This Easy Grilled Corn Salad is perfect for summer BBQs! Sweet corn gets a smoky flavor from the grill and is mixed with fresh veggies. It’s colorful and super refreshing!
It’s a no-fuss recipe that comes together quickly. I love serving it chilled; it’s like a burst of summer in every bite! Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies. 🌽
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Corn: Fresh corn on the cob is the star of this dish. It’s sweet and juicy when grilled. If you don’t have fresh corn, canned or frozen corn works too. Just make sure to thaw frozen corn well!
Avocado: This adds creaminess to the salad. If you’re not a fan of avocado, you can replace it with diced cucumber or bell peppers for a similar crunch.
Cherry Tomatoes: They bring in a burst of freshness! You can swap them out for regular diced tomatoes or even roasted red peppers if you’re looking for a different flavor.
Red Onion: For a milder flavor, you could use green onions or shallots. If you want to skip the onions entirely, just add more herbs for flavor.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a nice pop, but if you’re not a fan, parsley is a great alternative that still gives it a fresh taste.
How Do You Grill Corn Perfectly?
Grilling corn efficiently gives this salad its amazing flavor. To ensure perfectly grilled corn:
- Start with fresh corn; husk them and remove the silk.
- Brush the corn with olive oil to prevent sticking and enhance browning.
- Grill on medium-high heat, turning every few minutes, until all sides are charred, about 8-10 minutes.
- Let it cool slightly before slicing the kernels off the cob. Use a sharp knife and cut downwards for clean, easy removal.
Taking your time with the grilling technique will really elevate the flavors in your salad! This step is essential for that smoky taste that pairs so well with the other fresh ingredients.
Easy Grilled Corn Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 ears of fresh corn, husks removed
- 1 large avocado, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 small red onion, sliced into strips
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious grilled corn salad requires about 15 minutes for prep and 15 minutes for grilling, totaling around 30 minutes to prepare. It’s quick, easy, and full of fresh summer flavors!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. It’s important for the grill to be hot so that the corn can get a nice char and smoky flavor.
2. Grilling the Corn:
Take each ear of corn and lightly brush it with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. This helps to prevent sticking and enhances that beautiful grilled flavor. Place the corn on the grill and cook for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally. You want all sides charred and the kernels tender. Once done, remove the corn from the grill and allow it to cool slightly before handling.
3. Grilling the Onions:
While the corn is cooling, toss the sliced red onion in the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Grill the onion strips for about 2-3 minutes until they are slightly softened and have a nice char. Remove them from the grill and set aside to cool.
4. Cutting the Corn:
Using a sharp knife, carefully slice the grilled corn kernels off the cob into a large bowl. Make sure to stand the ear upright and cut downwards to get all those juicy kernels!
5. Combining Ingredients:
Add the grilled onions, halved cherry tomatoes, diced avocado, and fresh cilantro into the bowl with the corn. Each of these ingredients brings a fresh and vibrant flavor to the salad.
6. Dressing the Salad:
Drizzle the fresh lime juice over the salad mixture. If you like, sprinkle in the ground cumin, along with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. This will bring everything together beautifully!
7. Toss and Serve:
Gently toss all the ingredients until well combined. You can serve it right away, or for an extra refreshing experience, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving.
Enjoy your flavorful, colorful Easy Grilled Corn Salad with family and friends this summer! It’s a delightful dish that showcases fresh ingredients perfectly. 🌽🥑
FAQs for Easy Grilled Corn Salad
Can I Use Frozen Corn Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! If using frozen corn, make sure to thaw it completely before grilling. You can also roast it in a hot skillet if you don’t have a grill. Just ensure it gets a little char for that smoky flavor!
How Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
This salad is already vegan as it doesn’t contain any animal products. Just make sure to use fresh ingredients and skip any non-vegan add-ons!
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the salad but hold off on adding the avocado to avoid browning. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Add the avocado just before serving for the best results.
What Other Veggies Can I Add?
Feel free to customize your salad! Bell peppers, cucumbers, or even black beans make great additions. Just be mindful of the balance of flavors and textures for a refreshing dish!
