Savory Corn Waffles with Tomato-Herb Salad: A Wholesome, Flavorful Brunch Experience
Discover a nourishing brunch recipe: golden corn waffles paired with a bright tomato-herb salad and creamy yogurt dressing.
Savory Corn Waffles with Tomato-Herb Salad
Elevate your idea of brunch or light dinner with savory corn waffles served alongside a vibrant tomato-herb salad and finished with a tangy yogurt dressing. This recipe balances the warmth of golden, fluffy waffles with the coolness of crisp, fresh vegetables, all tied together by creamy yogurt and zesty lime. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or treat yourself to a wholesome meal, this dish checks every box—simple preparation, bold flavors, and nourishing ingredients.
Recipe Highlights
- Versatile for brunch, lunch or dinner
- Vegetarian and balanced with grains, vegetables, and healthy fats
- Customizable: swap herbs, adjust spice level, or add cheese
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 1 pint grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 scallion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 seedless cucumber, sliced into half-moons
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
- 1 cup cilantro leaves
- 1 cup flat-leaf parsley leaves
- 1 small avocado, diced
For the Dressing
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
For the 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 more for the waffle iron)
- 2 cups frozen corn, thawed
- 1/2 small jalapeño, finely chopped and seeded if desired
Step-by-Step Directions
Prepare the Salad
- In a mixing bowl, gently toss grape tomatoes, scallion, and cucumber with olive oil, plus a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Let the mixture sit while preparing the remaining ingredients. This allows flavors to meld and vegetables to soften slightly.
- Just before serving, fold in the cilantro leaves, parsley leaves, and diced avocado to ensure herbs stay fresh and avocado retains its texture.
Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together plain yogurt, lime juice, and chopped cilantro.
- Add water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach a drizzling consistency—perfect for topping your salad and waffles.
Prepare the Corn Waffles
- Preheat oven to 200°F and set a wire rack over a rimmed baking sheet inside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt for even distribution.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together egg yolks, buttermilk, and melted butter. Stir in thawed corn and jalapeño.
- Combine wet and dry mixtures, stirring just until incorporated. Avoid overmixing to ensure fluffy waffles.
- In another medium bowl, beat egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form, using an electric mixer.
- Gently fold beaten egg whites into the batter—this step gives your waffles extra lift and lightness.
- Preheat your waffle iron and, once hot, lightly butter it.
- Spoon about 1/2 cup batter per waffle into the iron. Cook until golden and crisp, about 5 to 6 minutes, then transfer finished waffles to the oven to keep warm while cooking the rest.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount (per waffle) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 530 kcal |
| Protein | 14 g |
| Carbohydrate | 68 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 7 g |
| Sugars | 10.5 g (2.5 g added) |
| Total Fat | 25.5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 10 g |
| Cholesterol | 109 mg |
| Sodium | 909 mg |
Tips and Variations
- Spice Level: For a milder taste, remove jalapeño seeds; for more heat, use the whole pepper or substitute with serrano chiles.
- Cheese Addition: Mix in shredded cheddar or crumbled feta for a richer waffle.
- Herb Swap: Use basil or mint instead of parsley for a seasonal variation.
- Make Ahead: Cook extra waffles, cool, and freeze for quick breakfasts. Reheat in the toaster or oven.
Serving Suggestions
- Top waffles generously with tomato-herb salad and drizzle with yogurt dressing for a satisfying meal.
- Pair with poached, fried, or scrambled eggs for extra protein.
- Serve with grilled proteins (chicken, tofu) for dinner or a hearty lunch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Colorful and appealing: Each plate is bursting with color, making meals enticing and festive.
- Nutritious blend of whole grains, vegetables, and healthy fats: The cornmeal waffles offer complex carbohydrates, while avocado and dressing provide healthy fats and probiotics.
- Customizable to dietary needs: Gluten-free flour and plant-based yogurt work equally well.
What others are reading
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can these waffles be made gluten-free?
