Seared Scallops with Farmers' Market Salad

Combine tomato, basil, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper; toss gently. Set aside.

Heat a large cast-iron or other heavy skillet over high heat. Add oil to pan, swirling to coat. Pat scallops dry with paper towels; sprinkle with remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and remaining 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Add scallops to pan; cook 2 minutes or until browned. Turn scallops; cook 2 minutes or until done. Remove scallops from pan; keep warm.

Coat pan with cooking spray. Add corn to pan; saut 2 minutes or until lightly browned. Add to tomato mixture; toss gently. Serve salad with scallops.

Be sure you buy dry-packed scallops. Scallops marked "wet packed" have been treated with a liquid solution containing sodium tripolyphosphate. The scallops absorb the salty mixture and plump up, resulting in a heavier weight and a higher market price. But when you cook them, the liquid portion will cook out, leaving you with smaller scallops and a higher sodium content.