Monday, October 22, 2007

Creamy Basil Dressing and Raw Corn Salad

Colorful, hey?! This salad I made back in the summer, when fresh organic corn was plentiful. Maybe, just maybe, you can score some raw corn in your area and mix up this delicious, satisfying raw salad yourself.
But, even if you don't make the salad, make the dressing! It's the Creamy Basil Dressing from ED&BV, and I posted about it once before. The recipe gives two versions, the original and a 'raw' version. Both are incredibly delicious, and very creamy, so you can choose! You only need 1/2 cup of fresh basil leaves, so you can still make this even though summer has passed... just get one or two of those little herb packs in your grocery store. I know, I know - they are pricey - but imo, fresh basil is worth the price!

Use this dressing as you normally would on salads, or also try it drizzled on other foods like sandwiches or pasta... or keep it quite thick and use it as a dip! If you do want to try out this raw corn salad, here's the rough recipe:

3/4 cup raw corn kernels (just cut away from cob)
1/4 cup red peppers, diced
1 cup fresh tomatoes, chopped
1/3 cup avocado, chopped
1/8 cup green onions, finely sliced
2-3 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped (optional)
1/4 - 1/3 cup Creamy Basil Dressing

Simply toss all ingredients together in a bowl, using as much dressing as you like. (or, toss all ingredients except avocado, and garnish finished salad with the chopped avocado). Serve immediately! (If not serving immediately, prep all ingredients except avocado and don't toss with dressing. Before serving, add in chopped avocado and dressing). You can garnish salad with a few extra basil leaves and/or avocado chunks if you like.

This salad is almost a meal in itself. With the almonds in the dressing along with the corn and avocado, it's quite filling. Maybe pair with a light soup or light grain dish to complete your meal.

Before I run off, I want to thank those of you that have posted reviews on amazon. There are some super lovely ones there! :) These reviews are one of the best ways you can support my book and my work in general. I sure could use more reviews from those of you enjoying my book... so please add a line or two if ED&BV has hit a sweet spot with you!

6 comments:

Sam said...

Wow, that looks amazing! I'm afraid raw corn is past it's prime here in Pittsburgh, but that recipe is going into the files for next summer! Looks absolutely yummy!

Veggie Cookster said...

Looks AWESOME! I luv fresh basil... and "creamy" stuff... great combination! :)

Anonymous said...

That looks super good! I'll have to get one of the last packs of basil left at TJs.

The Little Mama said...

That salad looks great! I have 2 basil plants in my kitchen, so I'll have to make it soon!
I tried to post a review on Amazon, but it wouldn't let me because I hadn't purchased anything. So, I posted a review on the Chapters website instead (where I actually got the book). :)

bazu said...

this is SO my kind of meal!

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