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Spicy Cilantro Lime Corn Salad Fresh and Flavorful Dish

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- 4 ears of fresh corn - 1 red bell pepper - 1 small jalapeño - 1/2 cup red onion - 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro - 3 tablespoons lime juice - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon honey - Salt and pepper to taste - Crumbled feta cheese - Diced avocado The fresh ingredients in this Spicy Cilantro Lime Corn Salad make it vibrant and tasty. Start with the corn. I love using fresh corn because it gives the best flavor and crunch. You can use four ears. Next, grab a red bell pepper. It adds a sweet and crisp bite. A small jalapeño adds heat. Just remove the seeds for less spice. Cut up a half cup of red onion for a sharp taste. Add half a cup of cherry tomatoes for juicy bursts of flavor. Finally, toss in a quarter cup of chopped cilantro. It gives the salad a fresh herbal note. For the dressing, mix three tablespoons of lime juice with two tablespoons of olive oil. Add one teaspoon of honey for a touch of sweetness. Season it all with salt and pepper to your taste. If you want to go the extra mile, top it off with crumbled feta cheese or diced avocado. These toppings add creaminess and richness. Enjoy making this salad. It’s a great way to bring fresh flavors together! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Boiling the corn: Start by boiling a large pot of water. When the water boils, add the husked corn. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the corn is tender. - Cooling and slicing corn kernels: Remove the corn from the pot. Let it cool for a few minutes. Once cool, cut the kernels off the cob and place them in a big mixing bowl. - Combining vegetables in a bowl: Add the diced red bell pepper, minced jalapeño, finely chopped red onion, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped cilantro to the bowl with corn. Mix well. - Preparing the dressing in a separate bowl: In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper. Make sure it’s well blended. - Tossing the salad and adjusting flavors: Pour the dressing over the corn mixture. Toss everything gently to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. - Adding optional toppings: If you want, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese or diced avocado on top before you serve. Enjoy your colorful, fresh salad! Choosing the right corn Fresh corn is best for this salad. Look for corn with bright green husks. The kernels should feel plump and firm. Sweet corn adds great flavor. If fresh corn is not available, canned or frozen corn can work. Adjusting spice levels with jalapeño The jalapeño adds heat. You can control the spice by removing all seeds. If you want more heat, leave some seeds in. For less spice, use a milder pepper or omit it altogether. Adding more vegetables or herbs You can boost flavors by adding more veggies. Try diced cucumbers or radishes for crunch. Fresh herbs like parsley or basil also add freshness. Mix and match to find your favorite combination. Utilizing fresh lime versus bottled juice Fresh lime juice makes the salad bright and zesty. Bottled lime juice lacks flavor and freshness. Always choose fresh when possible for the best taste. Best pairings for the salad This salad pairs well with grilled meats or fish. It also complements tacos or burritos nicely. Serve it as a side dish at barbecues for a colorful addition. Ideal serving temperature Serve the salad cold or at room temperature. Chilling it for a bit enhances the flavors. If made ahead, let it sit in the fridge for at least an hour before serving. Pro Tips Choose Fresh Corn: The fresher the corn, the sweeter and more flavorful your salad will be. Look for bright, green husks and plump kernels. Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder salad, reduce or omit the jalapeño. For extra heat, leave the seeds in or add more jalapeño. Make it Ahead: This salad can be made a few hours in advance. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to meld without getting soggy. Experiment with Toppings: Try adding other toppings like diced avocados, crumbled queso fresco, or even nuts for added texture and flavor. {{image_2}} You can boost the salad’s flavor and nutrition by adding proteins. Grilled chicken makes a great addition. Just slice it thin and mix it in. The chicken adds a hearty touch that pairs well with the corn. Shrimp variations work nicely too. Grilling or sautéing shrimp brings a lovely taste. Toss the shrimp in with the other ingredients for a seafood twist. For those who prefer a vegetarian dish, this salad is already perfect. It uses fresh veggies and herbs for a colorful mix. To make it gluten-free, be sure to check the honey and any toppings. Most ingredients work well for gluten-free diets. You can also change the salad based on the season. In summer, fresh corn shines as the star. Add ripe tomatoes and cucumbers for extra crunch. In winter, switch to heartier veggies like roasted squash or steamed green beans. Seasonal herbs like basil or mint can also add a fresh twist. Mixing these ingredients keeps the dish exciting all year long. To keep your Spicy Cilantro Lime Corn Salad fresh, store it in the fridge. Use a tight container to lock in the flavors. Glass or BPA-free plastic containers are great choices. Make sure to seal the lid well. This helps keep out air and moisture. You can eat this salad cold, but if you want to warm it up, use the stovetop. Gently heat it in a pan for a few minutes. This keeps the flavors bright. Avoid the microwave, as it can make the salad soggy. Your salad will last about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Check for any off smells or changes in color. If it looks or smells bad, toss it out. Freshness is key to enjoying this tasty dish! Yes, you can use frozen corn. Just thaw it first. Frozen corn has a sweet flavor. It also saves time. This salad has a mild to moderate spice. The jalapeño gives it heat. If you want it less spicy, use less jalapeño. You can also remove the seeds for less heat. You can use maple syrup as a substitute. Agave nectar also works well. Both will add sweetness without changing the flavor much. Yes, you can make this salad ahead. It stays fresh for a day in the fridge. The flavors blend well when it sits. Just add any toppings right before serving. Yes, this salad is great for meal prep. It keeps well and is easy to pack. Just store it in airtight containers. You can enjoy it throughout the week. This fresh corn salad combines vibrant ingredients for a tasty dish. We covered the best ingredients like fresh corn, bell peppers, and jalapeños, and how to mix them with a zesty dressing. I shared tips for making it your own with proteins or seasonal veggies. In the end, this salad is easy to customize and perfect for any meal. Enjoy making it and share it with family and friends! You won’t be disappointed with the flavors and freshness.

