Experience the Unforgettable: Your Guide to the Best Blueberry Corn Salad

Prepare to be amazed by this sensational Blueberry Corn Salad! A vibrant symphony of flavors and textures, this salad brings together the crisp sweetness of fresh corn, the juicy burst of blueberries, creamy avocado, delightful crunch of pistachios, and the savory tang of feta cheese, all harmoniously united by a bright and zesty lemon-basil vinaigrette. It’s more than just a salad; it’s an experience that will redefine your perception of fresh, seasonal eating.

This vibrant salad stands out as a true winner, offering a unique blend of ingredients that are both refreshing and satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a stunning side dish for a summer barbecue, a light yet fulfilling lunch, or a healthy addition to your meal prep routine, this Blueberry Corn Salad is incredibly versatile and always a crowd-pleaser. Its colorful presentation is as appealing to the eye as its flavors are to the palate, making it an ideal choice for any gathering or a simple weeknight meal.

If you’re as passionate about fresh corn as we are, you’ll love exploring other variations. Discover our Roasted Corn Salad for a smoky twist, the hearty Black Bean Corn Avocado Salad, or a speedy Corn Salsa Recipe perfect for dipping. Each offers a different take on the beloved corn, ensuring there’s a perfect recipe for every occasion.

author’s note

My Current Obsession: Bulgur Wheat and Why You’ll Love It Too!

You might be wondering about the secret ingredient that ties this incredible salad together. For me, it’s fine bulgur wheat! My journey with bulgur started when I was testing my Tabouli recipe. I bought several bags, and before I knew it, I was completely hooked. It quickly became a staple in my pantry.

After perfecting the tabouli, I started experimenting, venturing out to discover other delightful ways to incorporate this versatile grain into my meals. That exploration led me to create my Bulgur Salad, and now, this spectacular Blueberry Corn Salad. Honestly, I can’t pick a favorite among them – each offers a distinct flavor profile and unique deliciousness that keeps me coming back for more.

If bulgur wheat isn’t already a part of your culinary repertoire, these recipes are sure to convert you. It’s a surprisingly simple yet incredibly beneficial grain, and I’m always surprised by how few people are familiar with it. Prepare to add bulgur to your list of favorite pantry staples!

What is Bulgur Wheat? Your Guide to This Versatile Grain

Bulgur is a whole wheat grain that has been par-boiled, dried, and cracked. This process makes it incredibly quick and easy to prepare, often simply requiring soaking in hot water rather than extensive cooking. Bulgur comes in different varieties, primarily distinguished by their coarseness. For this Blueberry Corn Salad, we highly recommend using fine bulgur. Its delicate texture integrates beautifully into the salad, providing a satisfying chew without overpowering the other ingredients. Fine bulgur also boasts the easiest preparation method, making your salad assembly even quicker.

Beyond its convenience, bulgur wheat is a nutritional powerhouse. It’s a fantastic source of fiber, aiding in digestion and promoting a feeling of fullness, which makes this salad not just delicious but also incredibly satisfying. It’s also rich in essential minerals and B vitamins, contributing to a healthy and balanced diet. While it might sometimes be a bit of a treasure hunt to find in conventional grocery stores, it’s worth the effort. You can often locate it in the international foods aisle, the baking section, or alongside other packaged grain mixes. For ultimate convenience, ordering fine bulgur online is often the easiest option to ensure you always have this amazing ingredient on hand.

The Star Cast: Essential Blueberry Corn Salad Ingredients

While bulgur forms a fantastic base, the true magic of this salad lies in its carefully selected, fresh ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what makes each component shine:

• English or Persian Cucumbers: For superior flavor and less water content, opt for English or Persian cucumbers (often labeled as mini or salad cucumbers). Their thin skins and minimal seeds contribute a clean, crisp texture without watering down the salad, making every bite refreshing. You’ll typically need one large English cucumber or about 4-5 smaller Persian cucumbers.
• Fresh Corn: The star of the show! We prefer raw corn, cut straight off the cob, to capture its natural sweetness and crisp texture. If you’re craving a roasted corn and blueberry version, follow the grilling directions in our Elote recipe for a deliciously charred twist.
• Ripe Avocado: A perfectly ripe avocado is crucial for adding a luxurious, creamy texture that balances the other vibrant ingredients. It brings a healthy fat component and a silky mouthfeel that makes the salad incredibly satisfying.
• Pistachios: For that delightful crunch and a hint of nutty flavor, choose shelled pistachios. Roasted and lightly salted varieties are highly recommended as they enhance the overall taste and add another layer of complexity to the salad. Here’s what we use in this salad.
• Fresh Basil: This aromatic herb is vital for the salad’s signature lemon-basil vinaigrette and adds a burst of freshness to the salad itself. If garden-fresh basil isn’t available, a 0.75 oz packet works perfectly for both the dressing and the salad, ensuring that lovely herbaceous note.
• Red Onion: For those who enjoy a subtle onion flavor without the sharpness, a quick trick can transform diced red onions. Soak the chopped onions in salted ice water for about 10 minutes, then drain them thoroughly. This mellows their pungency, leaving a delicate sweetness that enhances the salad beautifully without being overpowering.

The Secret Sauce: Our Irresistible Lemon-Basil Vinaigrette

The dressing for this Blueberry Corn Salad isn’t just an accompaniment; it’s a star in its own right! This zesty lemon-basil vinaigrette is so incredibly flavorful, you might find yourself wanting to make a double batch to drizzle over other salads, grilled vegetables, or even use as a light marinade throughout the week. Its bright, herbaceous notes perfectly cut through the richness of the avocado and the sweetness of the corn and blueberries, tying all the components of the salad together into a harmonious whole.

