Baldwin County Sweet Corn and Tomato Salad
A fresh, regional summer salad from Alabama’s Baldwin County featuring sweet corn, ripe tomatoes, and a tangy herb vinaigrette. This american-inspired salads ready in about 15 minutes pairs halved cherry tomatoes, finely diced red onion, chopped fresh basil leaves into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 cups (from about 3 ears) fresh sweet corn kernels
- 1 1/2 cups, halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup, finely diced red onion
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil leaves
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp honey
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup (optional) crumbled feta cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: To prepare 2 cups fresh sweet corn kernels, stand each ear of corn upright and cut downward with a sharp knife. Place kernels in a large mixing bowl.
- Step 2: Add 1 1/2 cups halved cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves to the bowl with the corn.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp honey, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until the dressing emulsifies and becomes slightly thick.
- Step 4: Pour the dressing over the corn mixture and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly. Let the salad rest for 10 minutes to meld flavors.
- Step 5: Just before serving, sprinkle 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese over the top for a creamy contrast if desired. Serve chilled or at room temperature as a bright, summery side.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Baldwin County Sweet Corn and Tomato Salad take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Baldwin County Sweet Corn and Tomato Salad?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep halved cherry tomatoes from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Baldwin County Sweet Corn and Tomato Salad?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Baldwin County Sweet Corn and Tomato Salad for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Baldwin County Sweet Corn and Tomato Salad?
American salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
