Sweet Corn and Cherry Tomato Summer Salad with Basil Vinaigrette

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant summer salad combining sweet Michigan corn and juicy cherry tomatoes dressed in a fragrant basil vinaigrette. This mediterranean-inspired salads ready in about 20 minutes pairs (about 4 ears) fresh corn kernels, halved cherry tomatoes, 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 210 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 5 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 210 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 4 ears of corn and cook for 3 minutes until just tender. Drain and let cool. Using a sharp knife, cut off kernels to measure 3 cups.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine 3 cups fresh corn kernels, 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes, and 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil leaves.
  3. Step 3: 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 emulsified.
  4. Step 4: Pour the basil vinaigrette over the corn and tomato mixture and toss gently to coat.
  5. Step 5: Just before serving, sprinkle 1/4 cup shaved Parmesan cheese on top for a savory finish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sweet Corn and Cherry Tomato Summer Salad with Basil Vinaigrette take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (15 min prep + 5 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 Sweet Corn and Cherry Tomato Summer 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 halved cherry tomatoes from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sweet Corn and Cherry Tomato Summer 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 Sweet Corn and Cherry Tomato Summer 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.

What goes well with Sweet Corn and Cherry Tomato Summer Salad with Basil Vinaigrette?

Mediterranean 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.

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