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A large white bowl filled with a colorful chopped summer salad containing red and yellow cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, sweet corn, sunflower seeds, and crumbled feta cheese.

summer salads

A vibrant, crisp, and refreshing bowl of fresh produce tossed in a tangy honey-citrus vinaigrette. These summer salads are the perfect healthy side dish for any warm-weather gathering.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 185

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups heirloom tomatoes roughly chopped
  • 2 cups English cucumber unpeeled and diced
  • 1 cup fresh sweet corn kernels raw
  • 1/2 cup red onion very thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves torn
  • 1/4 cup feta cheese crumbled
Honey-Citrus Vinaigrette
  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon raw honey
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground

Method
 

  1. Macerate the Tomatoes: Place the chopped heirloom tomatoes in a large colander set over a mixing bowl. Sprinkle with the kosher salt and let them sit for 10 minutes. This draws out the excess water and creates a flavorful juice base.
  2. Build the Vinaigrette: Take the bowl containing the extracted tomato juices. Add the lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, raw honey, and Dijon mustard. Whisk vigorously.
  3. Stream the Oil: While continuously whisking, slowly drizzle the extra virgin olive oil into the acid mixture. Whisk until the dressing is completely opaque and emulsified.
  4. Combine the Base Vegetables: In your final serving bowl, combine the drained tomatoes, diced cucumber, fresh corn kernels, and thinly sliced red onion.
  5. Dress and Rest: Pour the emulsified vinaigrette over the vegetables. Toss gently with large spoons. Let the mixture sit at room temperature for 5 minutes.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, gently fold in the torn basil leaves and crumbled feta cheese so they don't bruise.