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Vibrant Summer Quinoa Corn Salad

Discover the Best Fresh Corn and Quinoa Salad: A Perfect Summer Side or Vegetarian Main

This Fresh Corn and Quinoa Salad is an absolute essential for warm weather dining. Brimming with vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients, it’s designed to be a delightful side dish for all your grilled favorites, or a satisfying, light vegetarian meal on its own. Experience the taste of summer in every bite with this incredibly versatile and refreshing recipe. This post is proudly sponsored by Sunshine Sweet Corn, brought to you through Kitchen PLAY.

As the vibrant hues of spring fully embrace us here in the South, the air fills with a delightful promise of long, sun-drenched days. Our weather has been nothing short of magnificent, a word I rarely use but one that perfectly encapsulates the glorious sunshine and gentle breezes we’ve enjoyed across Florida over the past month. While we know the familiar muggy heat of summer will eventually settle in, I’m relishing every precious moment of these brilliant blue skies and refreshingly mild temperatures. This is truly the season to savor the outdoors, and that includes our meals.

With this shift in weather comes a transformation in our appetites – what I affectionately call “warm weather eating.” My cravings naturally gravitate towards lighter, yet incredibly satisfying, foods that are bursting with fresh vegetables. Think crisp salads, hearty grain salads, and anything cooked on the grill. These are the kinds of dishes that nourish your body without leaving you feeling overly heavy, allowing you to enjoy generous portions while still feeling light and energized. This Fresh Corn and Quinoa Salad epitomizes this philosophy, offering a perfect blend of nutrition, flavor, and freshness.

The arrival of fresh local corn at our grocery stores each year marks a true highlight of the season for me. There’s a genuine joy in seeking out that perfect ear of corn, feeling its plump kernels, and eagerly anticipating its incredible sweetness. Nothing quite compares to the unparalleled taste of fresh, sweet Florida corn. You know it’s truly exceptional when you can slice the kernels right off the cob and enjoy them raw – it’s nature’s candy, a burst of pure, unadulterated sweetness that’s simply irresistible.

I often wonder if others share my habit of eating raw corn straight from the cob, or if it’s one of my delightful quirks! Regardless, its crisp texture and natural sugars make it a delightful snack on its own, and a stellar ingredient in this healthy quinoa salad. For this particular recipe, I’ve opted for raw corn kernels to maximize their fresh, crunchy appeal. However, if you prefer a slightly softer texture or a hint of cooked sweetness, a quick blanch in boiling water before adding them would also be delicious.

This light and refreshing quinoa salad is a symphony of flavors and textures. The inherent sweetness of the fresh corn is beautifully complemented by the subtle heat and earthiness of poblano peppers. For those who appreciate an extra layer of spice, a touch of minced jalapeño adds a welcome kick. The entire dish is then expertly balanced by a bright and zesty honey lime vinaigrette, which ties all the components together with its sweet, tangy, and aromatic notes. This vinaigrette isn’t just a dressing; it’s the heart of the salad’s vibrant profile, infusing every grain of quinoa and every kernel of corn with irresistible flavor.

Whether you’re serving it alongside some perfectly grilled chicken or succulent shrimp, or enjoying it as a hearty, satisfying vegetarian lunch, this Fresh Corn and Quinoa Salad truly stands out. It’s a versatile dish that embodies everything we crave in warm weather food: it’s light, nutritious, bursting with flavor, and incredibly easy to prepare. This healthy corn salad will quickly become a staple in your summer meal rotation, offering a delightful escape from heavy, complicated dishes.

Quinoa, a gluten-free ancient grain, forms the backbone of this nutritious salad. It’s a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids, making it an excellent choice for vegetarians and anyone looking to incorporate more plant-based protein into their diet. Its fluffy texture and mild, nutty flavor make it an ideal canvas for absorbing the vibrant tastes of the other ingredients. Combined with fresh vegetables, quinoa transforms into a satisfying meal that keeps you feeling full and energized without weighing you down. The beauty of this Fresh Corn and Quinoa Salad lies in its simplicity and the quality of its fresh ingredients, showcasing how truly healthy eating can also be incredibly delicious and exciting.

Print Recipe

Fresh Corn and Quinoa Salad

Bowl of Fresh Corn and Quinoa Salad, a healthy and easy recipe for summer.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup quinoa, uncooked (preferably rinsed thoroughly before cooking)
  • 2 cups fresh corn kernels (approximately 4 ears of sweet corn, carefully removed from the cob)
  • 2 medium poblano peppers, seeded and chopped into small, even pieces
  • 1 jalapeno, minced (optional, for an added spicy kick; remove seeds for less heat)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Honey Lime Garlic Vinaigrette (Be sure to double the original vinaigrette recipe to have enough for this substantial salad, ensuring every ingredient is beautifully coated.)

Directions:

  1. Begin by cooking the quinoa according to the package directions. Typically, this involves combining 1 cup of rinsed quinoa with 2 cups of water or vegetable broth in a saucepan, bringing it to a boil, then reducing heat to low, covering, and simmering for about 15 minutes, or until all liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork. Once cooked, allow the quinoa to cool completely to room temperature. This step is crucial for preventing the salad from becoming soggy. Transfer the cooled, fluffy quinoa to a large mixing bowl.
  2. To the bowl with the quinoa, add the fresh corn kernels and the finely chopped poblano and (optional) jalapeño peppers. Gently combine these vibrant ingredients with a fork. Now, gradually add about 3/4 of the prepared Honey Lime Garlic Vinaigrette, tossing everything until well coated. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. If you prefer a more intensely dressed salad, add the remaining vinaigrette. Serve this delicious Fresh Corn and Quinoa Salad immediately at room temperature to enjoy its peak freshness, or chill it in the refrigerator for at least two hours before serving for a more refreshing, cooler salad.

Notes: This Fresh Corn and Quinoa Salad is incredibly versatile, making it easy to adapt to your preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand! For an extra layer of flavor and texture, consider these optional add-ins: a handful of fresh cilantro for a bright, herbaceous note, a can of black beans (rinsed and drained) for added protein and heartiness, diced avocado for a creamy richness, or even some cubanelle or red bell pepper for additional color and crunch. This healthy quinoa salad is perfectly satisfying as a stand-alone vegetarian main dish, especially when augmented with black beans and avocado for a complete protein profile. Alternatively, it shines as a vibrant and flavorful side dish alongside grilled meats, fish, or plant-based proteins, making it an ideal choice for barbecues, picnics, or everyday healthy meals. It’s a fantastic option for meal prep too; simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, and enjoy it throughout the week!





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Are you, like me, a big fan of wholesome grain salads? There’s something so incredibly satisfying about them! If you’re looking to explore more delicious and healthy options, be sure to check out these 12 Healthy Whole Grain Salad Recipes. This collection features a diverse range of grains, including hearty farro, nutritious quinoa, robust wheat berries, and wholesome brown rice, providing plenty of inspiration for your next meal prep or healthy dinner. Each recipe offers a unique blend of flavors and textures, proving that healthy eating can be both easy and incredibly delicious.

Ready to put “A Little Sweet In Your Step” with more incredible corn recipes? Dive into a world of fresh sweet corn inspiration from various sources. Explore delightful creations from other talented Kitchen PLAY bloggers, discover even more corn-centric recipes right here on Aggie’s Kitchen, get official ideas from Sunshine Sweet Corn, and immerse yourself in a curated collection of my favorite corn-infused dishes on my growing Corn Love Pinterest board. There’s an endless array of ways to enjoy the sweetness of corn!

Follow Aggie’s Kitchen’s board Salads on Pinterest.