A: Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with your preferred gluten-free blend for similar results.
Q: What can I use instead of buttermilk?
A: Combine 1 1/2 cups of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice; let sit for 5 minutes before using.
Q: How do I freeze and reheat leftover waffles?
A: Freeze in layers separated by wax paper. Reheat in a toaster or oven at 350°F until crisp and heated through.
Q: What other vegetables work in the salad?
A: You can add radishes, roasted sweet corn, or diced bell pepper for more color and crunch.
Q: Is there a vegan version of this recipe?
A: Yes, use plant-based yogurt and buttermilk alternatives, along with egg replacers for the waffle batter.
Waffle Iron Tips
- Always let the waffle iron fully heat up before adding batter for even browning.
- Lightly grease with butter or spray to prevent sticking and promote crispy edges.
- Don’t overfill: Pouring about 1/2 cup ensures a crisp, evenly cooked waffle.
Expert Notes on Nutrition
The addition of corn brings not only natural sweetness and texture but also key nutrients such as fiber, vitamins B and C, and antioxidants. Pairing with avocado, olive oil, and herbs further increases heart-healthy fats and essential micronutrients. Yogurt provides a calcium and protein boost, while lime juice aids in iron absorption from the greens.
Balancing carbs and protein, these waffles fit well into a healthy brunch or dinner plan. If you’re watching sodium, use reduced-sodium baking powder and salt.
Ingredient Substitutions and Allergy Tips
- Milk allergies: Use dairy-free buttermilk substitutes and yogurts without compromising taste.
- Egg allergies: Replace each egg with 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit to thicken.
- Corn allergies: Replace corn with grated zucchini for a vegetable-forward approach.
How to Store and Meal Prep
- Keep waffles warm in a low oven (200°F) on a wire rack; this keeps them crisp after cooking.
- To meal prep, make waffles ahead and refrigerate up to 3 days, or freeze up to 2 months.
- The salad is best fresh, but you can chop ingredients ahead and combine right before serving.
- Dressing keeps well in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 5 days—great for salads or as a dip.
Creative Twists: Regional Flavor Inspiration
- Add poblano or serrano chiles for a Southwestern kick.
- Blend parsley and cilantro with mint and lemon juice for a Mediterranean version.
- Toss salad with crumbled queso fresco for Mexican flair.
- Flavor your yogurt dressing with a pinch of ground cumin or smoked paprika for added depth.
Presentation Tips
- Serve waffles stacked on a platter for a family-style meal.
- Arrange salad ingredients artfully atop each waffle, drizzle with dressing, and garnish with fresh herbs for a restaurant-worthy look.
- Scatter extra jalapeño slices or chopped scallion on top for color.
Pairings
- For drinks, pair with iced herbal tea, citrus-infused water, or sparkling lemonade.
- Round out the meal with roasted potatoes or a fruit salad.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen?
A: Yes, grill or boil fresh corn, cool, and slice kernels off the cob for a sweet and smoky flavor.
Q: What if I don’t have a waffle iron?
A: Use a skillet for pancakes; the texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
Q: How can I make the salad spicier?
A: Add sliced radish, extra jalapeño, or a sprinkle of chili flakes to the salad for more heat.
Conclusion: A Brunch to Remember
This recipe for savory corn waffles with tomato-herb salad delivers vivid flavors, beautiful colors, and wholesome nutrition. Easy to customize, prepare, and serve, it’s destined to become a favorite for relaxed weekend brunches, satisfying weekday lunches, or vibrant dinner gatherings. Enjoy every bite with your preferred twist and share the joy of good food!
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://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0BQ5Khk7U-4
- https://www.savoryspiceshop.com/products/chookn-cornmeal-waffles
- https://www.prevention.com/food-nutrition/recipes/a20478193/savory-or-sweet-corncakes/
- https://food52.com/recipes/41358-the-ultimate-savory-waffle
- https://fortheloveofgourmet.com/cornmeal-cheddar-chive-waffles/
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