Composed california corn salad

6 servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
2Ears corn (or more)
1Small red bell pepper *
1Small green bell pepper*
2Small yellow squash,sliced
2Sm zucchini, sliced diag.
2Small Japanese eggplants*
4Basil leaves; chopped
1Bunch arugula **
1Bunch red leaf lettuce ***
½cupRice wine vinegar
½cupWalnut or olive oil
Salt, pepper

Directions

Note: In lieu of parboiling, the vegetables can be sauteed in olive oil until tender-crisp, if desired. *Note: Bell peppers and eggplant should be cut in strips. (Eggplant is optional.) **Bibb lettuce may be used instead of arugula. ***Red leaf lettuce should be sliced. Cut corn kernels from cobs into bowl. Set aside. Bring 2 quarts salted water to rolling boil. Drop pepper strips into boiling water. Parboil 1 minute or until color heightens. Remove peppers with slotted spoon and drain. Refresh in bowl of cold water. Set aside. Add yellow squash, zucchini and eggplants to boiling water. Parboil 2 minutes.

Remove with slotted spoon and drain. Set aside. Toss basil with arugula and red leaf lettuce. Arrange greens on large, shallow platter or tray. In large bowl stir to combine vinegar, walnut oil and salt and pepper to taste. Add corn kernels to dressing, toss and drain, reserving dressing. Arrange kernels in spoke pattern to resemble sun rays over greens, mounding some in center. Separately add peppers, squash, zucchini and eggplant to dressing, tossing lightly. Arrange red, green and yellow vegetables in sections between corn kernel spokes. Pour any remaining dressing over salad. Makes 6 to 8 servings (C) 1992 The Los Angeles Times