Charred Okra and Corn Salad

Charred Okra and Corn Salad
(okra, corn, red onion + tomato dressing)
serves 4-6

A great late summer vegan salad recipe to show off okra in a way other than fried or stewed. The char from the grill elevates the earthiness of the bounty and the tomato dressing brings it all together with a sweet zing. 

What you need: 
16 ounces fresh okra
4 ears of corn, husks and silks removed (I used white corn)
1 medium red onion, peeled and cut into 1-in thick slices
3 tablespoons olive oil
Kosher salt
Coarsely ground black pepper
Tomato Dressing (recipe to follow)

What to do: 
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to high heat. 

2. Prepare Vegetables: On a rimmed baking sheet or baking dish, add vegetables olive oil, salt and pepper. Toss to coat. 

3. Grill Vegetables: Grill vegetables, turning occasionally, until corn is tender, onion is beginning to char and okra begins to split (about 15-18 minutes). Remove from heat and allow to cool. Prepare Tomato Dressing while vegetables are cooling. 

4. Finish Salad: Cut corn off the cob, slice okra into chunks and cut the grilled onion rings into 1-inch pieces. Add all to a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper and toss gently to combine. 

To Serve: Serve tossed with the Tomato Dressing or serve dressing on the side. Leftovers can be tossed into your favorite cornbread recipe or mixed into eggs for a great fritata. Love cheese? Add some crumbled feta! Love heat? Char a jalapeno, chop and add to the salad. 

Tomato Dressing
makes 1 cup 

What you need: 
2 vine-ripe tomatoes, halved and charred on the grill 
1/2 teaspoon rice wine vinegar
2 1/2 teaspoons maple syrup
1/4 cup olive oil
Kosher salt
Coarsely ground black pepper
Dash of your favorite hot sauce, optional

What to do: 
In a blender, add the grilled tomato halves, vinegar and maple syrup. Purée until smooth. With the blender running, slowly stream in the olive oil until fully incorporated. Season to taste with salt, pepper and hot sauce (optional). 

Recipe by Libbie Summers 
Assisted by Joshua Grotheer