Southwest Charred Corn Salad with California Grapes

All you need:

2 large ears yellow corn on the cob, shucked
1/2 English cucumber, peeled, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced crosswise
1 cup halved, large green and red Grapes from California
1 cup drained and rinsed canned Hy-Vee black beans
1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon minced fresh jalapeno
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
4 teaspoons Hy-Vee cider vinegar
3/4 teaspoon cumin powder (optional)
1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt1 avocado, diced 1/2 inch
1 oz. cotija cheese (or feta), crumbled (optional)
Freshly ground black pepper3 tablespoons fresh cilantro leaves
Yield: Makes 4 servings (6 cups)

All you do:

Char the corn over an open flame on the stove, directly under the broiler or on a grill, turning with tongs as needed, until nicely roasted in spots all around, about 3 minutes. [Note, you don’t need to cook the corn—you just want to blacken it in spots.] Set aside to cool.

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cucumber, grapes, black beans, onion, jalapeno, olive oil, vinegar, cumin, and salt. Toss well.

Working with a sharp knife in a wide shallow bowl or pie pan, cut the corn from the cobs: Stand an ear of corn upright in the bowl and cut from the middle downward, rotating to cut down four or 5 times. Invert the cob and repeat to remove corn from the other end. Repeat with the remaining cobs. Add the corn, avocado, and cheese to the bowl with the grape-black bean mixture. Sprinkle cilantro on top and toss well, adjusting the seasoning as needed.

Content for this blog is made possible by Hy-Vee Dietitian sponsors: California Grapes and Chomps.

Recipe Credit: California Grapes

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Harvest of the Month is a partnership between Jackson County Department of Health and Human Services, Black River Memorial Hospital, Together for Jackson County Kids, Ho-Chunk Nation, UW Extension-Jackson County, Lunda Community Center, Boys and Girls Club, Hansen’s IGA, local school districts, Hy-Vee La Crosse, Hy-Vee Winona, MN, School District of Winona, The BRF Library and the community. TV segments are hosted by Ruth Chipps, RDN, and air on NBC-TV (WEAU) in Eau Claire, WI. Jackson County partners with La Crosse County for Harvest of the Month.