Sweet & Spicy Corn Salad

This is summer in a bowl. Sweet corn, juicy nectarines, spicy jalapeños, fresh herbs, and a good drizzle of olive oil come together to make a salad that's bright, refreshing, and just a little unexpected.

It's the kind of dish that disappears at backyard barbecues, picnics, and potlucks. And if you really want to impress people? Tear a ball of burrata over the top right before serving.

Yield: About 8 cups

Servings: 6-8

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 7 minutes

Total Time: About 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 3–4 ears fresh corn, husked

• 3 nectarines or peaches, diced

• 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (remove the seeds for less heat)

• ½ cup ground cherries (cape gooseberries), halved (see note below)

• ½ cup finely chopped fresh herbs, such as basil, cilantro, and mint

• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Note: Ground cherries add a fun pop of sweetness and acidity, but don't let them stop you from making this recipe. If you can't find them, substitute fresh cape gooseberries (sometimes sold as golden berries) or simply leave them out.

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the corn and cook for 5–7 minutes, until tender. Transfer to a cutting board and let cool for about 5 minutes.

2. Once cool enough to handle, cut the kernels from the cobs.

3. In a large serving bowl, combine the corn, nectarines (or peaches), jalapeño, ground cherries, and fresh herbs.

4. Drizzle with the olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper. Toss gently to combine.

5. Taste and adjust the seasoning before serving.

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Serving Suggestions

This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, burgers, steak, salmon, or tacos.

For an extra-special presentation, top the salad with:

• Burrata

• Crumbled feta or goat cheese

• Sliced avocado

• Extra basil leaves

• A final drizzle of good olive oil

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Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

This salad is best enjoyed the day it's is made, when the peaches are fresh and the herbs are vibrant.

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Maddie's Tip

Use the best summer produce you can find. Since there isn't a vinaigrette hiding behind lots of ingredients, every bite depends on ripe peaches, sweet corn, fresh herbs, and good olive oil.