Step 1

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the corn until tender, about 5 minutes. Drain and cool. Stand the corn in a large bowl and slice off the kernels. Add the tomatoes, scallions and basil and season with salt and pepper.

Step 2

In a blender, puree the shallot with the vinegar, hot water and mustard. With the blender on, slowly add 6 tablespoons of the safflower oil until combined. Season the vinaigrette with salt and pepper, then toss with the corn salad.

Step 3

In a large bowl, toss the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil with the scallops; season with salt and pepper. Heat a large grill pan. Add half of the scallops at a time to the pan and grill over moderately high heat, turning once, until browned, about 4 minutes per batch. Mound the corn salad on plates, top with the scallops and serve.