Sweet corn is a summer staple at our house. I grew up where fresh sweet corn was cheap and abundant (and tasted amazing!). We ate it all the time and froze it so that we could still enjoy the flavor of sweet corn during the winter. I’m no longer able to get sweet corn super cheap, but I still can’t resist picking up a few ears when it first hits the stores. It just wouldn’t be summer without it!
I’m perfectly content eating corn straight off the cob, but I also enjoy adding it to fresh, summery salads. This fresh corn and tomato orzo salad is already a new favorite that will be making many more appearances this summer. It’s quick, easy, and full of flavor. . .just the way summer salads should be!
The base of the salad is orzo pasta that is then tossed with some summer veggies that are cooked in a balsamic glaze to add another layer of flavor. Fresh tomatoes and sweet corn are added next to finish off the fresh flavors. Right before serving, the salad is tossed with feta cheese crumbles. This recipe makes a lot, so it’s a perfect dish to serve as at a gathering. Or, make it at the beginning of the week along with some grilled chicken and you have delicious meals as leftovers for weekday lunches!
- For the Salad
- 1 1/2 C uncooked orzo
- 3 medium ears of sweet corn, cooked and kernels cut off cobs
- 1 C green, red, or yellow bell peppers, chopped
- 1 1/2 C zucchini, sliced
- 1/2 C red onion, chopped
- 1 1/2 C grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 C feta cheese crumbles
- For the Dressing
- 1/4 C olive oil
- 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Cook orzo according to package instructions.
- In a large bowl, mix together peppers, zucchini, and onion.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper. Drizzle over veggies and toss to coat.
- Place veggies in a large skillet over medium heat, cook for about 5 minutes or until peppers become tender.
- Stir cooked veggies into orzo. Add corn, tomatoes, and feta. Stir until just combined.
- Serve. Can be served warm or cold.
Lori
Wednesday 16th of July 2014
Anytime you combine fresh vegetables with orzo, and dressing, you have a big hit with my family.
Jocelyn@BruCrew Life
Monday 30th of June 2014
This is such a great dish! Orzo is so great because the sky is the limit when it comes to adding things in! :) Pinned!
Katie
Thursday 26th of June 2014
I love this! I have a recipe for tomato corn risotto and always make it in the summer but am bummed because it's so warm, this is perfect for that summer fix of tomato and corn!
Jess @ whatjessicabakedneext
Tuesday 24th of June 2014
This looks amazing- I love orzo salads, perfect to pack up for a summer picnic. Love the pictures.
Ashley | Spoonful of Flavor
Monday 23rd of June 2014
I love all of these summer salads! Fresh corn is definitely one of my favorite things about summer.