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Get ready to spice up your meals with my fresh and flavorful Spicy Cilantro Lime Corn Salad. This dish bursts with vibrant colors and zesty tastes, making it perfect for any occasion. Packed with healthy ingredients like corn, jalapeños, and cilantro, this salad will impress your family and friends. Let’s dive into the easy steps to create this delicious dish that’s sure to become a favorite!

Why I Love This Recipe

  1. Fresh Ingredients: This salad is packed with fresh corn and vibrant vegetables, making it a perfect summer dish.
  2. Flavor Explosion: The combination of lime, cilantro, and jalapeño creates a zesty and spicy flavor profile that is incredibly refreshing.
  3. Versatile Dish: This corn salad can be served as a side dish, a topping for tacos, or even as a main dish when paired with avocado and feta.
  4. Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep time, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.

Ingredients

List of Fresh Ingredients

– 4 ears of fresh corn

– 1 red bell pepper

– 1 small jalapeño

– 1/2 cup red onion

– 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes

– 1/4 cup fresh cilantro

Dressing Ingredients

– 3 tablespoons lime juice

– 2 tablespoons olive oil

– 1 teaspoon honey

– Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Toppings

– Crumbled feta cheese

– Diced avocado

The fresh ingredients in this Spicy Cilantro Lime Corn Salad make it vibrant and tasty. Start with the corn. I love using fresh corn because it gives the best flavor and crunch. You can use four ears. Next, grab a red bell pepper. It adds a sweet and crisp bite. A small jalapeño adds heat. Just remove the seeds for less spice.

Cut up a half cup of red onion for a sharp taste. Add half a cup of cherry tomatoes for juicy bursts of flavor. Finally, toss in a quarter cup of chopped cilantro. It gives the salad a fresh herbal note.

For the dressing, mix three tablespoons of lime juice with two tablespoons of olive oil. Add one teaspoon of honey for a touch of sweetness. Season it all with salt and pepper to your taste.

