I love summer for many, many reasons.
I can finally wear all the strappy tank tops and sundresses that I’ve stashed in a drawer all winter. I can order a new bikini from the Victoria’s Secret semi-annual sale and not feel guilty about it. I can get pedicures and not feel guilty about it. I can eat lots of big salads because that’s about the only thing that sounds good when it’s pushing 100 degrees outside.
Oh, and I can also eat raw corn straight off the cob because it’s so ridiculously sweet and crunchy right now that’s it’s almost like candy.
Never tried raw sweet corn? You’re totally missing out. I actually prefer it to cooked corn and find myself going through massive summer corn cravings where I live off of both this refreshing salad and this one.
This salad is inspired by a recipe from one of my very favorite restaurants, Zuni in San Francisco. It’s made and served at the height of summer, when both corn and cherry tomatoes are sugar sweet and pair perfectly with the spicy bite of the arugula. As many pounds of cherry tomatoes I ate over the fruit feast, I still can’t get enough! They’re like grapes to me.
I made this salad last night to go along with homemade pizza for girl’s night! I used this recipe for my dough and topped it with fresh local goat cheese, sliced tomato and mushrooms. Made complete with Emily’s babaganoush and the vino that Ashley brought! Yay friends.
The dressing for this salad is also super simple: just a blend of olive oil, shallot, red wine vinegar, a little maple syrup and a tiny pinch of salt. Because a salad is nothing without yummy homemade dressing, right? Especially when said homemade dressing literally takes thirty seconds to make.
It’d be perfect for 4th of July, too! Just add something blue. A side of blueberry cake perhaps?
Raw Sweet Corn and Cherry Tomato Salad
serves 4-6
Inspired by The Zuni Cafe Cookbook
Ingredients:
1 bag baby arugula (about 4-6 cups)
2 ears very fresh sweet corn
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
dressing:
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 T red wine vinegar
1 tsp pure maple syrup
1/2 shallot, grated with a microplane (or chopped very finely)
tiny pinch sea salt
Directions:
Holding an ear of corn in one hand, carefully run a knife down the side of the cob with your other hand, removing the kernels. Go slow—this can get messy with flying corn kernels everywhere. It’s worth it though!
Place the arugula in a large bowl and toss with the corn and cherry tomatoes.
In a measuring cup, combine all dressing ingredients and whisk well. Pour over salad and toss gently.
Time:
10 minutes
Sarah@The Flying ONION
June 22, 2011 at 4:32 amMmm…your salad is so simple. So summery!! Beautiful. 😀
And yes, raw corn = heaven. 😀
mary (sisters running the kitchen)
June 22, 2011 at 4:42 ami love simple salads like this. Arugula is my favorite and I love the combo of corn and cherry tomatoes. Homemade dressing is a must!
Katie @ cookiesandkimchi
June 22, 2011 at 4:49 amSounds like the perfect summer meal for girls’ night! I love raw sweet corn too. Can’t wait to try this out thanks!
Natalie @Will Jog For Food
June 22, 2011 at 4:53 amThe salad looks great! I have never had raw corn….but I love having corn right off thr grill, with lots of butter 🙂
Baking 'n' Books
June 22, 2011 at 4:53 amI’ve never been big on corn. Maybe I should give it a try. It’s barely visible in the salad!
I pop cheery tomatoes like grapes – agreed!
My dressings usually consist of (so-classy) vinegar, mustard…pasta sauce…cheese (cough). If I were to try this one – do you just store it in a container in the fridge? (what isn’t used immediately). Unless I used it all at once of course. Which is highly likely and then we don’t have an issue here…oh boy.
Molly @ RDexposed
June 22, 2011 at 5:01 amRaw sweet corn is like dessert in the summer! We never cook it anymore!
Evan
June 22, 2011 at 5:04 amThis salad with pizza? Wowwowowow. Now you’re talking.
I can’t get enough corn during the summer, either. When it’s sweet, there’s no need to cook it.
