SUMMERY SWEET CORN CILANTRO AND FETA SALAD + MY CURE FOR NAUSEA FROM CANCER

Corn dishes are always a good idea for picnics, parties and just planting yourself in front of the TV for a perfectly satisfying snack. Especially during summer when fresh corn is at its peak. And especially when corn is nice and cheap.

For the last five years, this corn salad has been my go-to for church gatherings, family get-togethers and when I need a really good recipe that everyone likes, any time of the year. And it's so easy to make. You can even make it the day before, and it will taste just as good. Just hold off on adding the feta cheese until you're ready to serve it.

This recipe is definitely in our top three all-time favorites for both my husband and I.

Make sure to buy the frozen corn that says "sweet" on the package. You can use white or yellow, but I think yellow is prettier. For an even better treat, use fresh corn, straight off of the cob. Now is the perfect time to make this salad as a side to grilled chicken, a topping for fish tacos, over a cooked sweet potato, or even added to some cooked and cooled pasta or pearl couscous for a heartier salad.

Just remember to taste as you go. I've found that this salad can taste a bit different each time I make it because limes can be a bit fussy. Some are plumper and sweeter and some have less juice and are more dry and can even have a bitter taste. Don't use those. Adjust as you go, and add more if necessary. Or, if they are especially large and juicy, you might only need four.

And nausea? Oh boy, I can tell you about nausea. I spent much of my first three months after I was diagnosed with cancer throwing up, often three times a day, while feeling sick all day long. I still carry those blue throw-up disposable bags with me in my purse, and I have a few stashed away in my car, just in case.

My doctor prescribed me medicine after medicine, but none of them seemed to do the trick. They either didn't help or gave me other side effects, and goodness knows I am already on enough meds, I certainly didn't need to add more to the mix.

So, I took it upon myself to try to find a cure and I gave Gatorade and exercise a try. And it worked!

But I had to be diligent. And I'll admit that when I was feeling bad, the couch was calling. When I was nauseous, the last thing I wanted to do was move around, but the movement was what made all the difference. I'd be up at 3am, 6am, 8am (mostly 3am), and so on, folding laundry, doing dishes, baking muffins, and finding any excuse to go up and down the stairs in our three-level home. I found that moving around for between 15 to 30 minutes each day set me up for a successful rest of the day with no nausea. None.

I also found that Gatorade really helped keep me less queasy. I opted for the Zero Gatorade, which has no added sugar, and my favorite flavor is lemon lime.

Exercising immediately upon waking and drinking Gatorade Zero saved the day. I still practice this technique today. Hopefully, it works for you, too.

Summery Sweet Corn Cilantro and Feta Salad

2 lb. frozen sweet corn

1-1/2 cups fresh cilantro, finely chopped

6 green onions, chopped, green and white parts

Juice of 6 limes

1/4 cup olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Red pepper flakes to taste

1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (or to taste)

Defrost the corn. Then add to a large bowl along with the cilantro, green onion, lime juice and olive oil. Stir to combine and then add salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, tasting as you go to determine the amounts needed. I always start with 1/2 teaspoon each and build from there. When you're ready to serve the salad, sprinkle the feta cheese on top.

This salad is best made ahead of time and allowed to sit in the refrigerator to allow flavors to meld. It can even be made the day before, then adding the feta right before serving.

Serves 6-8 depending on portion size. This salad lasts 4-5 days in the refrigerator.