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Savory Brown Butter Corn Salad with Bacon and Basil

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A flavorful summer salad combining sweet corn, nutty brown butter, crispy bacon, and fresh basil for a perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, smoky, and fresh flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 ears fresh corn (about 4 cups kernels) or thawed frozen corn
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped and cooked crispy
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
  • 1 small shallot, finely minced
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
  • Optional: 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Cook the bacon: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped bacon and cook until crispy, about 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Reserve 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pan, discard or save the rest.
  2. Brown the butter: Lower heat to medium-low and add 4 tablespoons unsalted butter to the skillet with the reserved bacon fat. Stir often as butter melts and bubbles. After a few minutes, it will turn golden and smell nutty. Remove from heat when it reaches a rich amber color, about 4-5 minutes. Pour into a bowl, scraping all browned bits.
  3. Prepare the corn: Cut kernels off fresh corn cobs or thaw and drain frozen corn.
  4. Mix the salad: In a large bowl, combine corn kernels, crispy bacon, minced shallot, and chopped basil.
  5. Add dressing: Pour warm brown butter over the salad mixture. Add lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat.
  6. Adjust and serve: Taste and adjust salt or pepper if needed. Sprinkle red pepper flakes or Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve at room temperature or slightly chilled.

Notes

Use a light-colored pan to better monitor the butter browning process. Stir constantly to prevent burning. Reserve bacon fat for added flavor. Salad holds well for a few hours and can be stored in the fridge up to 2 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for best flavor. Variations include vegetarian (skip bacon, add nuts), dairy-free (use olive oil instead of butter), and spicy (add jalapeño or hot sauce).

Nutrition

Keywords: brown butter corn salad, bacon salad, summer salad, basil salad, easy side dish, corn salad recipe, savory salad

Find it online: https://leilameals.com/savory-brown-butter-corn-salad-with-bacon-and-basil-easy-recipe-for-summer/