Liv @ The Salty n' Sweet
June 22, 2011 at 5:11 amI’m not a huge fan of the bite in arugula, but I love sweet corn off the cob and cherry tomatoes. So I’ll definitely be trying this with spinach! The best memories of my childhood are picking cherry tomatoes from our backyard and trying to eat as many as I could before my mom caught me!
Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat
June 22, 2011 at 5:11 amCorn and tomatos totally scream summer to me! I’ve never had raw sweet corn – the thought has never crossed my mind actually, but you’ve convinced me that I need to try it! And I hear ya on the dressing – who wouldn’t want to make one that takes 30 seconds and doesn’t even involve a blender!? 🙂 Great recipe Jenna!
Lauren @ What Lauren Likes
June 22, 2011 at 5:17 amHow cool 🙂 tomatos + corn = a great combo!! I’ve never tried corn raw before.
Gina @ Running to the Kitchen
June 22, 2011 at 5:18 amI LOVE corn straight off the cob in the summer. I just got into an argument with my husband over this who INSISTED it needed to be cooked first. I don’t know what he was so freaked out by raw corn, but it’s delicious this time of year!
Lauren at Keep It Sweet
June 22, 2011 at 5:20 amI’m convinced, time to give raw corn a try!
Aggie
June 22, 2011 at 5:23 amFirst…I love raw corn too. LOVE it. it’s like candy when its right. 🙂
Second…I love Zuni! I actually just went there for the first (and only) time last year, my college friend is the chef and menu writer there and we had such a nice dinner and visit when we were there there. I bought the cookbook to but have to admit haven’t looked at it in a while. I enjoyed their creamy polenta while there, caeser salad among other amazing dishes.
That’s a good looking salad Jenna!
Mrs. Fish
June 22, 2011 at 5:28 amI need to try raw sweet corn, asap!
Faith @ lovelyascharged
June 22, 2011 at 5:29 amAs I’m thinking about it, I haven’t had corn since just about this time last year – I’m ready to bust those corn recipes right back out! Looks gorgeous and summery!
Amelia
June 22, 2011 at 5:33 amI am completely loving raw sweet corn right now too! It is at all of the Charleston area farmers markets and makes the perfect (and easy) side to dinner. I would love this salad for dinner topped with fresh, local steamed or grilled shrimp. Yum!
The Teenage Taste
June 22, 2011 at 5:41 amI love Summer so much! Especially since it brings so many fresh fruits and veggies to the table (literally.) This salad looks fabulous! I bet the pepper-y taste of the arugula and the sweet taste of the corn are to die for. 🙂
Averie @ Love Veggies and Yoga
June 22, 2011 at 5:42 amI love raw sweet corn AND I love tomatoes AND I love salads. This is a perfect recipe/meal for me.
And I am digging the red/white napkin you used in your photos…it just makes everything else just POP!
And the V.S. semi annual sale? Oh yeah baby. I posted about it the day it started last week 🙂
Dee
June 22, 2011 at 5:49 amYum! I’ve never had raw corn before. Must remedy that stat.
Kelly
June 22, 2011 at 5:53 amLooks delicious! What if I said my side of blue was your delicious flourless cakes with the vibrant blue icing? Is that wrong?
Paige @ RAN
June 22, 2011 at 5:55 amI’ve never even heard of eating sweet corn raw until this post! Now I must try it 🙂
Sarah
June 22, 2011 at 6:02 am10 minutes? I can do this! this looks like a great recipe
Daisy
June 22, 2011 at 6:03 ami love your napkins!
Kristen @ Popcorn on the Stove
June 22, 2011 at 6:09 amOo, that looks yummy. Maybe I’ll make this tonight….
Cait's Plate
June 22, 2011 at 6:10 amThat looks so good. I wish I liked tomatoes more because I love how vibrant and bright they are (especially this time of year!)
I’m starting to be able to tolerate them more (in salads and things) so this might be right up my alley 🙂
Maryea {Happy Healthy Mama}
June 22, 2011 at 6:16 amI just had arugula last night and I’m already craving more. This is a beautiful, beautiful salad. Oh how I love summer.
