Sałatka pomidorowa z kukurydzą i bazylią

Summer is a time for fresh, vibrant flavors, and this Tomato, Corn, and Basil Salad is the perfect embodiment of that spirit. This simple yet delightful salad is a harmonious blend of sweet, juicy tomatoes, tender grilled corn, and fragrant basil, all tossed in a light and tangy vinaigrette. It’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a refreshing side dish, a light lunch, or even a starter for a summer dinner party.

Ingredients⁚

This recipe is designed for 4 servings, but you can easily adjust it based on your needs. To ensure the best flavor, use fresh, seasonal ingredients whenever possible.

• 4 large ripe tomatoes, diced
• 2 ears of corn, shucked and grilled or cooked
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Olive oil, for dressing
• Balsamic vinegar, for dressing
• Optional⁚ A pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat

Instructions⁚

This salad is incredibly easy to assemble. Follow these steps for a perfectly balanced summer treat⁚

1. Prepare the Corn⁚

1. Preheat your grill to medium heat.
2. Place the corn ears directly on the grill grates and cook for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the kernels are lightly charred and tender.
3. Alternatively, you can cook the corn in boiling water for 5-7 minutes or microwave it for 2-3 minutes per ear.
4. Once cooked, let the corn cool slightly, then use a sharp knife to cut the kernels off the cob.

2. Assemble the Salad⁚

1. In a large bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, grilled corn kernels, chopped basil, and red onion.
2. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking.
3. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of extra heat, if desired.

3. Make the Dressing⁚

1. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil and balsamic vinegar in a ratio of 3⁚1 (for example, 3 tablespoons olive oil and 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar).
2. Adjust the amount of oil and vinegar to your preference for a lighter or richer dressing.
3. Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Toss and Serve⁚

1. Pour the vinaigrette over the salad ingredients and gently toss to combine.
2. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
3. Serve immediately, or chill for a few minutes before serving for a cooler salad.

Tips and Variations⁚

This Tomato, Corn, and Basil Salad is a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. Here are some ideas to customize it to your liking⁚

• Add some crunch⁚ Crumble some feta cheese, toasted pine nuts, or chopped walnuts for a satisfying textural contrast.
• Incorporate other summer vegetables⁚ Add diced cucumbers, bell peppers, or zucchini for a more substantial salad.
• Experiment with different herbs⁚ Swap the basil for other aromatic herbs like oregano, thyme, or parsley.
• Elevate the dressing⁚ Add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the vinaigrette for a tangy kick or a drizzle of honey for a touch of sweetness.
• Make it a main course⁚ Serve the salad over a bed of mixed greens or quinoa for a more filling meal.

Nutritional Information⁚

This salad is a healthy and delicious option for a summer meal. It’s packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it a nutritious choice. The nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients and quantities used, but here’s a general idea⁚

• Calories⁚ Approximately 200-250 per serving
• Fat⁚ Primarily healthy fats from olive oil
• Protein⁚ A moderate amount from the corn and cheese (if added)
• Carbohydrates⁚ Mostly from the corn and tomatoes
• Fiber⁚ A good source of fiber from the vegetables
• Vitamins and Minerals⁚ Rich in vitamins A, C, K, and potassium

Serving Suggestions⁚

This Tomato, Corn, and Basil Salad is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways⁚

• Side Dish⁚ It’s a perfect accompaniment to grilled meats, fish, or poultry.
• Light Lunch⁚ Serve it with a crusty bread for a satisfying and healthy meal.
• Starter⁚ It makes a refreshing and flavorful appetizer for a summer dinner party.
• Picnic Food⁚ It’s easy to transport and enjoy outdoors;
• Salad Bar Addition⁚ It’s a great addition to a salad bar, offering a burst of summer flavors.

Conclusion⁚

This Tomato, Corn, and Basil Salad is a simple yet delightful recipe that captures the essence of summer flavors. It’s a healthy, refreshing, and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. So, gather your fresh ingredients, fire up the grill, and create a taste of summer with this easy and delicious salad.