Corn Salad with Hazelnuts, Pecorino, and Mint

A fresh summer salad featuring a mix of raw and grilled corn, toasted hazelnuts, and fresh herbs. The combination of Pecorino cheese, mint, and tarragon creates a sophisticated dish with bright flavors and interesting textures.

6 servings
32 min

Ingredients

  • ½ cup blanched hazelnuts
  • 4 ears corn
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
  • 2 tablespoons unseasoned rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • to taste Kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 ounces Pecorino Toscano
  • ¼ cup mint
  • ¼ cup tarragon
  • 1 teaspoon Aleppo-style pepper

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Preheat oven to 350°F. Toast hazelnuts on a rimmed baking sheet, tossing once, until golden brown, 8-10 minutes. Let cool, then coarsely chop.

    10 min

  2. 2.

    Meanwhile, prepare a grill for medium heat. Cut kernels from 1 corn cob into a large bowl. Add garlic, orange juice, vinegar, and lemon zest and toss to combine; season with salt. Set aside.

    5 min

  3. 3.

    Brush remaining 3 ears of corn with oil and grill, turning occasionally, until very tender and charred and blackened in spots, 10-12 minutes. (Alternatively, remove kernels from cobs and cook in a dry large skillet over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until charred in spots, about 4 minutes.) Let cool.

    12 min

  4. 4.

    Cut kernels from cobs and add to reserved salad; add hazelnuts, Pecorino, mint, tarragon, and Aleppo-style pepper and toss to combine. Season with salt.

    5 min