Tuscan Fresh Corn Salad

For Nic and Sara's Annual Summer party, I try to bring a dish that is somewhat healthy but tasty as well.   Given the excessive heat we had been experiencing I stayed away from any ingredients that might "go bad" as food will be sitting out for several hours.  I found this Corn Salad recipe on the Cook County webpage and decided to give it a try.  It was attractive and called for items currently in season so was inexpensive.  Here's the recipe (I doubled it to make enough for a crowd).  While it is considered a "side dish" I will make it again and eat it for lunch or a light dinner.  Very tasty!

Serves 4 to 6
(Do not add the tomatoes to the toasted corn until it is cool, as the heat from the corn will partially cook the tomatoes.)

INGREDIENTS
2 tomatoes, cored and cut into 1/2 inch pieces
Salt and pepper
2 scallions, sliced thin
1 1/2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
2 1/2 tables olive oil
5 ears corn, kernels cut from cobs
1 15 ounce can rinsed cannellini beans
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil.

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Toss tomatoes and 1/2 teaspoon salt in bowl.  Transfer to colander set over bowl and let drain for at least 30 minutes.  
2. Combine scallions, vinegar, 3/4 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper in large bowl.  Slowly wisk in 1 1/2 tablespoons oil.
3. Heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil in 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.  Add corn and cook, stirring occasionally, until spotty brown, 5 to 7 minutes.
4. Transfer corn to bowl with vinaigrette and add cannellini beans, toss to coat, and cool to room temperature, about 20-30 minutes.  Stir in drained tomatoes and basil.
5. Let sit until flavors meld, about 30 minutes.  Season with salt and pepper to taste.  Serve (Salad can be refrigerated for up to 2 days)

EASY CORN OFF THE COB

Trying to cut kernels off a wobbly, unsteady ear of corn is asking for trouble.  To keep the cob stable as you slice off the kernels, cut each ear of corn in half, then turn each half on its cut side.  Use a large cutting board because the loose kernels tend to scatter.