If you are looking for a vibrant, fresh, and utterly delightful salad to brighten up your table, the Fresh Corn and Tomato Caprese Salad Recipe is exactly what you need. This salad combines the sweetness of fresh corn kernels and juicy cherry tomatoes with the creamy tenderness of fresh mozzarella, all elevated by fragrant basil and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. It’s an effortless crowd-pleaser that brings together the best of summer’s bounty in every bite, delivering a burst of color and flavor that feels both indulgent and light. Whether for a casual lunch, potluck, or a fancy dinner side, this recipe will quickly become your go-to refreshing salad.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients are the cornerstone of this dish, each bringing its own unique charm. The freshness of the produce contrasts beautifully with creamy mozzarella, while olive oil and balsamic glaze add richness and tang. Here’s everything you’ll gather to create this irresistible salad:
- Fresh corn kernels: About 2 cups from 3 ears of corn, the star of the salad that adds natural sweetness and a satisfyingly crisp texture.
- Cherry tomatoes: 2 cups halved, offering juicy bursts of acidity and bright color.
- Fresh mozzarella balls: 8 ounces of bocconcini or ciliegine, providing creamy softness that balances the veggies.
- Fresh basil leaves: 1/4 cup torn, delivering aromatic herbal notes essential to the Caprese experience.
- Extra virgin olive oil: 2 tablespoons, used for silky richness and to gently bring the flavors together.
- Balsamic glaze: 1 tablespoon, for a sweet, tangy finishing touch that adds depth.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: To taste, seasoning the salad perfectly to enhance all the ingredients.
How to Make Fresh Corn and Tomato Caprese Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables and Cheese
Start by shucking your corn and carefully removing the kernels from the cob. Cut cherry tomatoes in half to reveal their juicy interiors. Drain fresh mozzarella balls if packed in water. Having all your ingredients prepped and ready makes assembling the salad quick and enjoyable.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in a Bowl
In a large bowl, gently combine the fresh corn kernels, halved cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella balls. Adding torn basil leaves next infuses the salad with its defining herbal freshness. The key here is gentle tossing so the cheese doesn’t break apart, preserving its delightful texture.
Step 3: Dress and Season the Salad
Drizzle extra virgin olive oil evenly over the mix, allowing the richness to coat every ingredient lightly. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Toss everything once more to distribute the flavors evenly, creating a harmonious blend that makes each forkful sing.
Step 4: Transfer and Finish with Balsamic Glaze
Move your salad to a serving platter or bowl for presentation. Just before serving, artistically drizzle the balsamic glaze on top, adding a subtle sweetness and visually stunning contrast. Serve immediately for freshest flavor or chill for 30 minutes to let the ingredients mingle gently.
How to Serve Fresh Corn and Tomato Caprese Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your salad’s appearance and taste by adding a few extra torn basil leaves on top. A light sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or a touch of flaky sea salt can add crunch and texture, creating an irresistible finish that will impress your guests.
Side Dishes
This Fresh Corn and Tomato Caprese Salad Recipe pairs beautifully with grilled meats such as chicken or steak, or alongside a crusty baguette to soak up every last bit of olive oil and balsamic glaze. It also complements pasta dishes perfectly, making it a versatile side for various meals.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the salad in small mason jars or individual glass bowls at a picnic or party. Layer the ingredients for a visually appealing effect, or skewer mozzarella balls, cherry tomatoes, and basil leaves on toothpicks for a bite-sized Caprese appetizer variation with a pop of fresh corn on the side.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the Fresh Corn and Tomato Caprese Salad Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within a day to maintain the freshness of the corn and texture of mozzarella, avoiding sogginess from the tomatoes.
Freezing
This salad is not suitable for freezing due to the fresh ingredients like tomatoes and mozzarella, which can lose texture and become watery once thawed. To enjoy it at its best, prepare it fresh or store leftovers in the fridge for short-term use.
Reheating
Since this is a cold salad, reheating is not recommended. However, if you prefer a warm component, you can briefly warm the corn kernels separately before combining with the other ingredients. Otherwise, serve chilled or at room temperature for the optimal taste experience.
FAQs
Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh corn?
While fresh corn provides the best sweetness and texture for this salad, you can use frozen corn if fresh is unavailable. Just thaw and drain it well before adding to avoid excess moisture in the salad.
Is there a substitute for fresh mozzarella balls?
If fresh mozzarella balls are hard to find, sliced fresh mozzarella or burrata can work as alternatives. Just slice them into bite-sized pieces to blend well with the other ingredients.
Can this salad be made vegan?
To make a vegan version of the Fresh Corn and Tomato Caprese Salad Recipe, simply swap the mozzarella balls for a plant-based cheese alternative or marinated tofu cubes. The flavors will still shine beautifully.
What type of balsamic glaze should I use?
Look for a good quality balsamic glaze that is thick and slightly sweet. You can also make your own by reducing balsamic vinegar with a touch of honey or sugar until syrupy, controlling sweetness to your liking.
How long does the salad keep its best flavor?
For peak freshness and flavor, enjoy the salad within a few hours after preparation. It can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours, though tomatoes may release some juice over time, slightly altering the texture.
Final Thoughts
This Fresh Corn and Tomato Caprese Salad Recipe is a celebration of fresh, seasonal ingredients coming together effortlessly. It’s simple to make but packed with flavor and vibrant colors that brighten any meal. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try it and watch how quickly it becomes a favorite in your kitchen, perfect for summery days and beyond.
Print
Fresh Corn and Tomato Caprese Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Fresh Corn and Tomato Caprese Salad is a vibrant and refreshing no-cook dish perfect for summer. Combining sweet, crisp corn kernels with juicy cherry tomatoes and creamy fresh mozzarella, it’s enhanced with fragrant basil, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, and a hint of balsamic glaze for a delightful balance of flavors. Quick to prepare and visually appealing, this salad makes a fantastic appetizer or light meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh corn kernels (from about 3 ears of corn)
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the fresh corn kernels, halved cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella balls to create the base of the salad.
- Add basil and oil: Add the torn fresh basil leaves and drizzle the mixture with extra virgin olive oil for added flavor and moisture.
- Toss gently: Gently toss all ingredients together to ensure even coating with oil and to distribute the basil throughout the salad without bruising the mozzarella.
- Season: Season the salad with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your taste preferences, enhancing the natural flavors.
- Serve and finish: Transfer the salad to a serving platter or bowl and drizzle the balsamic glaze over the top just before serving to add a sweet and tangy contrast.
- Optional chilling: Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
Notes
- Grilled or sautéed corn can be used instead of fresh raw corn for a smoky flavor.
- To create a more traditional Caprese presentation, substitute the cherry tomatoes with sliced heirloom tomatoes and replace mozzarella balls with large mozzarella slices.
- Use fresh basil for the best flavor; dried basil will not provide the same aromatic freshness.
- Balsamic glaze adds sweetness and acidity—if unavailable, a balsamic reduction or a few drops of balsamic vinegar mixed with honey can be a substitute.
