Savoring Summer’s Finale: A Vibrant Grilled Corn, Red Pepper, and Green Bean Salad Recipe
The end of summer often brings a bittersweet feeling, a gentle farewell to the season of sun-kissed days and an abundance of fresh, vibrant produce. As the days begin to shorten and a subtle crispness enters the air, there’s no better way to celebrate the last vestiges of summer’s bounty than with a dish that captures all its bright flavors. This Grilled Corn, Red Pepper, and Green Bean Salad is precisely that—a delicious final homage to the glorious summer harvest before we fully embrace the comforting embrace of autumn. It’s a versatile and visually stunning side dish, perfect for any gathering, whether an outdoor barbecue or a cozy indoor movie night.
This delightful salad expertly brings together the quintessential tastes and textures of late summer. Imagine the natural sweetness of freshly grilled corn kernels, their subtle char adding depth, mingling with the satisfying crunch of tender-crisp green beans. The juicy burst of ripe cherry tomatoes, halved to release their full flavor, provides a tangy counterpoint. But the magic truly unfolds with a vibrant homemade basil vinaigrette that elevates every ingredient, infusing the salad with an aromatic freshness that is utterly irresistible. Not only is this recipe incredibly flavorful, but it also boasts a fantastic nutritional profile, making it a wholesome and fulfilling addition to any meal. It’s designed to be effortlessly prepared, ensuring that you can spend more time enjoying the company of friends and family and less time in the kitchen.
While I confess a deep affection for the sun-drenched days of summer, particularly for the sheer joy of vine-ripened produce—from succulent peaches to plump berries and, of course, the star of this salad, sweet corn and juicy tomatoes—the transition to autumn holds its own unique charm. Saying goodbye to those peak-season flavors and the easy availability of garden-fresh ingredients is always a challenge, a subtle ache that reminds us of the fleeting beauty of each passing season. It feels like watching a cherished friend drift away, knowing you’ll miss their vibrant presence until next year.
However, this gentle sadness quickly gives way to an exciting anticipation for what fall brings. Autumn, for me, is undeniably the best season of all. There’s an undeniable allure to the crisp, cool evenings, often carrying the nostalgic scent of woodsmoke from distant neighborhood bonfires. The vibrant hues of changing leaves, the comforting warmth of soft sweaters, and the promise of hearty, soul-satisfying meals—these are the elements that make fall truly special. Although the sun sets earlier and daylight hours dwindle, it certainly doesn’t dampen my spirit for celebrating life’s simple pleasures, especially when shared over good food and cherished company. It’s a time for gathering close, for warmth, and for embracing the transition with open arms and a full heart. This grilled corn and green bean salad perfectly bridges that gap, offering summer’s lightness with a touch of comforting anticipation for fall.
As the weather turns cooler and the allure of outdoor entertaining gradually wanes, my focus shifts to creating equally memorable experiences indoors. There’s something uniquely comforting about transforming my living space into a cozy haven for a “girls’ night in.” These evenings are about genuine connection and pure relaxation, escaping the hustle and bustle of daily life and simply unwinding together. I love to scatter plush pillows across the floor, drape soft, inviting blankets over couches, and set up a little snack and drink bar, ensuring everyone feels utterly at ease and pampered. The soft glow of the television, often playing a beloved classic movie or a binge-worthy series, provides the perfect backdrop for laughter, heartfelt conversation, and shared moments of pure bliss.
Let’s be honest, these days, my favorite kind of party is one where I can comfortably wear my pajamas, truly unwind, and be completely myself with my dearest friends. There’s an undeniable charm in ditching the pretense and embracing authentic comfort. It’s an opportunity to create a sanctuary of warmth, delicious food, and easy camaraderie, making memories that last long after the credits roll. These low-key gatherings are often the most meaningful, fostering deeper bonds and offering a much-needed respite from our busy schedules. A thoughtful menu, blending convenience with fresh homemade touches, is key to making these nights effortlessly enjoyable for everyone involved.
