Charred Corn Caprese Salad: A Smoky Sweet Twist on a Classic Summer Favorite

There’s a magical time of year when the crispness of spring begins to gently give way to the vibrant warmth of summer. For many, including myself, this transitional period is absolutely enchanting, bringing with it an abundance of fresh, colorful produce that truly brightens every meal and ignites a simple, pure joy. It’s a season that offers a bounty from the earth, inspiring culinary creativity and a deep appreciation for nature’s gifts.

Do you know what else I absolutely adore about this time of year? Memorial Day Weekend – the unofficial kickoff to summer. It’s a time traditionally associated with gathering loved ones, enjoying the outdoors, and indulging in delicious cookouts. This year, the holiday holds a particularly poignant significance for our family. We recently navigated our first year without my dear dad, who passed away in January. While this initial journey through the seasons without him has undeniably been the hardest, we are powering through, drawing strength from one another and honoring his memory by continuing our cherished family traditions. Not celebrating together simply wouldn’t feel right for any of us.

So, for the very first time, Casa de Crews will proudly host this year’s summer soiree, and I’m wholeheartedly embracing the challenge and excitement. With fifteen of us expected, meticulous planning was essential to ensure I can actually enjoy the day with everyone, rather than being confined to the kitchen. My wonderful husband, Jason, is on crucial grill duty, while I’m handling a vibrant array of sides and tempting appetizers, including a beautiful crudité platter. I’m particularly thrilled to experiment with a few new recipes, knowing my family serves as my toughest, yet most brutally honest, taste testers. Their feedback is invaluable, and if a dish doesn’t meet their approval, they won’t hesitate to let me know!

One dish that is absolutely guaranteed to be on the menu is this incredible Charred Corn Caprese Salad. I have always been captivated by the fresh, vibrant flavors inherent in a classic Caprese Salad. And when it comes to sweet corn, I am utterly obsessed with it this time of year. The idea sparked a delicious fantasy: what if I combined the best of both worlds? What if the sweet, crisp kernels of corn were kissed by the flames of the grill, adding a smoky dimension to the delicate Caprese? This Caprese Salad recipe with charred corn is the harmonious culmination of that culinary dream, offering a delightful twist that truly enhances a beloved classic.

Imagine this symphony of tastes and textures: the burst of juicy, sun-ripened tomatoes, the creamy, smooth indulgence of fresh mozzarella, the aromatic whisper of sweet basil, all brought together by the star ingredient – perfectly chargrilled sweet corn from Duda Farm Fresh Foods. You’ve likely spotted their exceptional sweet corn in grocery stores under the familiar Dandy label. Duda is the dedicated family farm that cultivates and ships this beautiful produce, making the Dandy brand and Duda Farm Fresh Foods one and the same in terms of quality and freshness.

There is truly nothing that compares to the simple pleasure of grilled corn on the cob during this season. Roasting the corn directly on the grill serves a dual purpose: it intensifies its natural sweetness, caramelizing the sugars within each kernel, and simultaneously imparts a distinctive smoky flavor that is utterly irresistible. This smoky-sweet essence is what truly elevates this Caprese salad recipe, transforming it from a simple assembly of fresh ingredients into a complex and deeply satisfying dish perfect for any summer gathering. The slight char on the corn adds a textural contrast and a depth of flavor that complements the fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil beautifully.

Tips for Crafting Your Perfect Charred Corn Caprese Salad

Creating an outstanding Charred Corn Caprese Salad is all about honoring the fresh, high-quality ingredients and treating them with care. Here are a few essential tips to help you achieve the most vibrant and flavorful result:

