Zesty Summer Corn Salad with Spicy Garlic Shrimp
Embrace the vibrant flavors of summer with this Zesty Summer Corn Salad featuring fresh kernels of corn, succulent shrimp, and juicy cherry tomatoes. Each bite bursts with color and freshness, making it a stunning addition to any outdoor gathering. The salad is brightened with a zesty dressing of lime juice, vinegar, and ancho chili powder, making it a perfect complement to the lightly spiced shrimp. Inspired by my grandmother’s belief in a colorful table, this dish celebrates the beauty of nature's bounty while being quick and effortless to prepare. Serve it as a main dish or a refreshing side, and let it shine at your next picnic or barbecue.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fresh corn
6 ears (cleaned and kernels cut off)
Medium shrimp
1 lb (peeled and deveined)
Cherry tomatoes
10 ounces (cut in half)
Red bell pepper
1 (raw or roasted, diced)
Cajun seasoning
1 1/2 teaspoons (for seasoning shrimp)
Olive oil
3 tablespoons (divided)
Garlic cloves
2 (minced)
Red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon (for added spice)
Fresh parsley
2 tablespoons (minced)
Fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons (for dressing)
White vinegar
1 teaspoon (for dressing)
Dried ancho chile powder
1 teaspoon (for dressing)
Salt
to taste (for seasoning)
Fresh ground pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Instructions
1
Start by preparing the corn: Place the corn kernels in a saucepan, cover with water, and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, drain and rinse the corn under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool completely.
2
In a medium bowl, toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with cajun seasoning until evenly coated. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the seasoned shrimp along with minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté the shrimp for about 2 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the skillet from heat and let the shrimp cool.
3
To create the dressing, whisk together the fresh lime juice, white vinegar, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and dried ancho chili powder in a small bowl until well combined.
4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled corn, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped red bell pepper, and cooked shrimp. Pour the dressing over the salad mixture, then add the fresh parsley. Gently toss everything together until evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or additional lime juice as desired.
5
This salad can be served at room temperature, chilled, or even slightly warm. Enjoy its delightful flavors at any summer gathering!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is called Zesty Summer Corn Salad with Spicy Garlic Shrimp.
What are the primary proteins in this dish?
The primary protein used is one pound of medium shrimp, peeled and deveined.
How should the corn be prepared?
The corn should be cleaned, kernels cut off the ears, boiled in a saucepan, then drained and rinsed under cold water.
What seasoning is used for the shrimp?
The shrimp is tossed with 1 1/2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning.
How long should the shrimp be sautéed?
The shrimp should be sautéed for about 2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque.
What ingredients make up the dressing?
The dressing consists of fresh lime juice, white vinegar, olive oil, and dried ancho chili powder.
Can I use roasted red bell peppers?
Yes, the recipe allows for either raw or roasted diced red bell peppers.
What type of tomatoes are recommended?
The recipe calls for 10 ounces of cherry tomatoes, cut in half.
How many ears of corn are required?
You will need 6 ears of fresh corn.
What herbs are included in the salad?
Two tablespoons of minced fresh parsley are added to the salad.
Does this recipe have a spicy kick?
Yes, it includes Cajun seasoning, red pepper flakes, and dried ancho chili powder for a spicy, zesty flavor.
At what temperature should the salad be served?
It can be served at room temperature, chilled, or even slightly warm.
What is the inspiration behind this recipe?
It was inspired by the creator's grandmother, who believed in having a colorful table to celebrate nature's bounty.
How much olive oil is used in total?
A total of 3 tablespoons of olive oil is used: 1 for sautéing the shrimp and 2 for the dressing.
Is the garlic raw or cooked?
The minced garlic is cooked in the skillet with the shrimp and red pepper flakes.
What kind of vinegar is needed?
The recipe specifies 1 teaspoon of white vinegar.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 14 ingredients in total.
Is this dish suitable for a main course?
Yes, it can be served as a main dish or as a refreshing side.
How do you ensure the corn doesn't overcook?
After boiling, you should immediately rinse the corn under cold water to stop the cooking process.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is preparing the corn by boiling it in a saucepan and then cooling it.
Can I adjust the salt and pepper?
Yes, the recipe suggests tasting and adjusting salt, pepper, or lime juice as desired at the end.
What type of chili powder is specified?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of dried ancho chile powder.
What size of shrimp should I buy?
Medium-sized shrimp are recommended for this salad.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as healthy and features fresh vegetables and lean protein.
How much lime juice is required?
The dressing requires 2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include salad, summer, corn, shrimp, fresh, colorful, outdoor meal, one dish meal, zesty, healthy, and easy cook.
What equipment is needed to cook the shrimp?
A large skillet is needed to sauté the shrimp over medium heat.
Should the shrimp be cooled before mixing into the salad?
Yes, the instructions state to let the shrimp cool before combining them with the other ingredients.
How should the red bell pepper be cut?
The red bell pepper should be diced.
Can this be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, since it can be served chilled or at room temperature, it is a great make-ahead option for gatherings.