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Summer Grilled Corn, Red Pepper and Green Bean Salad

Grilled Corn, Red Pepper & Green Bean Salad: Your Ultimate End-of-Summer Side Dish

As the vibrant days of summer gradually give way to the crisp embrace of autumn, there’s a bittersweet beauty in savoring the last bounties of the season. This Grilled Corn, Red Pepper and Green Bean Salad is a culinary celebration, a delightful “last hurrah” to the peak freshness of summer produce. Imagine sweet corn, bursting with natural sugars, perfectly ripe tomatoes, and tender-crisp green beans, all harmoniously tossed with a fragrant, homemade basil vinaigrette. This isn’t just a side dish; it’s a nutritious, vibrant, and incredibly flavorful experience designed to complement any meal, especially those cozy gatherings as the leaves begin to turn.

The transition from the long, sun-drenched days of summer to the cooler, more contemplative evenings of fall is always a moment of mixed emotions. While the intense heat of summer might not be everyone’s favorite, the sheer abundance of vine-ripened fruits and vegetables is truly something to cherish. Saying goodbye to succulent sweet corn and juicy, sun-kissed tomatoes feels like parting with old friends.

Grilled Corn, Red Pepper and Green Bean Salad, a vibrant side dish for summer

Welcoming Fall with Effortless Entertaining

But with the changing seasons comes the promise of fall – a time I eagerly anticipate. The air grows cooler, carrying the nostalgic scent of woodsmoke from distant bonfires, painting a picture of comfort and warmth. The days may shorten, and the sun may set a little earlier, but this only enhances the allure of intimate gatherings. There’s nothing quite like celebrating good food and great company with a few cherished friends, whether it’s an impromptu weeknight dinner or a special weekend get-together.

When those chilly fall evenings truly settle in, the party naturally shifts indoors. I love creating a cozy atmosphere, arranging plush pillows on the floor, draping soft blankets over furniture, and preparing a welcoming spread for a fun girls’ night in. Let’s be honest, there’s a unique joy in socializing in my comfiest pajamas – it’s truly the ultimate form of relaxed entertainment these days.

Cozy Girls' Night In setup with food and blankets

To ensure these moments remain stress-free and enjoyable, I often turn to convenient yet high-quality options for the main course. The freezer aisle has become my secret weapon, especially when it comes to serving delicious food without the fuss. My go-to choice? DiGiorno Ultra Thin Crust Pizza. It’s an absolute lifesaver for effortless entertaining, offering gourmet taste with minimal prep.

DiGiorno Ultra Thin Crust Pizza for an easy meal

Each DiGiorno Ultra Thin Crust Pizza emerges from the oven with a delightfully crispy, extra-thin crust. What’s more, these pizzas are crafted with high-quality, non-GMO, and gluten-free ingredients, making them a fantastic option for a variety of dietary preferences. I’m particularly obsessed with their Ultra Thin Four Cheese Pizza, a perfect blend of rich mozzarella, savory Parmesan, sharp Asiago, and robust Romano cheeses. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that satisfies everyone.

Close-up of DiGiorno Ultra Thin Four Cheese Pizza

Crafting the Perfect Balanced Side Dish

While the pizza handles the main course with ease, I always aim to offer a fresh, vibrant vegetable side to create a truly balanced meal. This is where the Grilled Corn, Red Pepper and Green Bean Salad truly shines. It’s designed for efficiency and freshness, allowing you to prepare it while your pizza bakes to perfection in the oven. The star ingredients are quintessential end-of-summer delights: smoky, grilled sweet corn, crunchy green beans (ideally sourced fresh from your local farmers’ market), and sweet, juicy cherry tomatoes. To add an extra layer of visual appeal and delightful crunch, I incorporate a generous handful of thinly sliced red bell pepper.

The finishing touch, applied just before serving, is a luscious homemade basil vinaigrette. This dressing elevates the salad, infusing every bite with bright, herbaceous notes that perfectly complement the grilled and fresh vegetables. Creating a delicious and balanced meal doesn’t have to be complicated; it can be as simple and satisfying as this delightful pairing.

Grilled Corn, Red Pepper and Green Bean Salad with basil vinaigrette

Grilled Corn, Red Pepper and Green Bean Salad {Gluten-Free + Vegan}

Grilled Corn, Red Pepper and Green Bean Salad

Yield:

4 servings
Cook Time:

2 mins
Prep Time:

10 mins
Total Time:

12 mins

Rated 5 out of 5 stars from 7 ratings.

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Ingredients

Salad

  • 1 lb. fresh green beans, trimmed
  • 1 cup grilled corn kernels
  • ½ pint cherry tomatoes, cut in half
  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • Parmesan shavings, optional

Basil Vinaigrette

  • 2 cups packed basil
  • 1 large clove garlic
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon maple syrup
  • ¼ cup white wine vinegar
  • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Season the water with a few generous pinches of kosher salt. Prepare an ice bath by adding several cups of ice to a large bowl and then filling it with water; set aside. Add the green beans to the boiling water. Cook for 2 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, remove the beans from the pot and transfer them to the ice bath to stop the cooking process. Strain the beans and pat dry.
  2. Add the green beans, corn, tomatoes, and bell pepper to a large bowl; toss gently to combine.
  3. In the bowl of a food processor, combine basil, garlic, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, and white wine vinegar. Pulse until the mixture is smooth. With the processor still running, slowly drizzle in the extra-virgin olive oil until the vinaigrette emulsifies. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Drizzle the homemade basil vinaigrette generously over the prepared salad right before serving. For an elegant touch, garnish with optional shavings of Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves.
Author:
Jennie / One Sweet Mess

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This vibrant Grilled Corn, Red Pepper, and Green Bean Salad is more than just a side dish; it’s a testament to the beauty of seasonal eating and effortless entertaining. Whether you’re hosting a casual girls’ night in or simply looking for a fresh, healthy accompaniment to your weeknight dinner, this salad delivers on flavor, nutrition, and convenience. The sweetness of grilled corn, the satisfying crunch of fresh green beans, and the bright pop of red bell peppers and tomatoes, all brought together by the zingy basil vinaigrette, create a symphony of textures and tastes. It’s a versatile recipe that celebrates the best of summer’s harvest while being perfectly suited for the cozy transition into fall.

Enjoy the simplicity and deliciousness of this perfect pairing. It’s a reminder that a balanced meal can be both easy to prepare and incredibly tasty, leaving you more time to cherish moments with loved ones. Don’t let the end of summer produce pass you by without savoring this delightful creation!

Disclosure: This recipe is sponsored by Nestlé’s Balance Your Plate. Thank you for supporting the products I love and use in my kitchen.