salad?
Yes, the corn ears should be husked and boiled in salted water for about 5 minutes until tender before slicing the kernels off the cob.
Can I use frozen corn if fresh corn is unavailable?
While fresh corn provides the best flavor and texture, you can use thawed frozen corn or canned corn if fresh ears are not in season.
Is this salad spicy?
The salad contains one seeded and finely chopped jalapeno, which adds a mild heat. You can omit it or add more depending on your preference.
How long should the salad be refrigerated?
For the best results, refrigerate the salad for at least one hour, or ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to meld together.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian.
Can I make this salad vegan?
Yes, you can make it vegan by substituting the honey in the dressing with agave nectar or maple syrup.
What is the nutritional content regarding fat?
There are 4 grams of fat per serving.
How much sugar is in each serving?
Each serving contains 12 grams of sugar, primarily from the fruit and honey.
Is there fiber in this salad?
Yes, there are 3 grams of dietary fiber per serving.
How much protein does this salad provide?
Each serving provides about 2 grams of protein.
What type of cucumber is best for this recipe?
A small cucumber, such as a Persian or English cucumber, works well for its crisp texture and thin skin.
Can I use frozen blueberries?
Fresh blueberries are recommended to maintain their shape; frozen blueberries may bleed color and become mushy once thawed.
What herb is used in this salad?
Fresh chopped cilantro is used to provide an aromatic and bright flavor.
How do I prepare the dressing?
Combine the lime juice, olive oil, honey, cumin, and salt in a jar and shake vigorously until well-mixed.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, it is an excellent make-ahead dish as the flavors improve after chilling overnight.
What is the total carbohydrate count per serving?
There are 24 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How should I store leftover salad?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I substitute red onion with something else?
If you find red onion too strong, you can use green onions or shallots for a milder flavor.
Do I need to seed the jalapeno?
The recipe suggests seeding the jalapeno to control the heat, but you can leave the seeds in if you prefer a spicier salad.
What equipment do I need?
You will need a Dutch oven for boiling corn, a sharp knife, a large serving bowl, and a small jar with a lid for the dressing.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Yes, bell peppers, avocado, or black beans would make great additions to this fiesta salad.
What is the purpose of ground cumin in the dressing?
Ground cumin adds an earthy, warm depth that complements the sweetness of the corn and blueberries.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free.
Is there any cholesterol in this dish?
This recipe contains 0mg of cholesterol.
Should the corn be cooled before mixing?
Yes, let the corn cool until it is safe to touch before slicing the kernels and mixing them with the fresh ingredients.
Is this salad suitable for a BBQ?
Absolutely, its refreshing profile and ability to be served chilled make it a perfect side dish for summer barbecues and potlucks.