If you want to go the extra mile, top it off with crumbled feta cheese or diced avocado. These toppings add creaminess and richness. Enjoy making this salad. It’s a great way to bring fresh flavors together!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation of Corn

– Boiling the corn: Start by boiling a large pot of water. When the water boils, add the husked corn. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the corn is tender.

– Cooling and slicing corn kernels: Remove the corn from the pot. Let it cool for a few minutes. Once cool, cut the kernels off the cob and place them in a big mixing bowl.

Mixing Ingredients

– Combining vegetables in a bowl: Add the diced red bell pepper, minced jalapeño, finely chopped red onion, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped cilantro to the bowl with corn. Mix well.

– Preparing the dressing in a separate bowl: In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper. Make sure it’s well blended.

Final Steps

– Tossing the salad and adjusting flavors: Pour the dressing over the corn mixture. Toss everything gently to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

– Adding optional toppings: If you want, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese or diced avocado on top before you serve. Enjoy your colorful, fresh salad!

Tips & Tricks

Perfecting the Salad

Choosing the right corn

Fresh corn is best for this salad. Look for corn with bright green husks. The kernels should feel plump and firm. Sweet corn adds great flavor. If fresh corn is not available, canned or frozen corn can work.

Adjusting spice levels with jalapeño

The jalapeño adds heat. You can control the spice by removing all seeds. If you want more heat, leave some seeds in. For less spice, use a milder pepper or omit it altogether.

Flavor Enhancements

Adding more vegetables or herbs

You can boost flavors by adding more veggies. Try diced cucumbers or radishes for crunch. Fresh herbs like parsley or basil also add freshness. Mix and match to find your favorite combination.

Utilizing fresh lime versus bottled juice

Fresh lime juice makes the salad bright and zesty. Bottled lime juice lacks flavor and freshness. Always choose fresh when possible for the best taste.

Serving Suggestions

Best pairings for the salad

This salad pairs well with grilled meats or fish. It also complements tacos or burritos nicely. Serve it as a side dish at barbecues for a colorful addition.

Ideal serving temperature

Serve the salad cold or at room temperature. Chilling it for a bit enhances the flavors. If made ahead, let it sit in the fridge for at least an hour before serving.

Pro Tips

  1. Choose Fresh Corn: The fresher the corn, the sweeter and more flavorful your salad will be. Look for bright, green husks and plump kernels.
  2. Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder salad, reduce or omit the jalapeño. For extra heat, leave the seeds in or add more jalapeño.
  3. Make it Ahead: This salad can be made a few hours in advance. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to meld without getting soggy.
  4. Experiment with Toppings: Try adding other toppings like diced avocados, crumbled queso fresco, or even nuts for added texture and flavor.

Variations

Adding Proteins

You can boost the salad’s flavor and nutrition by adding proteins. Grilled chicken makes a great addition. Just slice it thin and mix it in. The chicken adds a hearty touch that pairs well with the corn. Shrimp variations work nicely too. Grilling or sautéing shrimp brings a lovely taste. Toss the shrimp in with the other ingredients for a seafood twist.

Dietary Alternatives

For those who prefer a vegetarian dish, this salad is already perfect. It uses fresh veggies and herbs for a colorful mix. To make it gluten-free, be sure to check the honey and any toppings. Most ingredients work well for gluten-free diets.

Seasonal Variants

You can also change the salad based on the season. In summer, fresh corn shines as the star. Add ripe tomatoes and cucumbers for extra crunch. In winter, switch to heartier veggies like roasted squash or steamed green beans. Seasonal herbs like basil or mint can also add a fresh twist. Mixing these ingredients keeps the dish exciting all year long.

Storage Info

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Spicy Cilantro Lime Corn Salad fresh, store it in the fridge. Use a tight container to lock in the flavors. Glass or BPA-free plastic containers are great choices. Make sure to seal the lid well. This helps keep out air and moisture.

Reheating Instructions

You can eat this salad cold, but if you want to warm it up, use the stovetop. Gently heat it in a pan for a few minutes. This keeps the flavors bright. Avoid the microwave, as it can make the salad soggy.