To ensure these evenings are as stress-free as possible, I often turn to clever shortcuts that don’t compromise on quality or taste. The freezer aisle has become my secret weapon, particularly when it comes to quick and delightful main courses that satisfy everyone. My absolute go-to choice for easy entertaining is the DiGiorno Ultra Thin Crust Pizza. These pizzas are a revelation, offering exceptional taste and unparalleled convenience, allowing me to focus on my guests rather than complex cooking tasks. Straight from the oven, each pizza emerges with an impeccably ultra-crispy, extra-thin crust that forms the perfect foundation for high-quality toppings.
What’s more, DiGiorno is committed to using non-GMO ingredients, and their Ultra Thin Crust range is also gluten-free, addressing various dietary preferences without sacrificing an ounce of flavor. This thoughtfulness in ingredients makes them an ideal choice for a diverse group of friends, ensuring everyone can enjoy a delicious slice. I’m currently obsessed with their Ultra Thin Four Cheese Pizza. It’s a masterful blend of rich mozzarella, sharp Parmesan, nutty asiago, and savory Romano cheeses, creating a symphony of flavors that is both classic and deeply satisfying. The delicate thin crust allows the quality of these premium cheeses to truly shine through, providing a light yet indulgent experience that is perfect for a casual yet elegant gathering.
While a delicious pizza certainly hits the spot, I always strive to create a well-rounded and balanced meal, especially when entertaining. That’s where this vibrant Grilled Corn, Red Pepper, and Green Bean Salad truly shines. It serves as the perfect fresh counterpoint to the rich, savory flavors of the pizza, adding essential nutrients, crisp textures, and a refreshing burst of garden-fresh taste. The beauty of this summer corn salad lies in its ability to utilize those gorgeous end-of-season ingredients that are at their peak, while also being incredibly quick to assemble. You can easily prepare it while your DiGiorno pizza is baking to golden perfection in the oven, making meal prep seamless and efficient.
Imagine tender, smoky grilled sweet corn kernels, their natural sugars caramelized to perfection, mingling with crunchy green beans, often sourced from a local farmers’ market for optimal freshness and a delightful snap. Add to this the sweet acidity of halved cherry tomatoes, bursting with sun-ripened flavor, providing a welcome juicy element. To enhance both color and texture, I incorporate a handful of finely chopped red bell pepper, which adds a lovely crispness and a hint of mild sweetness. The entire medley of fresh vegetables is then generously drizzled with a homemade basil vinaigrette just before serving. This bright, herbaceous dressing, with its fragrant basil and subtle tang, ties all the components together beautifully, providing a vibrant, tangy finish that awakens the palate. Creating a balanced meal doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming; it can be incredibly tasty and surprisingly simple, especially when you have a go-to recipe like this healthy green bean salad in your repertoire. It transforms a casual pizza night into a wholesome and memorable dining experience that celebrates the best of seasonal produce with minimal fuss.
Grilled Corn, Red Pepper and Green Bean Salad
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Ingredients
Salad
- 1 lb. fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 cup grilled corn kernels
- ½ pint cherry tomatoes, cut in half
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- Parmesan shavings, optional
Basil Vinaigrette
- 2 cups packed basil
- 1 large clove garlic
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- ¼ cup white wine vinegar
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
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Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Season the water with a few generous pinches of kosher salt. Prepare an ice bath by adding several cups of ice to a large bowl and then filling it with water; set aside. Add the green beans to the boiling water. Cook for 2 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, remove the beans from the pot and transfer them to the ice bath to stop the cooking process. Strain the beans and pat dry.
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Add the green beans, corn, tomatoes, and bell pepper to a large bowl; toss to combine.
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In the bowl of a food processor, add basil, garlic, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, and vinegar. Pulse until smooth. With the processor on, slowly drizzle in the olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad right before serving. Garnish with shavings of Parmesan cheese and basil leaves.
Disclosure: This recipe is sponsored by Nestlé’s Balance Your Plate. Thank you for supporting the products I love and use in my kitchen.