Grilled Corn Basil Pesto Salad Food

GRILLED CORN AND TOMATO SALAD WITH THAI BASIL VINAIGRETTE DRESSING

Steps:

• Preheat a grill to medium-high heat.
• Salad: Peel back the corn husks, but do not remove them completely. Carefully pick off and discard the wispy silk threads that are attached to the corn. Pull the husks back over the ears and tie the ends closed with kitchen twine. Soak the corn in large bowl of cold water for 10 minutes. Drain the water, shake off the excess and put them on the grill for 15 minutes, turning every 3 to 4 minutes until the corn is tender. Remove them from the grill and let the ears cool to room temperature.
• Vinaigrette: While the corn is cooling, prepare the dressing. Puree all the ingredients, except the canola oil, in a blender or food processor. After the mixture is well incorporated, slowly drizzle in the canola oil while the processor is still running. Blend for 30 seconds, then transfer the dressing to a bowl.
• Assembly: Once the corn has cooled, cut the kernels off the cobs into a medium bowl and discard the cobs. Add the red onion and grape tomatoes and mix to combine. Drizzle in 1/2 cup of the Thai Basil Vinaigrette Dressing while lightly tossing the salad together. Reserve the remaining dressing. Gently stir in the basil leaves. Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste, and add more dressing, if desired. Serve slightly chilled on serving plates, using a slotted spoon to keep excess liquids in the bowl.

PESTO-CORN GRILLED PEPPERS

Steps:

• For pesto, combine 1/2 cup oil, grated cheese, basil, sunflower kernels and garlic in a blender; cover and process until blended., In a large skillet, heat remaining oil over medium-high heat. Add chopped red pepper; cook and stir until tender. Add corn and pesto; heat through., Halve peppers lengthwise; remove seeds. Grill peppers, covered, over medium heat, cut side down, 8 minutes. Turn; fill with corn mixture. Grill 4-6 minutes longer or until tender. If desired, sprinkle with shredded cheese.

PESTO CORN SALAD WITH SHRIMP

Steps:

• In a pot of boiling water, cook corn until tender, about 5 minutes. Drain; cool slightly. Meanwhile, in a food processor, pulse basil, oil and 1/4 teaspoon salt until blended., Cut corn from cob and place in a bowl. Stir in tomatoes, pepper and remaining salt. Add avocado and 2 tablespoons basil mixture; toss gently to combine. , Thread shrimp onto metal or soaked wooden skewers; brush with remaining basil mixture. Grill, covered, over medium heat until shrimp turn pink, 2-4 minutes per side. Remove shrimp from skewers; serve with corn mixture.

GRILLED CORN WITH PESTO AND BASIL SCHMEAR

Steps:

• Set up grill for direct cooking and heat to medium-high. Once hot, clean and lightly oil grates with canola oil. Grill shucked corn cobs, turning occasionally, until charred, 6 to 8 minutes.
• Brush cobs with prepared pesto and sprinkle with chopped fresh basil.

GRILLED CORN BASIL PESTO SALAD

Steps:

• Place corn on the rack of a gas or charcoal grill. Cover and cook over direct medium-high heat until lightly charred, turning occasionally, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from the grill. Let cool until easy to handle.
• Cut kernels from the cobs; discard cobs. Combine corn kernels and pesto in a large bowl; stir to coat.
• Transfer to a serving dish. Top with Parmesan cheese, basil, lemon zest, and cracked black pepper.