Elena @MTJW
June 22, 2011 at 6:43 amYum, I’m going to add some chick peas to protein-it-up!
Jacqueline
June 22, 2011 at 6:46 amYou have certainly sold me on this raw corn idea!
R @ Learning As I Chop
June 22, 2011 at 6:54 amI love that you do weekly girls night. It’s such a great idea
Kristy
June 22, 2011 at 6:57 amThis looks delicious! I have never been a huge fan of tomatoes, but I think this salad would quickly change my mind 🙂 By the way, I made your yogi trail mix bars last night, and they are soooooo yummy!!
Lisa S
June 22, 2011 at 7:03 amYum! I can’t wait until tomatoes and corn are in season here (midwest).
mary (what's cookin with mary)
June 22, 2011 at 7:16 amI love the sweet corn and tom paired with arugula! Great idea Jenna. You’re totally right, salads are best served with homemade dressings 😉
Kelli H (Made in Sonoma)
June 22, 2011 at 7:17 amThat salad looks beautiful which I feel like I don’t say very often.
I went to Three Dog Yoga yesterday and bought The Fruit Feast. I was really interested in your post and think I’m going to do it next Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday. I know the point of your post wasn’t too tell people to do it but it sounded so interesting! My mom’s going to be my “buddy” and do it too. 🙂
Heather
June 22, 2011 at 7:25 amThis salad is the epitome of summer 🙂
Estela @ Weekly Bite
June 22, 2011 at 7:34 amWhat a refreshing salad! Can’t wait to make it 🙂
Monika @ powered by paprika
June 22, 2011 at 7:38 amLove summer salads!
I too get all giddy about strappy tanks and sundresses.. and being able to show off my freshly painted toes 🙂
Jen
June 22, 2011 at 7:42 amAh, I love raw sweet corn! I used to add it to almost every one of my salads. Summer gives us the best produce, doesn’t it? (By the way, I do the same thing with Victoria’s Secret. I have a bikini bookmarked right now.)
Natalia - a side of simple
June 22, 2011 at 8:03 amWhen I was in France last year I absolutely loved have people there would eat tomatoes like we eat apples. It’s a habit I picked up all too quickly back here, despite the odd looks I get 🙂
Ashley @perfectleypeared
June 22, 2011 at 8:23 amThis looks so great and refreshing. My garden has all the ingredients but the shallots too! If I have the budget, I might grab some pine nuts to add into it too! Perfect 4th of July side!
Khushboo
June 22, 2011 at 8:29 amThis looks delicious- i love tomatoes and sweet corn although i’m sorta skeptic about the raw corn bit!
Pure2raw twins
June 22, 2011 at 8:40 amI remember when I first had raw corn a few years ago, I could not believe how delicious and sweet it was! Now I prefer my corn raw than cooked, to me it taste so much better! Your salad looks great!
Urban Wife
June 22, 2011 at 9:05 amI just can’t bring myself to eating raw corn. I think it’s a texture thing more than a flavor issue. Anyways! I do love light, summery salads and this looks great although, I would probably cook my corn. 😉 Anything to eat that doesn’t involve turning the oven on, sounds perfect.
Kristin Murdock
June 22, 2011 at 9:23 amMmmm sweet corn. So perfect. I’m using cherry tomatoes today, too for bruschetta!
Courtney
June 22, 2011 at 9:40 amDon’t tell me it’s 100 degrees there! My husband and I are fleeing the Virginia heat this Saturday to come to Napa for a week and I have been having daydreams about going for walks in the cool Northern CA evenings!
Katrina
June 22, 2011 at 10:10 amMmmm such a yummy looking salad! Great recipe!
