Sweet corn!  Tender sweet corn is one of my favorite treats in summer.  It is at its peak at my market, along with deep red tomatoes and creamy-rich avocados.
Here is my recipe for a simple summer treat featuring sweet corn in the starring role.  I serve it as a salad or side dish, depending on what else is on my menu.  This is a fabulous picnic dish, as it’s easy to make ahead of time and tastes best at room temp.

Summer Corn Salad

4 ears fresh sweet corn, kernels cut off the cobs
2 large ripe tomatoes*, cut into bite sized chunks
2 large avocados, cut into bite sized chunks
1/4 cup good quality olive oil, divided
1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro
sea salt
1/2 tsp. chipotle powder
2 limes – juiced

Heat a large saute pan over high heat until medium hot.  Add 2 TB olive oil to pan, then the sweet corn kernels, and saute just until the kernels begin to turn from opaque to semi-transparent.  They may take on a bit of brown at the edge of the pan — this is good and adds flavor to the salad.  Total cooking time should be 5 – 6 minutes.  Turn the corn out into a bowl and cool until room temperature.

Using a fine rasp, zest one of the limes.  Then juice both of the limes.  In the bottom of a large bowl mix together the remaining olive oil, the lime juice and zest, about 1/2 tsp. sea salt, and chipotle powder.  To this dressing add the corn, avocado chunks, tomato chunks, and cilantro.  Gently toss, taking care not to mash the avocado.  Adjust seasoning.  Serve cool or at room temperature.

*feel free to use cherry tomatoes, halved, if you prefer  – or if that’s whats growing in your garden.