This refreshing corn salad features sweet, grilled corn and bright herbs that make it perfect for summer. It’s quick to make and full of yummy flavors!
Plus, tossing it all together is as easy as shelling peas! I love serving it at BBQs or picnics—everyone always goes back for seconds. Who can resist that crisp goodness? 🌽😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Corn: Grilling fresh corn enhances its natural sweetness. If fresh isn’t available, you can use frozen corn—just grill it briefly in a skillet until heated through for a similar effect.
Avocado: Avocado adds a creamy texture. If you’re allergic or want to skip it, diced cucumber or even some nuts can add crunch instead. Just be aware that the flavor will change a bit.
Cherry Tomatoes: I love using cherry tomatoes for their sweetness, but you can swap them with diced bell peppers or even canned diced tomatoes if fresh ones aren’t handy.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro brings a bright flavor, but if you’re not a fan, chopped parsley or basil works well too. Try to use something fresh for best results!
How Do I Get the Perfect Grill Marks on Corn?
Grilling corn might seem tricky, but getting those perfect char marks is simple! Here’s how to nail it:
- Preheat your grill properly to medium-high heat for even cooking.
- Brush the corn with olive oil before grilling to prevent sticking and help it brown.
- Turn the corn every few minutes to get even grill marks—keep it moving to avoid burns.
- Look for a slight blackening; the sweet grill flavor comes from those char marks!
Let the corn cool before cutting it off the cob for easier handling and less mess. Happy grilling!
Easy Grilled Corn Salad with Fresh Herbs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 4 ears of fresh corn, husked
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 small red onion, sliced into thin wedges
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
For Dressing:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (and more for brushing corn)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful corn salad takes about 20 minutes to prepare and grill the ingredients. After mixing, you can serve it right away or let it chill in the fridge for about 15-20 minutes to enhance the flavors. Perfect for a quick summer side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. This step is important to ensure the corn gets perfectly charred.
2. Grill the Corn:
Brush the husked corn with olive oil to prevent sticking and enhance the flavor. Place the corn directly on the grill. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until it has nice charred spots. Once done, remove the corn from the grill and let it cool for a bit.
3. Grill the Onion:
While the corn cools, take your sliced red onion and toss it in a little olive oil. Grill the onion wedges for about 2-3 minutes until they’re slightly softened and have some char. Set them aside when done.
4. Cut the Corn Off the Cob:
Once the corn is cool enough to handle, carefully cut the kernels off the cob using a sharp knife. Aim for a cutting board to catch all those juicy kernels!
5. Mix Everything Together:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the grilled corn kernels, grilled red onion, halved cherry tomatoes, diced avocado, and fresh cilantro leaves. This colorful mix will brighten up your salad!
6. Dress the Salad:
Drizzle the salad with olive oil and fresh lime juice. Gently toss all the ingredients together to coat them evenly.
7. Season to Taste:
Add salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your taste preferences, and give it another gentle toss to combine.
8. Serve or Chill:
Your delicious grilled corn salad is ready to enjoy! You can serve it right away, but letting it chill for 15-20 minutes in the refrigerator will allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
Enjoy this fresh, colorful dish as a perfect side for summer gatherings and celebrations! 🌽🥑🍅
FAQ for Easy Grilled Corn Salad with Fresh Herbs
Can I Use Frozen Corn Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! If fresh corn isn’t available, you can use frozen corn. Just thaw it and lightly grill it in a pan or on the grill for a few minutes until heated through and slightly charred for that grilled flavor.
How Do I Prevent the Avocado from Browning?
To keep your avocado looking fresh, you can add lime juice to it immediately after cutting. Alternatively, toss the avocado in just before serving to minimize exposure to air.
How Long Will Leftovers Last in the Fridge?
Leftover salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, keep in mind that the avocado may brown and the salad can become a bit soggy, so it’s best enjoyed fresh!
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the grilled corn and onion ahead of time and mix the salad ingredients together just before serving. If you mix in the avocado too early, it may brown, so I’d recommend adding that right before you’re ready to serve.
