I have made this salad no less than ten times this summer already. It’s so refreshing and different with lots of chopped basil and mint that sets it apart from every other salad. And the mild butter lettuce and chopped cucumbers make this summery salad extra refreshing and thirst-quenching. That’s not a weird way to describe a salad, right? The juicy sweet strawberries pair perfectly with the rich, tangy feta cheese and buttery grilled corn kernels. My husband and kids always help themselves to second and third helpings of this salad. It’s practically dessert for us, it’s THAT good. You could easily throw in some protein like grilled chicken to make this a dinner salad. We love it as a side to all kinds of grilled meats like pork tenderloin, shrimp skewers, and barbecue chicken. If you are looking for more summer salad inspo, be sure to try our Grilled Peach Salad, Summer Melon Salad, or this Watermelon Basil Feta Salad
What You’ll Need
Lettuce – Butter lettuce (or a combination or regular butter lettuce and red leaf butter lettuce) is our favorite for this salad in terms of texture and flavor, but you could also use regular red leaf lettuce, spring mix, or even chopped romaine. Corn on the Cob – We prefer the extra flavor of grilled corn for the slightly smoky char, but you could boil your corn on the cob and cut the kernels off the cob. I don’t recommend frozen or canned corn for this particular salad. Strawberries – They say “what grows together goes together” so it makes sense that strawberries and corn work well in the same dish. Cucumbers – I love the English cucumbers for their tender skin so you don’t have to peel them. Feta Cheese – I use this in salads a lot because I love the sharp tangy flavor and how it provides great contrast to the other salad elements. Goat cheese would be another great option for this salad though. Green Onions – One of my favorite veggies and the perfect texture and flavor for this salad. Thinly sliced red onions can be used instead, but I would soak them in a bowl of cold water for 10 minutes first so they are a bit more mild. Fresh Mint Leaves – This is a unique addition to a salad but it adds so much and makes this one really special. Fresh Basil – If your garden is anything like mine it might be overflowing with basil during the summer. This is a great way to enjoy some of those fresh herbs. Dressing – The simple vinaigrette is just a quick combo of apple cider vinegar, honey, olive oil, and mustard. Or you could always use your favorite store bought vinaigrette instead.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Substitutions and Variations
This salad is a great starting point that you can alter based on what’s on hand and in season. Here are a few jumping off points to get you inspired to keep making it throughout the summer!
Use another fruit. Swap out the strawberries for sliced peaches. Bonus points if you grill peach halves first and then slice them. Juicy blackberries or blueberries are another great option for a fruity, sweet burst of flavor. Try another cheese. We always have feta in the fridge, but goat cheese in another great option for a punchy soft cheese with a flavor that pairs well with fruit. Some grated mozzarella would be good too! Make it crunchy. If you want a crisp salad base, try using fresh romaine hearts instead of butter lettuce. You could also use spring mix if you prefer.
