🌽🍅 Caprese Corn Salad

Caprese Corn Salad is a fresh summer side dish that combines sweet corn, juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fragrant basil, and a tangy balsamic dressing. It’s a colorful twist on the classic Italian Caprese salad and is perfect for BBQs, picnics, and easy weeknight meals.

6

Prep Time

• Prep: 15 minutes
• Cook: 5 minutes (optional)
• Total: 20 minutes

Servings

6 servings

Ingredients

Salad

• 4 cups fresh corn kernels (about 5–6 ears of corn)
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 8 oz (225 g) fresh mozzarella pearls or diced mozzarella
• ½ cup fresh basil leaves, torn
• ¼ cup red onion, finely sliced (optional)
• 1 avocado, diced (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Balsamic Dressing

• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 small garlic clove, minced
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the corn:
   • Use raw sweet corn for a crisp, fresh flavor, or lightly sauté/grill the kernels for extra smoky sweetness.
2. In a large bowl, combine corn, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and red onion.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, garlic, and red pepper flakes.
4. Pour dressing over the salad and gently toss.
5. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Let the salad rest for 10–15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to blend.

Serving Ideas

• Serve alongside grilled chicken, steak, burgers, or seafood.
• Spoon over toasted bread for a bruschetta-style appetizer.
• Add grilled shrimp for a complete meal.
• Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Variations

🌶 Spicy Caprese Corn Salad

Add:

• Diced jalapeño
• Chili flakes
• A squeeze of lime juice

🥓 Loaded Version

Add:

• Crispy bacon pieces
• Avocado
• Extra mozzarella

🌿 Mediterranean Twist

Add:

• Cucumber
• Kalamata olives
• Feta cheese

Storage

• Keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Add fresh basil just before serving for the best color and flavor.

Tips

• Grilling the corn first adds a delicious smoky flavor.
• Use fresh mozzarella for the creamiest texture.
• Add the dressing shortly before serving if making ahead to keep the tomatoes and basil fresh.