Illinois-Inspired Sweet Corn and Tomato Salad with Basil Vinaigrette
A fresh, vibrant salad combining sweet corn and ripe tomatoes tossed in a zesty basil vinaigrette for a light regional side. This american-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 15 minutes pairs cherry tomatoes, halved, fresh basil leaves, chopped, red onion, finely diced 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 140 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 fresh Illinois sweet corn, kernels removed
- 1.5 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1.5 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp honey
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups fresh Illinois sweet corn kernels, 1.5 cups halved cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves, and 1/4 cup finely diced red onion.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1.5 tbsp red wine vinegar, 1 tsp honey, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until emulsified.
- Step 3: Pour the basil vinaigrette over the corn and tomato mixture and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Step 4: Let the salad rest at room temperature for 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Illinois-Inspired Sweet Corn and Tomato Salad with Basil Vinaigrette 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 Illinois-Inspired Sweet Corn and Tomato Salad with Basil Vinaigrette?
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 cherry tomatoes, halved from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Illinois-Inspired Sweet Corn and Tomato Salad with Basil Vinaigrette?
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 Illinois-Inspired Sweet Corn and Tomato Salad with Basil Vinaigrette 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.
Is Illinois-Inspired Sweet Corn and Tomato Salad with Basil Vinaigrette vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
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