This salad is all about the deliciousness of sweet summer corn
But it also builds a bridge towards the fall season. Here the sweet corn is tossed with deeply flavorful, almost meaty mushrooms. We’ll also add roasted walnuts for another layer of savory flavor, in addition to their nuttiness.
The walnut oil is absolutely key here, too. I recommend the stunning oil from La Tourangelle. Their roasted walnut oil is made following 150-year-old traditional methods, and every spoonful tastes as rich and nutty as can be.
And if you’re wondering how to use that bottle of white truffle oil you have in your cupboard, look no further! The aromatic oil, drizzled over the salad just before serving, makes this dish truly intoxicating.
The combination of flavors in this exquisite salad is nothing short of magical… Bon appétit!
Food & wine pairing: California Chardonnay with sweet corn and mushroom salad
A full-bodied white is de rigueur here, and there are a few superb choices. Pour a Pinot Blanc from Alsace, a Chardonnay from Mâconnais or California, a Chenin Blanc from the Loire Valley or a Grenache Blanc blend from Southern France. The weight of these wines works beautifully with the richness of the salad, and their flavors pair perfectly with both the sweet corn and the mushrooms.
Sweet corn salad with shiitake mushrooms, roasted walnuts and white truffle oil
serves 4
active time: 40 min
For the walnuts
- 3 tablespoons walnuts – broken in small pieces (use your fingers)
- 1 teaspoon roasted walnut oil
- pinch sea salt
- freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the shiitake
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons roasted walnut oil
- 8 oz (225 g) fresh shiitake mushrooms – stems removed and quartered
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt to taste
- freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the corn salad
- 2 tablespoons roasted walnut oil
- 2 large shallots – skinned and cut in 1/8″ cubes
- 4 large ears fresh corn – husks removed and kernels shaved off the cob with a sharp knife
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh chives (1 small bunch)
For the garnishes
- 1 handful frisée leaves – torn in 1″ pieces
- 2 tablespoons freshly grated Reggiano Parmesan
- white truffle oil for drizzling
- freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Step 1:
Place the walnuts, oil, salt and pepper in a small bowl and stir until the nuts are well coated with the oil. Heat a small skillet over medium-high heat. Add the walnuts and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes, shaking the pan or stirring frequently, until the nuts are golden. Transfer to a bowl and set aside. - Step 2: To make the mushrooms – Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the butter. Once the butter has melted, add the oil and mushrooms. Toss well and sauté for 2 minutes, undisturbed, until the mushrooms are golden. Toss and continue to sauté for another 3 to 4 minutes until golden-brown, tossing only occasionally. Sprinkle with the salt and pepper, toss again and transfer to a bowl to cool.
- Step 3: To make the corn – Return the pan to the stove and heat over medium-high heat. Add the oil and shallots and sauté for 2 minutes until shallots begin to soften, stirring from time to time. Add the corn and continue sautéing for 1 to 2 minutes only, until the corn is heated through. Season with the salt and pepper, toss again and transfer to a separate bowl to cool until warm, about 10 minutes.
- Step 4: To serve – Add the mushrooms, walnuts and chives to the corn mixture and stir well. Divide the corn salad onto 4 large plates. Top with a few frisée leaves and sprinkle with the Parmesan. Drizzle with a little white truffle oil and finish with the pepper. Serve immediately.
Viviane’s tip
- Chanterelles or Oyster mushrooms are wonderful in this dish, too. Trim the bottom of the stems and tear the mushrooms in 1/2″ pieces before sautéing them, following the instructions in Step 2.
I can only just remember watching your fried zucchini flower video on YouTube around 2008 or 2009 and I just came across it again. Now I wonder, why I didn’t have a look at your website earlier. A wonderful job done! So many amazing meals that are simple but full of flavour. Just amazing!
Ryan, Thank you so much for your comment and for stopping by! You made my day 🙂 <-- big smile! I am thrilled you enjoyed the website. We actually just launched this new platform a few weeks ago. Still working out some details, but we're almost there. Thanks again... and as always, happy cooking!
A really stunning salad Viviane and love the seasonal transition. Never used walnut oil but curious now.
This dish makes easing into fall a fabulous thing! The mix of walnut oil and truffle oil sounds wonderful.
I love sweet corns and this is a wonderful salad! Can’t wait to give this a try. You’ve got all of my favorite ingredients on the plate! 🙂
Oh Amy, thank you! I can’t wait for you to try this salad!
A fine gourmet sweet corn recipe, Viviane. I too love walnut oil…it makes a big difference, esp. in salads.
Thank you so much, Angie! I’m so glad you are a fan of walnut oil!