Crafting the perfect vinaigrette is simpler than you think, especially with a few key tips:

• Lemon Zest & Juice: Always use fresh lemons for the best flavor. We love zesting the lemons first with a microplane to capture all those aromatic oils, then juicing them to get every last drop of tangy goodness. The zest adds an extra layer of bright, concentrated lemon flavor that’s hard to achieve with juice alone.
• Quality Olive Oil: The foundation of any great vinaigrette is its olive oil. Opt for a high-quality extra-virgin olive oil. Its rich, fruity notes will significantly elevate the overall flavor profile of your dressing, adding a silky texture and depth that store-bought dressings often lack.
• Small, Powerful Blender: For a perfectly smooth and emulsified dressing, a small, powerful blender or food processor is your best friend. We particularly adore this mini “Twister” jar, which is ideal for quickly whipping up all kinds of sauces and dressings, ensuring a consistent and creamy texture every time.

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5 from 1 vote

Blueberry Corn Salad

By Chelsea Lords

With crisp corn, sweet blueberries, creamy avocado, crunchy pistachios, salty feta, and a delicious lemon-basil vinaigrette, Blueberry Corn Salad is an unforgettable dish!

Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes minutes

Servings: 8 servings

Video

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Equipment

• Small blender

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup fine bulgur wheat see note 1
• 1 (0.75-ounce) packet fresh basil divided, see note 4
• 1-1/2 cups fresh blueberries
• 1-1/2 cups diced English cucumber see note 2
• 1/2 cup chopped pistachios see note 3
• 1-3/4 cups fresh sweet corn
• 1 medium avocado diced
• 1/2 cup diced red onion
• 1/2 cup goat cheese or feta, optional

Dressing

• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 2 lemons
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 teaspoons Dijon-style mustard
• 1-1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

1. Bring 1-1/4 cups of water to a rolling boil. In a large mixing bowl, combine the fine bulgur wheat with 3/4 teaspoon of salt. Carefully pour the boiling water over the bulgur, stir gently to ensure it’s all moistened, then cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a snug-fitting lid. Allow it to sit undisturbed at room temperature for 15–25 minutes, or until all the water has been completely absorbed by the bulgur. Once the water is absorbed, use a fork to fluff the bulgur and let it cool down to room temperature. For an even quicker salad assembly, you can refrigerate the bulgur once fluffed. Preparing it a day ahead is a fantastic time-saving tip!
2. For the dressing, zest the lemons using a microplane to yield 1 teaspoon of fine zest. Then, juice the lemons using a citrus juicer to obtain 1/3 cup of fresh lemon juice. In a small blender or food processor, combine 1/4 cup of packed fresh basil leaves with the remaining dressing ingredients: olive oil, honey, Dijon-style mustard, minced garlic, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and emulsified. Transfer this delightful vinaigrette to a sealed jar and refrigerate until you’re ready to use it.
3. Once the bulgur has cooled, add it to a large serving bowl. Introduce the fresh blueberries, diced English cucumbers, coarsely chopped pistachios, sweet corn kernels, and diced avocado. Chop the remaining fresh basil, which should amount to approximately 1/2 cup, and add it to the bowl. If using, add the optional red onion (prepared using the softening tip if desired). Drizzle about half of the prepared lemon-basil vinaigrette over the salad ingredients and gently toss to combine everything thoroughly. Add the remaining dressing in small increments, tasting as you go, as the bulgur will continue to absorb liquid and you might desire more or less dressing. If time allows, chill the salad for 15–20 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. Just before serving, toss again and, if desired, crumble in the goat cheese or feta for an extra burst of flavor and texture.
4. This salad is truly best enjoyed on the same day it’s prepared, when all the ingredients are at their freshest and crispiest. Before serving or enjoying leftovers, always stir and taste the salad. This allows you to check for seasoning and acidity, adding more salt, pepper, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice if needed to bring the flavors back to life.

Recipe Notes

Note 1: Bulgur Type & Substitutions: There are various types of bulgur, but only fine bulgur will achieve the desired texture using the preparation method outlined in this recipe. While it can sometimes be challenging to find in mainstream grocery stores, it’s readily available online. As a convenient alternative, you can use cooked and thoroughly cooled quinoa or small couscous, prepared according to their package directions.

Note 2: Cucumber Choice: For the best results, stick to English or Persian cucumbers (also known as mini or salad cucumbers). Regular cucumbers tend to have more water content and larger seeds, which can make the salad watery and less flavorful. You’ll need either 1 large English cucumber or approximately 4–5 small salad cucumbers to get the desired amount.

Note 3: Pistachio Prep: To save time and effort, consider purchasing shelled pistachios. We particularly enjoy roasted and lightly salted pistachios, as their enhanced flavor beautifully complements the other ingredients in the salad. These are a great option for this recipe.

Note 4: Basil Freshness: If you don’t have access to fresh basil from your garden or a farmer’s market, a single 0.75-ounce packet of fresh basil from the grocery store is the perfect amount for both the salad and the dressing, ensuring vibrant flavor.

Storage: This salad stays fresh in an airtight container for 2–3 days in the refrigerator. However, please note that the red onion’s flavor and aroma will intensify over time. This salad is not suitable for freezing, as the fresh produce and creamy avocado will lose their desired texture upon thawing.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 172kcal | Carbohydrates: 16.2g | Protein: 3.1g | Fat: 11.8g | Sodium: 27.2mg | Fiber: 3.6g | Sugar: 4.3g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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