Shelf Life

Your salad will last about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Check for any off smells or changes in color. If it looks or smells bad, toss it out. Freshness is key to enjoying this tasty dish!

FAQs

Can I use frozen corn?

Yes, you can use frozen corn. Just thaw it first. Frozen corn has a sweet flavor. It also saves time.

How spicy is this salad?

This salad has a mild to moderate spice. The jalapeño gives it heat. If you want it less spicy, use less jalapeño. You can also remove the seeds for less heat.

What can I substitute for honey?

You can use maple syrup as a substitute. Agave nectar also works well. Both will add sweetness without changing the flavor much.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this salad ahead. It stays fresh for a day in the fridge. The flavors blend well when it sits. Just add any toppings right before serving.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this salad is great for meal prep. It keeps well and is easy to pack. Just store it in airtight containers. You can enjoy it throughout the week.

This fresh corn salad combines vibrant ingredients for a tasty dish. We covered the best ingredients like fresh corn, bell peppers, and jalapeños, and how to mix them with a zesty dressing. I shared tips for making it your own with proteins or seasonal veggies.

In the end, this salad is easy to customize and perfect for any meal. Enjoy making it and share it with family and friends! You won’t be disappointed with the flavors and freshnes

- 4 ears of fresh corn - 1 red bell pepper - 1 small jalapeño - 1/2 cup red onion - 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro - 3 tablespoons lime juice - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon honey - Salt and pepper to taste - Crumbled feta cheese - Diced avocado The fresh ingredients in this Spicy Cilantro Lime Corn Salad make it vibrant and tasty. Start with the corn. I love using fresh corn because it gives the best flavor and crunch. You can use four ears. Next, grab a red bell pepper. It adds a sweet and crisp bite. A small jalapeño adds heat. Just remove the seeds for less spice. Cut up a half cup of red onion for a sharp taste. Add half a cup of cherry tomatoes for juicy bursts of flavor. Finally, toss in a quarter cup of chopped cilantro. It gives the salad a fresh herbal note. For the dressing, mix three tablespoons of lime juice with two tablespoons of olive oil. Add one teaspoon of honey for a touch of sweetness. Season it all with salt and pepper to your taste. If you want to go the extra mile, top it off with crumbled feta cheese or diced avocado. These toppings add creaminess and richness. Enjoy making this salad. It’s a great way to bring fresh flavors together! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Boiling the corn: Start by boiling a large pot of water. When the water boils, add the husked corn. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the corn is tender. - Cooling and slicing corn kernels: Remove the corn from the pot. Let it cool for a few minutes. Once cool, cut the kernels off the cob and place them in a big mixing bowl. - Combining vegetables in a bowl: Add the diced red bell pepper, minced jalapeño, finely chopped red onion, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped cilantro to the bowl with corn. Mix well. - Preparing the dressing in a separate bowl: In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper. Make sure it’s well blended. - Tossing the salad and adjusting flavors: Pour the dressing over the corn mixture. Toss everything gently to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. - Adding optional toppings: If you want, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese or diced avocado on top before you serve. Enjoy your colorful, fresh salad! Choosing the right corn Fresh corn is best for this salad. Look for corn with bright green husks. The kernels should feel plump and firm. Sweet corn adds great flavor. If fresh corn is not available, canned or frozen corn can work. Adjusting spice levels with jalapeño The jalapeño adds heat. You can control the spice by removing all seeds. If you want more heat, leave some seeds in. For less spice, use a milder pepper or omit it altogether. Adding more vegetables or herbs You can boost flavors by adding more veggies. Try diced cucumbers or radishes for crunch. Fresh herbs like parsley or basil also add freshness. Mix and match to find your favorite combination. Utilizing fresh lime versus bottled juice Fresh lime juice makes the salad bright and zesty. Bottled lime juice lacks flavor and freshness. Always choose fresh when possible for the best taste. Best pairings for the salad This salad pairs well with grilled meats or fish. It also complements tacos or burritos nicely. Serve it as a side dish at barbecues for a colorful addition. Ideal serving temperature Serve the salad cold or at room temperature. Chilling it for a bit enhances the flavors. If made ahead, let it sit in the fridge for at least an hour before serving. Pro Tips Choose Fresh Corn: The fresher the corn, the sweeter and more flavorful your salad will be. Look for bright, green husks and plump kernels. Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder salad, reduce or omit the jalapeño. For extra heat, leave the seeds in or add more jalapeño. Make it Ahead: This salad can be made a few hours in advance. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to meld without getting soggy. Experiment with Toppings: Try adding other toppings like diced avocados, crumbled queso fresco, or even nuts for added texture and flavor. {{image_2}} You can boost the salad’s flavor and nutrition by adding proteins. Grilled chicken makes a great addition. Just slice it thin and mix it in. The chicken adds a hearty touch that pairs well with the corn. Shrimp variations work nicely too. Grilling or sautéing shrimp brings a lovely taste. Toss the shrimp in with the other ingredients for a seafood twist. For those who prefer a vegetarian dish, this salad is already perfect. It uses fresh veggies and herbs for a colorful mix. To make it gluten-free, be sure to check the honey and any toppings. Most ingredients work well for gluten-free diets. You can also change the salad based on the season. In summer, fresh corn shines as the star. Add ripe tomatoes and cucumbers for extra crunch. In winter, switch to heartier veggies like roasted squash or steamed green beans. Seasonal herbs like basil or mint can also add a fresh twist. Mixing these ingredients keeps the dish exciting all year long. To keep your Spicy Cilantro Lime Corn Salad fresh, store it in the fridge. Use a tight container to lock in the flavors. Glass or BPA-free plastic containers are great choices. Make sure to seal the lid well. This helps keep out air and moisture. You can eat this salad cold, but if you want to warm it up, use the stovetop. Gently heat it in a pan for a few minutes. This keeps the flavors bright. Avoid the microwave, as it can make the salad soggy. Your salad will last about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Check for any off smells or changes in color. If it looks or smells bad, toss it out. Freshness is key to enjoying this tasty dish! Yes, you can use frozen corn. Just thaw it first. Frozen corn has a sweet flavor. It also saves time. This salad has a mild to moderate spice. The jalapeño gives it heat. If you want it less spicy, use less jalapeño. You can also remove the seeds for less heat. You can use maple syrup as a substitute. Agave nectar also works well. Both will add sweetness without changing the flavor much. Yes, you can make this salad ahead. It stays fresh for a day in the fridge. The flavors blend well when it sits. Just add any toppings right before serving. Yes, this salad is great for meal prep. It keeps well and is easy to pack. Just store it in airtight containers. You can enjoy it throughout the week. This fresh corn salad combines vibrant ingredients for a tasty dish. We covered the best ingredients like fresh corn, bell peppers, and jalapeños, and how to mix them with a zesty dressing. I shared tips for making it your own with proteins or seasonal veggies. In the end, this salad is easy to customize and perfect for any meal. Enjoy making it and share it with family and friends! You won’t be disappointed with the flavors and freshness.

Spicy Cilantro Lime Corn Salad

A refreshing and zesty corn salad with a kick from jalapeño and a burst of lime flavor.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 ears fresh corn, husked
  • 1 whole red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 small jalapeño, seeds removed and minced
  • 0.5 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 0.5 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 3 tablespoons lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • optional crumbled feta cheese or avocado for topping

Instructions
 

  • Begin by boiling a large pot of water. Once it's rolling, add the husked corn and cook for 5-7 minutes, until tender. Remove from water and let cool.
  • Once cool, cut the corn kernels off the cob and place them in a large mixing bowl.
  • Add the diced red bell pepper, minced jalapeño, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and chopped cilantro to the bowl with the corn.
  • In a separate small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper.
  • Pour the dressing over the corn mixture and toss everything gently to combine. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  • If desired, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese or diced avocado on top before serving.

Notes

Optional toppings include crumbled feta cheese or diced avocado.
Keyword cilantro, corn salad, lime, spicy, vegetarian

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