Name: Italian Corn Salad
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons minced shallot; 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar; 1 garlic clove, minced; 1¼ teaspoons kosher salt, divided; ¼ teaspoon pepper; 6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided; 5 cups fresh corn kernels (6 to 8 ears); ¾ cup jarred mild cherry peppers, stemmed, seeded, and chopped; 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, torn; ½ cup fresh basil leaves, torn, plus extra for serving

Why This Recipe Works

This bright, summery salad turns peak-season sweet corn into a quick stovetop side that comes together in under half an hour. Searing the kernels in a hot skillet for a few minutes concentrates their sweetness and adds a lightly charred flavor while keeping them crisp-tender. A sharp red wine vinaigrette, spiked with shallot and garlic, cuts the richness. Chopped pickled cherry peppers bring tangy heat, torn fresh mozzarella adds cool, milky richness, and a handful of basil ties everything together. Serving the salad at room temperature lets all the flavors come forward.

Before You Begin

Feta, burrata, or thick shaved Parmesan all work well here in place of the mozzarella. For more heat, substitute ½ cup hot pickled cherry peppers for the mild.

Instructions

Whisk 2 tablespoons minced shallot, 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, 1 minced garlic clove, ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper together in small bowl. Whisking constantly, slowly add ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil. Set aside.

Heat remaining 2 tablespoons oil in 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 5 cups fresh corn kernels and remaining 1 teaspoon salt and cook, stirring frequently, until crisp-tender, 2 to 4 minutes. Transfer to large bowl and let cool to room temperature.

Add ¾ cup jarred mild cherry peppers, stemmed, seeded, and chopped; 8 ounces torn fresh mozzarella; and dressing to cooled corn and toss to combine. Add ½ cup basil leaves, torn, and toss gently. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle with extra basil and serve at room temperature.