Erin
June 22, 2011 at 10:10 amLove where the blog is going! I love the new focus on healthier living. Although everything in moderation…because who can live without cake? But I love your new recipes…and seeing more of what you really eat to look so GREAT. I was wondering if you would consider doing an article about your yoga practice. Its something i’m trying to learn and get into… I am very much an active girl. LOVES hiking, biking, swim, snowshoe, ski….pretty much anything outside i love. But i know yoga is amazing..and would be beneficial to me in so many ways. People that do yoga…like you! look amazing and seem to have this calm and glow about them….I want that! 🙂 An writting about the benefits of yoga, how it works the body and makes you strong/lean/fit…etc. ? Also…whats a typical days eats for ya? I know you probably wont do this one….because you stopped a long time ago now…..but since you have changed to a more veggie lifestyle, less meat….i’d love to see what a typical looks like. 🙂 smoothies? salads? tofu? I’ve LOVED your blog for years now. Wish you all the best. Erin
HilaryJo
June 22, 2011 at 10:58 amI totally agree!! I am like Erin here, and would love to see a post about all that 🙂 Love all your posts though, so really guess you cant go too wrong. It is just something I am curious about. Are you still on a cardio break too Jenna?
Erin
June 22, 2011 at 10:12 amwow…sorry for the bad writting…. didn’t look it over before I sent it. 🙂
Kristin
June 22, 2011 at 10:16 amYum- this looks fabulous. Your photos look great!
Krystina (Organically Me)
June 22, 2011 at 10:17 amThis salad looks great, don’t get me wrong, but I’m stuck on the words fresh, local goat cheese. Want.
Lauri (RedHeadRecipes.com)
June 22, 2011 at 10:27 amI just tried RAW corn for the first time last night while making dinner! I have no idea what compelled me to just ‘take a bite’, but I was AMAZED at how delicious it was!! I had no idea!
TheMeatHouse
June 22, 2011 at 10:37 amThose tomatoes look amazing!
Cat @Breakfast to Bed
June 22, 2011 at 10:43 amI feel awful for kvetching about 80 degrees.
Joelle (On A Pink Typewriter)
June 22, 2011 at 10:43 amI love the idea of using raw corn straight from the cob! Seems so “Little House on the Prairie” to me, in a good way (yes, I’m a nerd about that stuff as well, you’re not alone).
Jenn Brigole
June 22, 2011 at 11:31 amDefinitely perfect to bring to the beach. It’s light and colorful and yum. 🙂 Plus, no reason to be guilty if you have bowls and bowls of this salad. lol
Melissa at TakeAnotherStepMelissa.blogspot.com
June 22, 2011 at 11:51 amOH my this looks so delicious! I could eat this all day, especially with a big glass of tea!:)
Khushboo @ Two Megapixel Food
June 22, 2011 at 12:01 pmAlright so I think am the only one who finds it difficult to chew raw corn…it makes my teeth hurt but I do love the taste. This has got to be the easiest post workout meal ever!
Rebecca @ How the Cookies Crumble
June 22, 2011 at 12:10 pmI love tomatoes in the summer! I eat them like grapes too. and I love corn in the summer too! Actually I love all veggies. Summer is just great. I’m so glad it’s summertime again!
French Heart
June 22, 2011 at 12:23 pmLOVE all the ingredients–and LOVE Zuni Cafe….we used to walk down from my place on Nob Hill all the time. Miss it. Will make this salad.
Speaking of summer clothes-just posted a book give-away ‘I Love Your Style’ on my blog. Discovered that am really an minimalist. It saves time & money to know inborn authentic style, so appreciated the clarity–plus author offers great $$ saving tips.
BTW I made arugula pesto the other night—delicious.
Adrianna from A Cozy Kitchen
June 22, 2011 at 1:03 pmThat looks sooo delicious and refreshing! I’ve never even thought to eat raw corn. I must try immediately!
Laura
June 22, 2011 at 1:06 pmLove this!! I eat cherry tomatoes like candy.. will be making this soon!
Jessica
June 22, 2011 at 1:20 pmThis sounds great! I recently got some Himalayan pink salt from Sustainable Sourcing https://secure.sustainablesourcing.com and I’ll have to try it out in this recipe. Thanks for sharing!
