Get ready to transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of Mexico with this incredibly simple yet mind-blowingly delicious salad! In just 10 minutes, you'll create a refreshing dish that's bursting with summer flavors, combining the juicy sweetness of cherry tomatoes, the crisp crunch of corn, and the zesty punch of lime. Whether you're looking for a quick side dish, a light lunch, or a crowd-pleasing potluck contribution, this Mexican Tomato and Corn Salad is about to become your new culinary obsession!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup corn, canned or frozen
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Rinse the cherry tomatoes under cold water, then slice them in half. If using frozen corn, ensure it is thawed; if using canned corn, drain and rinse it to remove excess sodium.
- Next, take the red onion and finely dice it. You want small pieces that will mix well with the other ingredients. If you prefer a milder onion flavor, you can soak the diced onion in cold water for a few minutes, then drain.
- Chop the fresh cilantro leaves, discarding the thicker stems. You should have about 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro to add a fresh, vibrant flavor to your salad.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, corn, diced red onion, and chopped cilantro. Gently toss the ingredients together to ensure they are evenly mixed.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice and olive oil. This will serve as your dressing. Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting it according to your preference.
- Pour the lime juice and olive oil dressing over the salad mixture. Toss everything gently to coat the vegetables evenly with the dressing.
- Let the salad sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This also helps the tomatoes and corn absorb the dressing.
- Before serving, taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lime juice if needed. Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature as a refreshing side dish.
Tips
- Tomato Selection: Choose ripe, firm cherry tomatoes for the best flavor and texture. If they're in season, farmer's market tomatoes will elevate your salad to the next level.
- Corn Hack: For extra flavor, consider briefly charring frozen or fresh corn in a hot skillet before adding it to the salad. This will bring out a smoky, sweet dimension.
- Onion Tip: To reduce the sharp bite of raw red onion, soak the diced onions in cold water for 5-10 minutes before adding them to the salad. This softens their intense flavor.
- Freshness Matters: Use fresh cilantro and squeeze the lime juice just before mixing to ensure the brightest, most vibrant flavors.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This salad tastes even better after sitting for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to mingle. You can prepare it in advance and refrigerate, making it perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
- Customization: Feel free to add diced avocado, crumbled queso fresco, or even grilled shrimp to turn this side dish into a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
