Savory Corn Waffles with Fresh Tomato-Herb Salad: A Wholesome Brunch Choice
Delight your taste buds with hearty corn waffles paired with a vibrant, nutrient-rich salad and a creamy yogurt-lime dressing.
Savory Corn Waffles With Fresh Tomato-Herb Salad
Move over, maple syrup—these savory corn waffles offer a fresh, nourishing take on a classic breakfast dish. Paired with a vibrant tomato-herb salad and a creamy yogurt-lime dressing, this recipe provides layers of flavor, wholesome ingredients, and a beautiful presentation fit for brunch, lunch, or a light dinner.
Why Choose Savory Corn Waffles?
While waffles often conjure thoughts of sweet toppings and breakfast syrup, this recipe transforms the familiar grid pattern into something savory, hearty, and packed with bright vegetables. The combination of stone-ground cornmeal, fresh herbs, and a pop of spice from jalapeño delivers impressive flavor and texture without a heavy feeling. Meanwhile, the addition of corn kernels imparts natural sweetness and bursts of juiciness in every bite.
- Vegetarian-friendly and adaptable for different dietary needs.
- Includes fresh produce like tomatoes, cucumber, cilantro, and avocado.
- Rich in fiber and protein for sustained energy.
- Can be made ahead for easy entertaining or batch cooking.
Ingredients
This dish features three main components: the tomato-herb salad, a tangy yogurt-lime dressing, and the golden corn waffles themselves.
For the Salad
- 1 pint grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 scallion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 seedless cucumber, sliced into half-moons
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup cilantro leaves
- 1 cup flat-leaf parsley leaves
- 1 small avocado, diced
For the Yogurt-Lime Dressing
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt (Greek-style or regular)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
- Water as needed, to achieve drizzling consistency
For the Corn Waffles
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup stone-ground yellow cornmeal
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 large eggs, separated
- 1 1/2 cups low-fat buttermilk
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, plus extra for the waffle iron
- 2 cups frozen corn kernels, thawed and drained
- 1/2 small jalapeño pepper, seeded if desired, finely chopped
Step-By-Step Directions
1. Prepare the Tomato-Herb Salad
- In a large mixing bowl, combine grape tomatoes, scallion, and cucumber.
- Drizzle with olive oil, season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and toss gently.
- Allow the mixture to marinate while preparing the other components.
Tip: Mixing the vegetables with salt a few minutes ahead draws out moisture for a more flavorful salad.
- When ready to serve, fold in the cilantro, parsley leaves, and diced avocado to prevent bruising.
2. Whisk the Yogurt-Lime Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together plain yogurt, fresh lime juice, and chopped cilantro until smooth.
- Add cold water a tablespoon at a time, stirring, until the dressing is just thin enough to drizzle.
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3. Make the Corn Waffles
- Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C).
- Set a wire rack over a rimmed baking sheet and place it in the oven to keep finished waffles warm and crisp.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, combine the egg yolks, buttermilk, and melted butter. Stir well, then fold in the corn kernels and jalapeño.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Add the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. Mix lightly until just incorporated—do not over-mix, as a few lumps are fine.
Whip Egg Whites:
- With clean beaters, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the batter for a light, airy texture.
Cook the Waffles:
- Preheat your waffle iron and lightly brush with butter.
- Spoon about 1/2 cup of batter per waffle onto the hot iron; spread evenly.
- Cook for 5–6 minutes, or until the waffles are golden brown and crisp.
- Transfer each waffle to the oven to keep warm. Repeat with remaining batter.
4. Assemble and Serve
- Place warm corn waffles on plates.
- Top each waffle with a generous scoop of the tomato-herb salad.
- Drizzle with the yogurt-lime dressing just before serving.
Best enjoyed immediately while fresh and crisp.
Nutrition Information (Per Waffle)
| Calories | 530 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 14 g |
| Carbohydrates | 68 g |
| Fiber | 7 g |
| Sugars | 10.5 g (2.5 g added) |
| Fat | 25.5 g (10 g sat fat) |
| Cholesterol | 109 mg |
| Sodium | 909 mg |
Make-Ahead, Storage, and Variations
Make-Ahead & Storing Tips
- Waffles can be made ahead, cooled, and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day, or refrigerated for up to three days.
- Re-crisp waffles in a toaster oven or low oven (300°F) for 5–7 minutes.
- The salad is best prepared just before serving to preserve color and texture of the herbs and avocado.
- The yogurt-lime dressing will keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Flavor Add-Ins and Substitutions
Mix and match ingredients based on preference or dietary requirements:
- Substitute Greek yogurt with a plant-based alternative for a vegan or dairy-free meal (and use dairy-free butter or olive oil in waffles).
- Swap jalapeño for poblano, red bell pepper, or omit for less heat.
- Fold in a handful of shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese for a richer waffle.
- For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend in place of wheat flour.
Serving Suggestions
- Add a poached or fried egg on top for extra protein.
- Serve alongside roasted sweet potatoes or blanched green beans for a more substantial meal.
- Top with a dollop of salsa, hot sauce, or a sprinkle of pepitas for added zest and crunch.
The Nutritional Benefits of This Recipe
This recipe delivers more than great taste—it also packs a nutritious punch from whole-food ingredients.
- Corn: Provides fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants for gut health and energy.
- Tomatoes & cucumber: High in hydration and vitamins A & C for skin and immunity.
- Herbs: Cilantro and parsley add phytonutrients and fresh flavor.
- Avocado: Full of heart-healthy fats and potassium.
- Buttermilk & yogurt: Offer calcium and probiotics for digestive health.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make these waffles without a waffle iron?
A: Yes, pour the batter into a preheated, buttered skillet to make savory corn pancakes instead. The flavor will be similar, though the texture will be slightly different.
Q: How do I keep waffles warm and crispy before serving?
A: Place cooked waffles on a wire rack in a 200°F oven as you finish cooking the rest. This keeps them crisp and warm without becoming soggy.
Q: Are there gluten-free alternatives?
A: Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version. Ensure your cornmeal is certified gluten-free as well.
Q: Can I freeze leftover waffles?
A: Absolutely. Cool them completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to one month. Reheat in a toaster or oven for best results.
Q: What other toppings pair well with savory corn waffles?
A: Try sliced radishes, a fried or poached egg, hot sauce, salsa, shredded cheese, or extra fresh herbs.
Expert Tips for Perfect Savory Waffles
- Don’t overmix the batter; a few lumps will keep the waffles tender.
- Fold in the beaten egg whites gently to preserve airiness in the waffle.
- Keep the waffle iron well-greased for even browning and easier release.
- Use fresh or thawed corn kernels for best texture—avoid canned corn with added salt or sugar.
The Brunch Table: Delicious & Versatile
These savory corn waffles with salad shine as a main event or a standout side. Their inviting color, hearty texture, and balanced flavors mean they impress whether served for weekend brunch, a wholesome weeknight dinner, or as a creative addition to a holiday menu.
Serve. Savor. Celebrate wholesome food with every bite!
References
- https://www.prevention.com/food-nutrition/recipes/a35351050/savory-corn-waffles-with-salad-recipe/
- https://www.flourishingfoodie.com/blog/savory-corn-and-cheddar-waffles
- https://thegingeredwhisk.com/savory-cornbread-waffles/
- https://tastesbetterfromscratch.com/cornbread-waffles-with-chili/
- https://veggiekinsblog.com/2018/12/16/cornbread-waffles/
- https://www.savoryspiceshop.com/products/chookn-cornmeal-waffles
- https://www.prevention.com/registration-recipes/
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