Red, White, and Bluecorn Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette
A light and fresh salad featuring red tomatoes, white corn, and blue cheese crumbles dressed in a zesty citrus vinaigrette, perfect for patriotic gatherings. This american-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 15 minutes pairs halved cherry tomatoes, (about 2 ears) fresh corn kernels, crumbled blue cheese 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
- 1 1/2 cups, halved cherry tomatoes
- 2 cups (about 2 ears) fresh corn kernels
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil leaves
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp honey
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups halved cherry tomatoes, 2 cups fresh corn kernels, 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp honey, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until the vinaigrette is emulsified and slightly thickened.
- Step 3: Pour the citrus vinaigrette over the salad ingredients and toss gently to coat evenly, allowing the flavors to meld for 10 minutes before serving chilled or at room temperature.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Red, White, and Bluecorn Salad with Citrus 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 Red, White, and Bluecorn Salad with Citrus 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 halved cherry tomatoes from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Red, White, and Bluecorn Salad with Citrus 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 Red, White, and Bluecorn Salad with Citrus 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 Red, White, and Bluecorn Salad with Citrus 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.