Tomatoes, Strawberries & Corn
Tomatoes, Strawberries & Corn
About this Recipe
When strawberries hit their peak as tomatoes and corn find their seasonal groove, they can come together in a bright salad for this height-of-summer plateful of joy. Technically, yes, tomatoes are fruit. But with the addition of corn and herbs, don’t call this fruit salad.
The Benefits
Strawberries are rich in vitamin C and other antioxidants, which are said to help reduce the risk of health problems such as heart disease, stroke, and other serious conditions. And tomatoes —they’re a major source of lycopene, linked to a lot of health benefits including lowered risk of heart disease and cancer. Tomatoes’ anti-inflammatory properties are good for overall heart and brain health.
Ingredients
Serves 4
Chive & Lemon Vinaigrette
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) lemon juice
- 2 Tbsp (30 ml) apple cider vinegar
- Finely grated zest of 1 lemon
- 2 Tbsp (4 g) chopped chives
- 1/2 shallot, finely diced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) olive oil
Tomatoes, Strawberries & Corn
- 1 pint (310 g) cherry tomatoes, stems removed
- 1/2 pint (170 g) strawberries, stems removed
- 2 ears of corn, boiled until the kernels are just tender and drained
- 1 small, firm cucumber, cut into slices
- Salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 handful of basil
- Several sprigs of tarragon (optional)
- Several leaves of mint (optional)
- Chopped chives or other soft herbs for garnish
- Chive or fennel flowers for garnish (optional)
Directions
-
Step 1
In a small bowl, combine the lemon juice, cider vinegar, grated lemon zest, chives, shallot, salt, and a few grinds of black pepper. Mix until the salt is dissolved. Drizzle in the olive oil while mixing; mix until well combined. Set aside to let the flavors meld while you prepare the salad. -
Step 2
Cut the cherry tomatoes in half and the strawberries in coins and put them in a bowl. Cut the corn kernels from the cobs and add them to the bowl. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and several grinds of black pepper. -
Step 3
Give the dressing another stir to mix thoroughly. Then add enough dressing to the tomato-strawberry-corn mixture so that it just lightly coats everything (any leftover dressing can be stored in a covered container in the fridge for up to 1 week). Tear the basil into large pieces over the salad mixture. Tear the tarragon and mint, if using, over the salad. Garnish with the chives and flowers, if using.
Substitutions: Try cherries instead of strawberries
Level Up: Add large slices of heirloom tomato to each guests’ plate, then top with the salad. Add avocado, cut into a large dice, or torn dry-cured black olives.
Try It With: Other vegetable salads, green salads, grain salads, legumes
Zero Waste: Use the corn husks and cobs for corn broth. Put the strawberry tops into a jar of filtered water for a fruity strawberry water.
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About the author
Betty Hallock
Betty is a writer and editor: A journalist who formerly worked at the Wall Street Journal, Los Angeles Times, and Los Angeles magazine, she also has co-authored four cookbooks. Her favorite meal for as long as she can remember has been ochazuke — rice with tea and pickled plum.
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