This Easy Grilled Corn Salad is bright and fresh, combining sweet corn with lovely herbs like cilantro and basil. It’s perfect for summer meals or picnics!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Corn: Fresh corn on the cob is perfect here. If corn isn’t in season, you can use frozen corn. Just thaw it and grill in a pan to give it some char!
Cherry tomatoes: These are sweet and juicy, but any diced tomatoes will do. For a twist, consider using grape tomatoes or even roasted red peppers for added flavor.
Avocado: Ripe avocado adds creaminess. If you need a substitute, try diced cucumber for crunch or even a handful of crumbled feta for a different zest.
Red onion: Grilled red onion offers sweetness, but if you have a milder onion, like sweet onion or even shallots, those work well too.
Cilantro: This herb gives a fresh taste, but if you’re not a fan, fresh parsley or basil can make good alternatives with a different flavor profile.
How Do I Grill Corn and Onions Perfectly?
Grilling corn and onions enhances their natural sweetness. The key is balancing time to achieve that charred flavor without burning them.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat before adding your vegetables.
- Brush the corn and onion wedges with olive oil to avoid sticking and promote even cooking.
- Grill the corn for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally until it’s lightly charred.
- For the grill onions, place them for about 6-8 minutes, flipping until they are softened and golden.
- Let them cool slightly before chopping to make it easier to handle.
Grilling to perfection gives the salad a delicious smoky flavor that everyone loves!
Easy Grilled Corn Salad with Fresh Herbs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 ears of corn, husked
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1 small red onion, sliced into wedges
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing salad takes about 15 minutes to prep and another 15-20 minutes for grilling. With a total time of around 30-35 minutes, you’ll have a delicious side ready to go in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This ensures the vegetables get that nice char flavor.
2. Prepare the Vegetables:
Brush the ears of corn and red onion wedges with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. This step is key to preventing sticking and enhancing the grilling process.
3. Grill the Corn and Onions:
Place the corn and onion slices directly on the grill. Grill the corn for about 10-12 minutes, turning it occasionally to get that beautiful char. The onion wedges should grill for about 6-8 minutes till they become slightly softened and have some lovely char marks. Once grilled, remove them from the grill and let them cool.
4. Cut the Corn and Onions:
After they cool down a bit, cut the corn kernels off the cob and roughly chop the grilled onion wedges.
5. Mix the Salad:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the grilled corn kernels, grilled onion pieces, halved cherry tomatoes, diced avocado, and chopped cilantro. It’s a colorful mix!
6. Dress the Salad:
Drizzle the salad with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and squeeze in the fresh lime juice. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste. This combination brings all the flavors together.
7. Combine Gently:
Carefully toss the ingredients to combine them, making sure not to mash the avocado. You want those pieces to stay intact for a delightful bite!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Your salad can be served immediately for a warm experience or chilled briefly in the refrigerator for a refreshing option. It goes wonderfully with grilled meats or can be a light meal on its own. Enjoy your delicious grilled corn salad!
FAQ for Easy Grilled Corn Salad with Fresh Herbs
Can I Use Frozen Corn for This Salad?
Absolutely! Frozen corn can be a convenient option. Just thaw it and grill it in a pan with a bit of olive oil over medium heat until it’s heated through and slightly charred for that smoky flavor.
How Do I Store Leftover Salad?
Leftover salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but if you need to store it, avoid adding the avocado until just before serving to keep it from browning.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Yes! Feel free to customize your salad by adding other grilled vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or even black beans for an extra protein boost. Just make sure they are grilled similarly so all the flavors meld beautifully.
What If I Don’t Like Cilantro?
No worries at all! If cilantro isn’t your thing, you can substitute it with fresh parsley, basil, or even dill for a different but equally fresh flavor in your salad.
