This Sweet Corn and Apple Salad is a refreshing and nutritious dish that’s perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish. It’s easy to make and combines the sweetness of corn with the crispness of green apples, all tied together with a tangy and sweet dressing.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

2 cups sweet corn (canned or fresh)
Crisp lettuce leaves (enough to line the serving plates or bowl)

1/2 cup white vinegar (for disinfecting the lettuce)
2 green apples (choose firm and tart varieties like Granny Smith)
2 tablespoons white vinegar (for soaking the apples)

Juice of 2 lemons (freshly squeezed for the best flavor)
2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred for a richer taste)

Salt, to taste (adjust according to your preference)

Instructions:

Prepare the Lettuce:
- Start by washing the lettuce leaves thoroughly under cold running water. To ensure they are completely clean and safe to eat, soak the leaves in a bowl filled with water and 1/2 cup of white vinegar. Let them sit for about 10 minutes, which will help remove any residual dirt or bacteria. After soaking, rinse the lettuce again with cold water and pat dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Set the leaves aside on a plate or in a salad bowl.

Prepare the Apples:
- Core the green apples and slice them into thin, even wedges. The tartness of green apples like Granny Smith pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the corn and the tangy dressing. To prevent the apple slices from browning, place them in a bowl and add 2 tablespoons of white vinegar, then fill the bowl with enough water to cover the apples. Let the slices soak for about 5 minutes. After soaking, drain the apples and pat them dry with a paper towel. This step not only keeps the apples fresh but also adds a slight tang to complement the salad.
Prepare the Dressing:
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the juice of 2 freshly squeezed lemons with 2 tablespoons of honey. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil until the dressing is well-emulsified. Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors, and adjust the seasoning to your liking. The dressing should strike a perfect balance between tangy, sweet, and slightly savory, making it the ideal complement to the fresh ingredients in the salad.
Assemble the Salad:
- In a large salad bowl, combine the sweet corn and the prepared apple slices. Pour the lemon-honey dressing over the corn and apples, and gently toss everything together until the ingredients are well-coated with the dressing. This ensures that every bite is flavorful and evenly seasoned. For a more colorful presentation, you can layer the lettuce leaves on a serving platter and arrange the corn and apple mixture on top.

Serve:
- Once the salad is assembled, it’s ready to serve. If you’re preparing this dish ahead of time, you might want to keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving to prevent the lettuce from wilting. Garnish with additional lemon juice, a drizzle of olive oil, or even a sprinkle of fresh herbs like mint or cilantro if you want to add an extra layer of flavor.
Enjoy:
- This Sweet Corn and Apple Salad is best enjoyed fresh, when the ingredients are crisp and the flavors are vibrant. Serve it as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish, or enjoy it on its own as a light and healthy meal. The combination of textures and flavors in this salad makes it a delightful and satisfying option for any occasion.

Tips:

Corn Options: If you’re using fresh corn, consider grilling the corn on the cob before removing the kernels. This adds a smoky flavor to the salad, making it even more delicious. Canned corn is a convenient alternative and works perfectly well for this recipe.
Apple Variations: While green apples provide a tart contrast to the sweet corn, you can experiment with other apple varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for a slightly sweeter taste.

Additional Ingredients: To make this salad even more nutritious, consider adding some chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds for a crunchy texture, or a handful of dried cranberries for a sweet-tart burst.

Possible Questions:

Can I use a different type of vinegar for soaking the apples? Yes, you can substitute white vinegar with apple cider vinegar or lemon juice. These alternatives will work well to prevent browning and add a mild tang to the apples.
What other dressings could work with this salad? A balsamic vinaigrette or a simple olive oil and lemon juice dressing would also pair nicely with the flavors in this salad.

Is it okay to use frozen corn? Yes, frozen corn can be used if fresh or canned corn isn’t available. Just thaw the corn and drain any excess water before adding it to the salad.

Storage:

Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. While the lettuce might not stay as crisp, the salad will still be delicious the next day. For the best texture, store the dressing separately and mix just before serving.
Make-Ahead Tips: The corn and apple mixture can be prepared a few hours in advance, but it’s best to add the lettuce and dressing just before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

Calories: Approximately 180
Protein: 2g
Carbohydrates: 35g

Fat: 6g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 20g

Conclusion:

This Sweet Corn and Apple Salad is a quick, easy, and nutritious recipe that’s perfect for any time of the year. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a healthy snack, or a vibrant side dish, this salad has you covered. The combination of sweet, tangy, and crisp ingredients makes it a delightful option for those seeking a refreshing and satisfying meal. Enjoy this salad with your favorite main course or on its own, and savor the burst of flavors and textures in every bite!