• **Cool the Corn Before Mixing:** It’s crucial to allow your grilled corn to cool completely before tossing it with the fresh, cold tomatoes and mozzarella. If the corn is still warm, it will begin to “cook” the other delicate ingredients, resulting in a less fresh texture for your tomatoes and a slightly melted mozzarella. We want the corn to be the only ingredient that experiences the heat, preserving the crispness of the tomatoes and the firm creaminess of the cheese.
• **Embrace Ripe, Firm Tomatoes:** The choice of tomatoes is paramount in any Caprese salad. Feel free to use your favorite varieties, whether it’s classic slicing tomatoes, cherry, or grape tomatoes. The most important factor is that they are perfectly ripe, bursting with natural sweetness, and firm to the touch. I often use a delightful mix of colorful heirloom tomatoes for their visual appeal and complex flavors, along with sweet grape tomatoes, all lightly seasoned with a drizzle of quality olive oil, a pinch of flaky sea salt, and a grind of fresh black pepper before combining. This pre-seasoning helps to bring out their natural juiciness.
• **Invest in Quality Olive Oil:** When it comes to olive oil for a salad like this, quality truly makes a difference. Look for a bottle that explicitly states it’s suitable for marinades and/or dressings. A good extra virgin olive oil will lend a fruity, peppery note that enhances, rather than overwhelms, the other delicate flavors of the salad. Avoid cooking oils that might have a harsher taste.
• **Mozzarella Matters:** While any fresh mozzarella will be delicious, I personally gravitate towards Buffalo Mozzarella. Its slightly creamier texture makes it wonderfully easy to tear into irregular, rustic pieces, which adds to the salad’s charming aesthetic and enjoyable mouthfeel. However, please use the type of fresh mozzarella you prefer – whether it’s a classic mozzarella ball or smaller bocconcini. The key is fresh, milky, and soft.
• **Make Ahead (with a Caveat):** This Charred Corn Caprese Salad is a fantastic option for entertaining, as many components can be prepared in advance. You can grill the corn, chop the tomatoes, tear the mozzarella, and prepare the basil hours before your event. However, to maintain the freshest taste and texture, wait to drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil and season with salt and pepper until you are just about ready to serve. This prevents the salad from becoming soggy and ensures maximum freshness.

Charred Corn Caprese Salad

Sweet Corn charred on the grill adds a depth of smoky sweet flavor to the Caprese Salad, and is loaded with fresh heirloom tomatoes, marinated mozzarella, tossed together with olive oil.

Course:
Main Course, Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine:
American

Prep Time:
10 minutes minutes

Cook Time:
15 minutes minutes

Total Time:
25 minutes minutes

Servings:
8

Author:
Nichole Crews

Ingredients

• 4 cobs Dandy® Sweet Corn
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter – melted
• 3 cups cherry or grape tomatoes halved
• 2 medium tomatoes – preferably heirloom, halved and sliced into wedges
• 8 ounces buffalo mozzarella or mozzarella ball – torn into pieces
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• Flaky sea salt – to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper – to taste
• Handful fresh basil leaves – torn or roughly chopped

Instructions

1. Heat a grill or broiler to medium-hot. Brush corn with melted butter, and place on the grill or under the broiler, turning often, until about half the kernels are browned and lightly charred, approximately 15 to 20 minutes. Remove corn from heat, and let cool completely. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the kernels from the cobs.
2. While the charred corn cools, prepare the other ingredients. Chop the cherry or grape tomatoes and slice the larger heirloom tomatoes into wedges. Tear the fresh mozzarella into bite-sized pieces, and roughly chop or tear the fresh basil leaves. Add all these ingredients to a large mixing bowl. Drizzle generously with extra virgin olive oil.
3. Once the corn has cooled, add it to the bowl with the tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. Gently mix to combine all the ingredients, ensuring they are evenly coated. Season the salad with flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve immediately to enjoy the peak freshness and vibrant flavors of this delightful summer salad.

Did you make this recipe?
We want to see! Tag @casadecrews on instagram or use the hashtag #casadecrewseats so we can find you!

This Charred Corn Caprese Salad is truly a revelation, blending the familiar comfort of a classic summer dish with an exciting new flavor profile. The smoky-sweet notes from the grilled corn elevate the fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic basil, creating a side dish or light meal that’s perfect for cookouts, picnics, or any occasion where fresh, vibrant flavors are desired. It’s a testament to how a simple twist can transform a beloved recipe into something even more extraordinary. Enjoy this delightful celebration of summer’s bounty with your loved ones!

Thank you to Dandy Fresh Produce for sponsoring today’s post! As always, all opinions here are my own. See full disclosure policy here.