Name: Corn and Cucumber Salad with Red Bell Pepper and Cilantro
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Ingredients: 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil; 4 ears corn, kernels cut from cobs; 1 red bell pepper, stemmed, seeded, and cut into 1/4-inch pieces; Salt and pepper; 5 tablespoons lime juice (3 limes); 1/4 cup sour cream; 1/2 red onion, sliced thin; 1 tablespoon minced canned chipotle chile in adobo sauce; 1 English cucumber, halved lengthwise and sliced thin; 1 ripe avocado, halved, pitted, and cut into 1/2-inch pieces; 3 ounces feta cheese, crumbled (3/4 cup); 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves

Why This Recipe Works

To keep our recipe light and refreshing, we chose not to bog it down with too many ingredients. We lightly sautéed corn and red bell pepper, let them cool, and then tossed them with sliced red onion and cucumber. We flavored a bright lime vinaigrette with some smoky chipotle chile in adobo and rich sour cream, tossed in the corn–bell pepper mixture, and then topped the salad with a sprinkle of salty feta, mild avocado, and fresh cilantro.

Before You Begin

For the best results, use the freshest corn you can find and do not substitute frozen corn.

Instructions

Heat 1 tablespoon oil in 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add corn, bell pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender and spotty brown, 7 to 9 minutes; transfer to large bowl. Refrigerate corn mixture until completely cool, about 45 minutes.

Meanwhile, whisk lime juice, remaining 7 tablespoons oil, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper together in bowl. Transfer 1/4 cup lime vinaigrette to separate bowl and whisk in sour cream; set aside. Add onion and chipotle to remaining lime vinaigrette; let sit while corn is cooling, at least 15 minutes.

Add cucumber and onion-chipotle mixture (including vinaigrette) to bowl with corn mixture and toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper to taste and transfer to serving platter. Drizzle with sour cream mixture. Sprinkle with avocado, feta, and cilantro. Serve.