Grilled Corn & Tomato Salad

Mar 05, 2025

Grilled Corn & Tomato Salad

Enjoy the vibrant flavors of the Grilled Corn & Tomato Salad, a featured dish on the Kentucky Derby 151 menu. Made with charred sweet corn, juicy cherry tomatoes, and crisp red onion, it's tossed with fresh herbs, baby arugula, and a zesty vinaigrette. Topped with a creamy Pimento Cheese Dressing, this dish blends Southern tradition with bold, modern flavors. Experience the best of Churchill Downs cuisine with this refreshing, race-day favorite.

Wine Pairing— La Crema Pinot Gris Monterey, 2023

Ingredients

• 4 Ears Of Fresh Corn, Husks Removed
• 2 Cups Cherry Or Grape Tomatoes, Halved
• 1 Small Red Onion, Finely Chopped
• 3 Cups Baby Arugula
• ¼ Cup Fresh Herbs, Such As Basil Or Cilantro, Roughly Chopped
• 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil (Plus More For Brushing The Corn)
• 2 Tablespoons Red Wine Vinegar
• 1 Teaspoon Honey
• 1 Garlic Clove, Minced
• Salt And Freshly Ground Black Pepper

Pimento Cheese Dressing

Ingredients

• 1 Cup Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese
• ¼ Cup Diced Pimentos
• ¾ Cup Mayonnaise
• ¼ Cup Sour Cream
• 1 Tablespoon White Vinegar
• 1 Teaspoon Dijon Mustard
• ½ Teaspoon Garlic Powder
• ½ Teaspoon Onion Powder
• ½ Teaspoon Salt, Plus More To Taste
• ¼ Teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper

Instructions

1.     Preheat Your Outdoor Grill Or Grill Pan To Medium-High Heat

2.     Lightly Brush The Ears Of Corn With A Small Amount Of Olive Oil And Season With Salt And Pepper.

3.     Place The Corn On The Preheated Grill, Turning Every 2–3 Minutes, Until Lightly Charred On All Sides (About 10–12 Minutes Total).

4.     Remove From The Grill And Set Aside To Cool Slightly.

5.     Once The Corn Is Cool Enough To Handle, Hold Each Cob Upright On A Cutting Board.

6.     Run A Sharp Knife Down The Sides To Remove The Kernels. Transfer Kernels To A Large Mixing Bowl.

7.     To The Bowl With The Corn Kernels, Add The Halved Cherry Tomatoes And The Finely Chopped Red Onion

8.     Gently Toss To Combine.

9.     In A Small Bowl, Whisk Together The 2 Tablespoons Of Olive Oil, 2 Tablespoons Of Red Wine Vinegar, 1 Teaspoon Of Honey, And The Minced Garlic.

10.  In A Medium Bowl, Whisk Together The Mayonnaise, Sour Cream, Vinegar, Dijon Mustard, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, And Black Pepper Until Smooth.

11.  Stir Shredded Cheddar Cheese And Diced Pimentos Into The Dressing Base. If You’d Like A Smoother Texture, You Can Briefly Pulse The Shredded Cheddar Cheese And Diced Pimentos Mixture In A Food Processor

12.  Fold In The Chopped Fresh Herbs, Reserving A Little For Garnish.

13.  Transfer The Salad To A Serving Dish Or Bowl.

14.  Garnish With Remaining Fresh Herbs.