Easy Grilled Corn Salad with Fresh Herbs

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Corn: Fresh corn on the cob gives the best flavor and texture. However, if it’s off-season, you can use frozen corn instead. Just thaw it before grilling for similar results.

Cherry Tomatoes: These add a burst of sweetness. If you don’t have them, you can use diced regular tomatoes or even a mix of colored tomatoes for variety.

Avocado: Adds creaminess to the salad. If avocados aren’t ripe yet, you can substitute with diced cucumbers for a crunchy feel, though the flavor will be different.

Red Onion: Sweet and mild, red onions are perfect here. If they’re too strong for your taste, try using green onions instead for a milder kick.

Cilantro: Fresh cilantro is key for flavor. If you’re not a fan, fresh parsley or even basil can work as good substitutes.

How Do I Grill Corn Perfectly?

Grilling corn is easy but requires attention for the best results. Start by husking the corn, ensuring all silk is removed. Here’s how to grill it:

• Brush the corn with olive oil to prevent sticking. You can sprinkle a bit of salt to add flavor.
• Place the corn on the preheated grill and cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally.
• Look for charred spots on the kernels, which indicates they are done. This gives the corn that delicious smoky flavor!
• Let it cool briefly before cutting the kernels off the cob, following the natural curve with a sharp knife for clean cuts.

With these techniques and tips, your grilled corn will shine in this salad and offer a lovely flavor profile! Enjoy your cooking! 🌽

Easy Grilled Corn Salad with Fresh Herbs

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Salad:

• 3 ears of corn, husked
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 ripe avocado, peeled and diced
• 1 small red onion, sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped

For the Dressing:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

How Much Time Will You Need?

This delightful salad takes about 15 minutes to prep and approximately 15-20 minutes to grill the corn and onions. In total, you’ll be ready to serve in about 30-35 minutes. Perfect for a quick summer meal or as a refreshing side at your next gathering!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat the Grill:

Start by preheating your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. This ensures that the corn gets that delicious char we’re aiming for!

2. Grill the Corn:

Brush the ears of corn with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, making sure to coat them well. Place the corn directly on the grill. Let it cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the kernels are beautifully charred in spots and tender to the bite.

3. Grill the Red Onion:

While the corn is grilling, toss the sliced red onion in a little olive oil. Place them on the grill for 2-3 minutes until they are slightly softened and have grill marks. Once done, remove them and set aside.

4. Prepare the Corn:

After removing the corn from the grill, let it cool for a few minutes. Then, cut the corn kernels off the cob into bite-sized pieces. This is the star ingredient of your salad!

5. Mix the Salad:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the grilled corn, grilled red onion, halved cherry tomatoes, diced avocado, and chopped cilantro. This colorful mix is going to be vibrant and full of flavor!

6. Dress the Salad:

Drizzle the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and the lime juice over the salad. This dressing will bring it all together beautifully.

7. Season to Taste:

Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. Gently toss everything together to mix it well without mashing the avocado.

8. Serve and Enjoy:

Now your salad is ready! You can serve it fresh right away as a zesty side dish, or chill it in the fridge for a bit if you prefer it cooler. Enjoy this fresh, smoky, and herby delight during your meals!

This salad highlights the smoky sweetness of grilled corn paired with the creaminess of avocado and brightness from fresh herbs and lime. A simple yet vibrant dish perfect for warm weather meals! 🌽🥗

FAQ for Easy Grilled Corn Salad with Fresh Herbs

Can I Use Frozen Corn Instead of Fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen corn for this salad! Just make sure to thaw it completely before combining it with the other ingredients. You can quickly thaw by placing it in a bowl of warm water for about 5-10 minutes.

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. The salad is best consumed within 1-2 days. When ready to eat, simply give it a gentle toss as the ingredients may settle.

Can I Add Other Veggies to This Salad?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize the salad to your liking. Diced bell peppers, zucchini, or even black beans would add great flavors and textures!

What if I Don’t Like Cilantro?

If cilantro isn’t your cup of tea, you can easily substitute it with fresh parsley or basil for a different flavor profile. Both will complement the other ingredients nicely!