Name: Watermelon-Feta Fresh Corn Salad
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Cuisine: US & Canada
Ingredients: 2 cups watermelon , cut into 1/2-inch pieces; 2 cucumbers , peeled, quartered lengthwise, seeded, and cut into 1/2-inch pieces; Salt and pepper; 2 scallions , sliced thin; 1 1/2 tablespoons white wine vinegar; 2 1/2 tablespoons olive oil; 5 ears corn , kernels cut from cobs; 1/4 cup minced fresh mint; 4 ounces crumbled feta cheese

Why This Recipe Works

Corn tossed with fresh produce and a bright vinaigrette seems basic, but bland corn and watery dressing reared their heads. To prevent the watermelon and cucumber from flooding the dressing with weepy juices, we first salted and drained them. Next, we toasted the corn for nutty depth. Finally, we stirred the feta, watermelon, cucumber, and mint into the cool mixture to sit just until the flavors melded.

Before You Begin

Don’t add the watermelon to the toasted corn until it is cool, as the heat from the corn will partially cook the watermelon.

Instructions

Toss watermelon and cucumbers with ½ teaspoon salt in bowl. Transfer to colander set over bowl and let drain for 30 minutes. Combine scallions, vinegar, ¾ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper in large bowl. Slowly whisk in 1½ tablespoons oil.

Meanwhile, heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil in 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add corn and cook, stirring occasionally, until spotty brown, 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer corn to bowl with vinaigrette, tossing to coat, and cool to room temperature, about 20 minutes. Stir in feta cheese, drained watermelon and cucumbers, and mint. Let sit until flavors meld, about 30 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve. (Salad can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.)