Creamy Cherry Tomato Salad with Basil, Corn, and Onion: A Summer Delight
Summer is the season for fresh, vibrant flavors, and what better way to celebrate than with a creamy, delicious cherry tomato salad? This recipe combines the sweetness of ripe cherry tomatoes with the subtle tang of red onion, the sweetness of corn, the fragrant freshness of basil, and a luxuriously creamy dressing. It’s the perfect side dish for barbecues, potlucks, or a light lunch on a warm day. This salad is incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal cooking and readily available ingredients. Get ready to wow your friends and family with this simple yet incredibly flavorful dish.
## Why You’ll Love This Cherry Tomato Salad
* **Fresh and Flavorful:** The combination of fresh cherry tomatoes, sweet corn, red onion, and basil creates a symphony of flavors that is both refreshing and satisfying.
* **Easy to Make:** This salad comes together in minutes with minimal effort. No complicated techniques are required.
* **Versatile:** It’s a perfect side dish for grilled meats, fish, or vegetables. You can also enjoy it as a light lunch or snack.
* **Customizable:** Feel free to adjust the ingredients and dressing to your liking. Add some grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal.
* **Perfect for Summer:** This salad is light, refreshing, and perfect for hot summer days.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
* **Cherry Tomatoes:** 2 pints, halved
* **Fresh Corn:** 2 ears, kernels removed (about 2 cups). You can also use frozen corn, thawed.
* **Red Onion:** 1/2 medium, thinly sliced
* **Fresh Basil:** 1/4 cup, chopped
* **Mayonnaise:** 1/2 cup. Use your favorite brand; full-fat, low-fat, or vegan mayonnaise all work well.
* **Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt:** 1/4 cup. This adds a tang and lightness to the dressing.
* **Apple Cider Vinegar:** 1 tablespoon. This adds a touch of acidity to balance the sweetness of the tomatoes and corn.
* **Dijon Mustard:** 1 teaspoon. Dijon mustard adds a depth of flavor to the dressing.
* **Garlic Powder:** 1/2 teaspoon. A touch of garlic powder enhances the savory flavors of the salad.
* **Salt and Black Pepper:** To taste
* **Optional Add-ins:** Feta cheese, avocado, cucumber, bell peppers, grilled chicken or shrimp.
## Step-by-Step Instructions
### 1. Prepare the Corn
* **If using fresh corn:** The best flavor comes from fresh corn, but canned or frozen works too. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the corn and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the kernels are tender-crisp. Remove the corn from the pot and let it cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle, cut the kernels off the cob using a sharp knife. To easily remove corn from the cob, stand the cob upright with the stem end on a stable surface. Using a sharp knife, slice downward, following the curve of the cob to remove the kernels.
* **If using frozen corn:** Thaw the corn completely before using. You can quickly thaw it by placing it in a colander and running cold water over it.
### 2. Prepare the Remaining Ingredients
* **Cherry Tomatoes:** Wash the cherry tomatoes thoroughly and halve them. If you are using larger cherry tomatoes, you can quarter them. Halving the tomatoes allows the flavors of the dressing to fully penetrate. Place the halved tomatoes in a large mixing bowl.
* **Red Onion:** Thinly slice the red onion. Soaking the sliced red onion in ice water for 10-15 minutes can help to mellow its sharp flavor. This is especially helpful if you find raw red onion overpowering. After soaking, drain the onion thoroughly and pat it dry with paper towels. Add the sliced red onion to the bowl with the cherry tomatoes.
* **Fresh Basil:** Wash the fresh basil leaves and pat them dry. Stack the leaves together and roll them tightly into a cigar shape. Then, using a sharp knife, thinly slice the rolled basil into chiffonade (thin ribbons). This method helps to prevent bruising the basil and releases its fragrant oils. Add the chopped basil to the bowl with the tomatoes and onion.
### 3. Make the Creamy Dressing
* In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream or Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasonings as needed. You may want to add a little more salt, pepper, or vinegar to suit your preferences. For a sweeter dressing, consider adding a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup.
### 4. Combine the Ingredients
* Pour the creamy dressing over the cherry tomatoes, corn, red onion, and basil in the large mixing bowl. Gently toss all the ingredients together until they are evenly coated with the dressing. Be careful not to overmix, as this can cause the tomatoes to break down and become mushy.
### 5. Chill and Serve
* Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the salad to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Chilling the salad also helps to prevent the mayonnaise-based dressing from separating.
