Corn, Summer Squash & Watercress Salad with Thyme

I love this time of the year! I particularly love how farmer’s markets are brimming with such a variety of produce. And even though we Californians are lucky to see fresh produce (like strawberries) year-round, there is still seasonality to a lot of what shows up in the markets. Two specifically summer veggies that caught my eye this week were fresh corn on the cob and bright yellow summer squash. I decided to pair them together along with bright green watercress and flavorful thyme to create this light, summery, side dish. It turned out awesomely and I’m thinking it would be a great dish to bring to a 4th of July potluck this Wednesday. Hmmm… now I just need a potluck to be invited to.

To start, place a large saucepan full of water over high heat, cover, and bring to a boil. Meanwhile, shuck your corn and gently place each ear in the boiling water being careful not to burn yourself. Turn the heat down to a simmer and cook the corn for 10 minutes, partially covered.

While the corn is cooking, chop your summer squash and heat the olive oil in a medium saute pan over medium high heat. When the oil is hot add the squash and saute for 5-7 minutes.

While the corn is cooking and squash is sauteeing, de-stem and rinse your watercress in cold water and roughly chop it.

When the corn is finished cooking, cut the kernels from the cob. Add the sauteed squash, chopped watercress and stir well to combine. Measure your dried thyme, place it in the palm of your hand and crush it between your fingers or hands before adding it in the bowl. Add salt and combine everything again. And that’s all there is to this easy, delicious summer side-dish!

I really love how all of the flavors go so well together. I especially love how the slight pepperyness of the watercress plays off of the super sweetness of the corn.

Corn, Summer Squash & Watercress Salad with Thyme

Ingredients

makes 6 side-dish servings

• 4 ears of corn
• 1 1/2 lbs. of yellow summer squash (this was 3 medium ones for me)
• 1 bunch of watercress
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• salt to taste

Corn: Fill a large stockpot with water and place it on high heat; cover with a lid and bring to boil. Meanwhile, shuck all 4 ears of corn and gently place them in the boiling water.

Squash: Chop your summer squash into small dice. Add the extra virgin olive oil to a medium saute pan and heat it over medium high heat. When the oil is hot, add the summer squash and saute for 5-7 minutes.

Watercress: De-stem and wash your watercress in cold water and then roughly chop it.

Put it all together: In a large bowl slice off the kernels of corn from the cob (as demonstrated in the third photo from the top), add the summer squash, and watercress. Stir well until all is combined. Measure the dried thyme and then rub it between the palms of your hands so that it the flavors are brought out as it falls into the dish. Add salt and then stir until everything is combined.