Description
This Quick & Easy Summer Corn Medley is a vibrant, flavorful side dish perfect for warm weather meals. Combining fresh or frozen corn with colorful vegetables like cherry tomatoes, zucchini, and red bell pepper, it’s lightly sautéed with garlic and finished with fresh herbs and lemon juice for a bright, refreshing taste. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a healthy and versatile addition to any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 4 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup diced zucchini
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
Other Ingredients
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil or cilantro
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Corn: If using fresh corn, cook the corn kernels in boiling water for 3-4 minutes, then drain thoroughly. If using frozen corn, thaw completely and drain any excess water to avoid sogginess.
- Heat Olive Oil: In a large skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat to create the perfect base for sautéing the vegetables.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Cook Zucchini and Bell Pepper: Add the diced zucchini and red bell pepper to the skillet, cooking for 3-4 minutes until they become slightly tender but still retain some crunch.
- Add Corn and Tomatoes: Stir in the corn kernels and halved cherry tomatoes and cook for another 2-3 minutes, gently stirring to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Finish with Lemon and Herbs: Remove the skillet from heat and immediately stir in the fresh lemon juice and chopped basil or cilantro to brighten the flavors.
- Season and Serve: Season the medley with salt and pepper to taste, then serve warm or at room temperature as a delightful summer side dish.
Notes
- Using fresh corn will give the best natural sweetness, but frozen corn is a convenient alternative.
- For a spicier variation, add a pinch of red pepper flakes during the garlic sauté step.
- Fresh herbs can be substituted or combined based on preference, such as parsley or mint.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or can be enjoyed as a light vegetarian option.
- To make it vegan and gluten-free, simply use the ingredients as listed with no modifications needed.