* Before serving, give the salad another gentle toss. Taste and adjust the seasonings if necessary. You can garnish the salad with a few extra sprigs of fresh basil or a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese, if desired.
*Serve chilled and enjoy!*
## Tips for the Best Cherry Tomato Salad
* **Use High-Quality Ingredients:** The flavor of this salad depends heavily on the quality of the ingredients. Choose ripe, juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh corn, and fragrant basil.
* **Don’t Overmix:** Overmixing can cause the tomatoes to break down and become mushy. Gently toss the ingredients together until they are just coated with the dressing.
* **Chill Before Serving:** Chilling the salad allows the flavors to meld together and helps to prevent the dressing from separating.
* **Adjust the Dressing to Your Liking:** Feel free to adjust the amount of mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, and seasonings to suit your preferences. If you prefer a tangier dressing, add more vinegar. For a sweeter dressing, add a touch of honey or maple syrup.
* **Add Some Heat:** A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce can add a nice kick to this salad.
* **Make it Vegan:** Use vegan mayonnaise and sour cream alternatives to make this salad vegan.
* **Get creative with Add-ins:** Don’t be afraid to experiment with other ingredients. Avocado, cucumber, bell peppers, feta cheese, and grilled chicken or shrimp all make great additions to this salad.
## Variations and Substitutions
* **Caprese Salad Twist:** Add fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini) for a Caprese-inspired twist.
* **Mediterranean Salad:** Add Kalamata olives, cucumber, and feta cheese for a Mediterranean flavor profile.
* **Mexican Salad:** Add black beans, corn, avocado, and a lime vinaigrette for a Mexican-inspired salad.
* **Pasta Salad:** Toss the salad with cooked pasta, such as rotini or penne, for a heartier meal.
* **Grilled Corn Salad:** Grill the corn before removing the kernels for a smoky flavor.
* **Different Herbs:** Experiment with other fresh herbs, such as parsley, cilantro, or mint.
* **Vinegar Variations:** Try using balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar.
* **Spice it up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
## Serving Suggestions
This creamy cherry tomato salad is a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of meals.
* **Grilled Meats:** Serve it alongside grilled chicken, steak, or pork.
* **Seafood:** It’s a great accompaniment to grilled or baked fish, shrimp, or scallops.
* **Vegetarian Dishes:** Pair it with vegetarian burgers, grilled vegetables, or tofu skewers.
* **Potlucks and Barbecues:** This salad is always a hit at potlucks and barbecues.
* **Light Lunch:** Enjoy it as a light and refreshing lunch on its own or with a side of crusty bread.
## Storage Instructions
* Store leftover cherry tomato salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that the salad may become slightly watery as it sits, as the tomatoes release their juices. To minimize this, drain any excess liquid before serving.
* It is not recommended to freeze this salad, as the mayonnaise-based dressing will separate and become grainy upon thawing.
## Recipe Card
**Creamy Cherry Tomato Salad with Basil, Corn, and Onion**
**Yields:** 6 servings
**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Chill Time:** 30 minutes
**Ingredients:**
* 2 pints cherry tomatoes, halved
* 2 ears fresh corn, kernels removed (or 2 cups frozen corn, thawed)
* 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced
* 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
* 1/2 cup mayonnaise
* 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
* 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
* 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* Salt and black pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. If using fresh corn, cook in boiling salted water for 3-5 minutes, then remove kernels. If using frozen, thaw completely.
2. Halve the cherry tomatoes and thinly slice the red onion. Chop the fresh basil.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream or Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. In a large bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, corn, red onion, and basil. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra basil or feta cheese, if desired.
**Notes:**
* Soaking red onion in ice water reduces its sharpness.
* Adjust dressing ingredients to your taste.
* Add other vegetables like cucumber, avocado, or bell peppers.
## Enjoy Your Delicious Cherry Tomato Salad!
This creamy cherry tomato salad with basil, corn, and onion is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Its vibrant flavors and simple preparation make it the perfect dish for any occasion. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy this taste of summer! From the sweetness of the tomatoes and corn to the tang of the dressing and the fragrant basil, every bite is a burst of sunshine. It’s a healthy and delicious way to use the garden’s bounty or the farmer’s market treasures. You’ll be making this recipe for years to come. Don’t forget to experiment with variations and add-ins to make it your own signature salad! Now, go ahead and get cooking – or rather, assembling! This salad is so simple, even novice cooks can impress their guests with this flavor explosion.