Jul
22

Asparagus, Basil and Corn Salad

Asparagus, Basil and Corn Salad pretty much just screams summer. It’s officially going onto my summer entertaining menu because it’s just so freaking happy! One of my girlfriends asked me to make a Asparagus and Corn salad for her so she could use the recipe at home… and so, being the amazing friend that I am, I went right on home and whipped one up. Okay, so really it took me a few days, but who’s counting. I decided that I wanted to jazz up the typical Asparagus and Corn salad and added a sprinkle of basil, some chopped mozzarella and a glug of balsamic vinegar. The result was a perfectly refreshing summer side dish that gets even better the longer the flavors have to marinate.

Asparagus, Basil and Corn Salad

Now, you could totally use any old corn for this recipe, but I’ve recently learned how to use my grill all by myself. You see, I’ve always known how to use gas grills because I use them all the time for my personal chef clients, but ask me to light a charcoal grill and I will probably laugh at you and walk away. Well, that all changed recently. Now I am all grown up and know how to man a charcoal grill. (round of applause for me!!) So since I’ve developed this new skill – I have pretty much been obsessed with grilled corn. (See, I used it early this week on my Shrimp and Avocado Tostadas too) Don’t ask me why. It just kinda happened. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that I thought it would be a great idea to buy about 10 ears of corn one day at the market, who knows. And let me just remind you, it’s only me and my boyfriend at home, and that’s a whole lotta corn for 2 people. But I’m sure glad I did, because this salad is a winner and you will love it! Promise.

Asparagus, Basil and Corn Salad
Recipe Type: Side dish
Prep time: 5 mins
Cook time: 10 mins
Total time: 15 mins
Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • 4 ears corn, husks removed
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 bunch asparagus
  • 1/2 cup mozzarella balls, cut in half
  • 10 basil leaves, cut into a chiffonade
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp pepper
  • 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
  1. Prepare your grill.
  2. Rub the ears of corn with butter and place over the flame, rotating every few minutes until the corn is lightly charred. Remove from the grill and let cool. Once cooled, cut off the kernels and place into a large bowl. Set aside.
  3. Trim the asparagus and then cut it into 1 inch pieces. Bring a medium pot of water to a boil and blanch the asparagus for about 3-4 minutes. Remove the asparagus and douse with cold water to stop the cooking. Add the asparagus to the bowl of corn.
  4. To the bowl of corn and asparagus, add the mozzarella, basil, salt, pepper, balsamic and olive oil. Gently combine with a fork and serve. Can be served at room temperature or chilled.

Want another great recipe using charred corn – how about some charred corn guacamole!

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{ 18 comments… read them below or add one }

Tara @ Chip Chip Hooray July 22, 2011 at 5:59 am

What a great side dish! And you’re right, definitely a perfect combination of summer flavors. Your friend is lucky to have you whipping up stuff like this for her!

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Lindsay Lehfeld July 22, 2011 at 9:41 am

Wow this sounds amazing. I have an obsession with sweet summer corn and I haven’t been able to get mozzarella out of my head this week. Thanks for sharing!

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Abby July 22, 2011 at 9:47 am

ha! i’m with you on the charcoal grilling…i can get the thing lit but then cooking things evenly has been a struggle

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Anya July 22, 2011 at 10:22 am

so light and perfect!

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Katrina July 22, 2011 at 12:21 pm

Agreed. This screams summer! Love it!

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Rebecca @ How the Cookies Crumble July 22, 2011 at 1:23 pm

This looks great. Think I’m gonna make something like this for lunch only sub greenbeans for asparagus and feta for mozz because that’s what I have in my fridge. :-)

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marla July 23, 2011 at 5:10 am

I do not have a charcoal grill, but really I should. This salad sounds great – love the addition of fresh basil.

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holly. July 23, 2011 at 11:12 am

looks AWESOME!! can’t wait for the corn in our garden to be ripe!

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Monika July 23, 2011 at 3:48 pm

I have all these ingredients. Yay! Dinner.

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Brooke July 23, 2011 at 7:03 pm

I don’t think it could get any better. I’m OBSESSED#.

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miri leigh July 24, 2011 at 9:23 am

I love anything with mozzerella….and this is so healthy,,,thank you!

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Mary @ Delightful Bitefuls July 25, 2011 at 8:30 am

Wow! This looks incredible delicious! Loving all the ingredients!

New to your blog; happy I found you!

Mary xo
Delightful Bitefuls

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Becki Sue August 3, 2011 at 5:07 pm

I threw this together in no time after work this week. It was a perfect side dish for grilled venison steaks, since I needed the grill on to char the corn and steaks. The flavors were perfect. I usually live for cheese in any dish, and I almost think the mozzarella wasn’t necessary. Now don’t get me wrong, I will not omit the cheese when I make this in the future, but the grilled corn, asparagus, basil and basalmic vinegar were so perfectly matched. Thanks!

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cindy August 19, 2011 at 12:09 pm

Gaby – Just wanted to say thanks for this incredible recipe. I made it the other day and ate it all up! So good – a new favorite recipe :)
Cindy

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Julia September 1, 2011 at 10:24 am

I find myself stocking up on corn, and it’s just the 2 of us also. I’m making this salad this weekend, cuz I got a lotta corn to use up right now!

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Katie July 16, 2012 at 10:14 am

This has just become my favorite veggie side dish. This is unbelievably delicious!!!

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Jenn July 17, 2012 at 10:37 am

As long as you’ve got the grill going, you should try grilling the asparagus. Toss with a little olive oil and throw it on the grill until it’s tender & charred. Unbelievably good, and as a bonus, you wouldn’t have to use the stove.

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Eiko July 23, 2012 at 8:33 am

Ridiculously good! The flavors work so well together. I didn’t have fresh corn and had to use canned, but to keep the flavors as intended I fried the asparagus in butter. I also left out the cheese and it was still amazing! Will definitely be making this over and over. Easy, delicious and so healthy!

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