Hannah @theflexitarianeater
June 22, 2011 at 1:25 pmI love love LOVE corn, but I’m definitely guilty of never eating it raw (although in my defense, I do have to say that few things in life topped grilled corn on the cob). But in any event, I must give this salad a try!
katie @KatieDid
June 22, 2011 at 2:20 pmI never ever knew raw corn was edible! I have an ear in my fridge begging to be used up but I’ve been too lazy to boil it (pathetic I know). I might just try it raw instead! Sweet summer corn… nothing compares.
Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin
June 22, 2011 at 2:59 pmLooks awesome! Corn and tomatoes are two of my favourite things about summer!
Sarah @ Sharing Bananas
June 22, 2011 at 3:01 pmI have been loving raw corn this season too! And yes, it does fly ALL over the kitchen, but it is worth it and my dog doesn’t mind! 🙂 Thanks for the recipe; I’m going to try it.
Miranda @ Working Mom Works Out
June 22, 2011 at 3:03 pmI agree – Salads are wonderful in the summer.
Emily @ Comfortable Home Life
June 22, 2011 at 3:09 pmI love arugula. This meal looks so light and refreshing. Can’t wait to eat it myself. I’m totally with you on the cherry tomatoes — they’re like candy!
Maria
June 22, 2011 at 3:28 pmBeautiful salad! The colors are so vibrant!
kaila @ healthy helper!
June 22, 2011 at 3:53 pmI first tried raw corn last year in a raw pasta dish and it was AH-mazing! I love how sweet and crunchy it is!
meghan@ struggle muffins
June 22, 2011 at 5:00 pmLove raw corn. And salad. And summer. Ahhh 🙂
Sarah K. @ The Pajama Chef
June 22, 2011 at 7:20 pmi’m glad i’m not the only one who LOVES raw corn. my husband thinks i’m weird 🙂
Jackie @ That Deep Breath
June 22, 2011 at 7:27 pmI’m with you on the raw corn! That sounds amazing
Carly
June 22, 2011 at 7:35 pmThis looks so good. I would love to read about more of your simple salad ideas. Yum! Summer is the best!
Yolie @ Practising Wellness
June 23, 2011 at 8:11 amMmm…I completely agree with you, raw sweetcorn is light years ahead of cooked in terms of taste and texture. It really is absolutely divine…so creamy, milky, crisp and sweet. I think raw corn tastes extra yummy with guacamole too! Will definitely be bookmarking this recipe for a light, healthy summertime meal. 🙂 xyx
Kiran
June 23, 2011 at 10:20 amThis salad looks so pretty. I love the combination of ingredients. I’ve been thinking about caprese salads too. A must have during summers 🙂
Sabrina @ Radioactive Runner
June 23, 2011 at 10:21 amThis salad looks SO good! I love that you put raw corn.. i’ve never tried that but may have to with this salad.
Katie
June 23, 2011 at 10:31 amI tried this for lunch today…
I may never eat cooked corn again! Delicious, thanks for the idea!
Elizabeth
June 23, 2011 at 1:46 pmWanted to thank you- I made your salad last night for our big family dinner and it was a huge hit!! I also grilled up some salmon and had quinoa on the side…perfect dinner. Its been added to permanent recipe list!
Angelica
June 25, 2011 at 3:25 amWow sweet corn and salad. Never tried that combination before although I must admit I love raw corn. Prefer it much better than when it is cooked!
Lauren@hungryspinner
June 28, 2011 at 2:35 pmI made this for lunch today- delish!!! thanks!
hungry spinner
June 28, 2011 at 2:55 pm[…] it will be dinner tonight… I got the idea from EatLiveRun.com, of course her’s always looks […]
Sweet Corn Exporters
June 29, 2011 at 4:38 amLooks amazing! Very healthy and delicious recipe. Thanks guys.
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April Knight
October 31, 2019 at 9:19 amI definitely want to try!)
Try one of my favourite recipe – Tomato Ricotta Salad https://greenann.com/recipe/tomato-ricotta-salad/
Tasty!))