Zesty Corn-And-Squash Salad

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A no-cook fresh summer side you can make ahead for easy party prep.

By Melissa Gray
Published on July 22, 2023
Southern Living Zesty Corn-and-Squash Salad
Photo:

Greg Dupree; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely; Food Stylist: Melissa Gray
Active Time:
20 mins
Chill Time:
2 hrs
Total Time:
2 hrs 20 mins
Servings:
6 to 8

Got a bounty of summer squash in your garden? This salad has come to the rescue!

Thin ribbons of zucchini and yellow squash soak up this salad’s dressing wonderfully, and require no cooking at all. But the best part is that you can make this salad ahead of time by adding the corn to the dressing, then layering the zucchini and squash on top—without stirring. The kernels act as a kind of life raft, keeping the squash from watering out, as it tends to do if tossed with dressing and allowed to sit overnight.

How To Cook Yellow Squash

Ingredients

  • 2 Tbsp. fresh lime juice (from 2 limes)

  • 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro, plus more for garnish

  • 1 tsp. Dijon mustard

  • 1/4 tsp. black pepper

  • 1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper

  • 1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt

  • 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

  • 1 3/4 cups fresh corn kernels (from 2 ears)

  • 1 medium zucchini, thinly sliced (about 1 3/4 cups)

  • 1 medium yellow squash, thinly sliced (about 1 3/4 cups)

  • 1/4 cup chopped smoked almonds

Directions

  1. Whisk together lime juice, cilantro, mustard, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and 1 teaspoon of the salt in a large bowl until combined. Gradually whisk in oil until emulsified, about 30 seconds.

  2. Sprinkle corn evenly over lime juice mixture (do not stir). Top with sliced zucchini and squash (do not stir). Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours or up to 24 hours.

  3. Toss together vegetables and dressing with remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt. Sprinkle with smoked almonds, and garnish with remaining cilantro just before serving.

Make Ahead

The trick to making this ahead is layering. Prepare the dressing, and then add the corn. Top with zucchini and squash—without stirring—to help keep them fresh. Stir everything together just before serving.

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