Something Different: Corn & tomatoes good combination

By DANA JACOBI

For the American Institute for Cancer Research

Corn’s sweetness and crunch are irresistible. Tomatoes are unique for their luscious combination of tart-sweet flavor and meaty flesh that melts into liquid. Purists enjoy them seasoned with only salt and pepper. However, fat helps our bodies utilize the abundance of carotenoids in tomatoes and corn, so a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil on tomatoes and a light brushing of butter on corn is both delicious and smart.

Since corn and tomatoes go well together, this colorful, chunky salad pairs them and adds sweet peppers. I recommend making it often.

To complete an ideal meal, add protein by passing a platter of sliced mozzarella or a bowl of the bite-size mozzarella balls called bocconcini along with your salad.

Summer Tomato and

Corn Salad with Basil

1 large ear yellow or yellow-and-white corn

3 ripe medium tomatoes

½ red bell pepper, finely chopped

1/3 cup thinly sliced green onions, green and white parts

1/3 cup finely chopped sweet onion

1 Tbsp. fresh lime juice

½ tsp. kosher salt

¼ tsp. mustard powder

Freshly ground pepper

4-5 large basil leaves

1 Tbsp. chopped fresh mint, optional

Shuck corn and steam 3 minutes. When corn is cool enough to handle, cut kernels off ear and place in mixing bowl.

Half tomatoes vertically and cut one half into 4 wedges for garnish. Remove seeds from remaining tomatoes. Chop tomatoes and add to corn. Add red pepper, green onions and sweet onion. In small bowl, whisk lime juice with salt, mustard powder and 4 or 5 grinds pepper until salt dissolves. Pour dressing over salad and toss gently with fork to combine. At this point, salad can sit up to 15 minutes.

Just before serving, stack basil leaves, then cut crosswise into thin strips, and add to salad. Add mint, if using. Toss to combine herbs with salad. Garnish with tomato wedges. Serve immediately.