grilled corn salad recipe

The Best grilled corn salad recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my family’s favorite grilled corn salad recipe! This dish has been a staple in our household for years, and I’m sure it will become one in yours too. The story behind this recipe begins with my husband’s grandmother, who used to make it for family gatherings all the time.

She’d grill the corn on the cob, then chop it up and mix it with a variety of ingredients to create a delicious salad that everyone loved. Over the years, I’ve tweaked the recipe to make it my own, adding some personal touches and flavors that my family just can’t get enough of. One thing that sets this recipe apart is the way the grilled corn brings out its natural sweetness.

When you cook corn on the grill, it caramelizes and develops a deep, rich flavor that pairs perfectly with the tangy dressing and crunchy vegetables. It’s a match made in heaven, if I do say so myself! My kids adore helping me make this salad because they love being able to get their hands dirty and add their own favorite toppings.

We often have impromptu picnics or barbecues at home, and this salad is always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a big gathering or just need a quick and healthy meal option for your family, this grilled corn salad recipe is sure to become a new favorite. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make – just throw all the ingredients together in a big bowl and toss!

The best part is that you can customize it to your taste by adding or subtracting different ingredients. For instance, if you’re not a fan of onions or want to reduce the amount of dressing used, no problem – just omit or adjust as needed. The key technique behind making great grilled corn is all about getting those perfect grill marks without burning the corn.

To achieve this, you’ll want to cook the corn over medium heat until it’s slightly charred but still tender. Then, let it cool down before chopping it up for your salad. If you’re short on time or prefer not to use fresh corn at all (like during winter months), feel free to substitute frozen corn kernels – just thaw them first before mixing into your salad.

Grilled Corn Salad

4.7 from 736 votes

This vibrant grilled corn salad combines smoky charred corn with crisp vegetables and a tangy lime dressing. It is perfect as a side dish for summer barbecues or as a light lunch.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time15 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time30 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 220 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Salad

4 ears fresh corn, husked
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 jalapeno, seeded and minced

For the Dressing

3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat a gas or charcoal grill to medium-high heat, about 400°F.
2Brush the corn ears with 1 tablespoon olive oil and season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
3Place the corn directly on the grill grates and cook, turning occasionally, until charred in spots and tender, about 10 to 12 minutes.
4Remove from the grill and let cool for 5 minutes.
5While the corn cools, prepare the dressing by whisking together lime juice, 2 tablespoons olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper in a small bowl.
Set aside.
6Once the corn is cool enough to handle, stand each ear upright and cut the kernels off the cob using a sharp knife.
7Place the kernels in a large bowl.
8Add the cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, red onion, cilantro, and jalapeno to the bowl with the corn.
9Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
10Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
11Serve immediately at room temperature or refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

🔧Equipment

Grill
Large bowl
Small bowl
Whisk
Knife
Cutting board

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 220 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 2g❤️Cholesterol: 0mg🧂Sodium: 450mg🌾Total Carbs: 28g🥦Dietary Fiber: 4g🍬Sugars: 8g🥩Protein: 5g

📝Notes

For a smoky twist, grill the jalapeno alongside the corn until charred, then mince. You can substitute frozen grilled corn if fresh corn is not available.

Watch Video Of How Grilled Corn Salad Works

This grilled corn salad recipe is perfect for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or just need a quick weeknight meal option for your family.

Its versatility lies in its ability to be customized according to personal tastes while still delivering on ease-of-preparation points which appeal greatly especially during busy days when everyone seems too exhausted even thinking about preparing something remotely healthy looking good enough.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Grilled Corn Salad

Q: What type of corn should I use for this recipe?

A: For this grilled corn salad recipe, I recommend using fresh corn on the cob for the best flavor and texture results. You can use any variety of sweet corn you like – yellow, white, or bi-colored – but be sure to choose ears that are firm and free of blemishes.

Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?

A: While I wouldn’t recommend making the entire salad ahead of time (you’ll want to add the dressing just before serving), you can certainly prep some components in advance if needed – like chopping veggies or cooking proteins.

Q: What other toppings can I add besides onions?

A: Feel free to customize your salad by adding your favorite toppings! Some popular options include diced bell peppers, chopped cilantro or parsley, crumbled feta cheese, sliced avocado – really anything goes!

Q: Is there a specific type of dressing I should use?

A: For this recipe, I recommend using a vinaigrette-style dressing made with olive oil and vinegar as the base. You can adjust ratios according to taste – more oil than vinegar gives a creamier flavor while more vinegar than oil makes it tangier.

Q: Can I use canned corn instead of fresh?

A: Yes! Canned corn works perfectly well in place of fresh – especially when using frozen kernels (thaw them first). However keep in mind canned may have added preservatives which could affect overall quality.

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