Grilled Corn Salad: The Ultimate Summer Side Dish
This isn't just another side dish – it's a celebration of summer's bounty that elevates any meal from ordinary to extraordinary. The magic happens when sweet corn kernels meet the transformative power of an open flame, creating a depth of flavor that can't be achieved any other way.
Equipment
- Grill
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Sharp Knife
Ingredients
- 6 ears fresh corn husks removed
- 1 red bell pepper finely diced
- 1 jalapeño seeds removed and minced (optional for heat)
- 1/2 red onion finely diced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped
- 1/4 cup cotija cheese crumbled (substitute with feta if unavailable)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 lime juiced and zested
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 avocado diced (add just before serving)
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (approximately 400-450°F).
- Place the corn directly on the grill grates and cook for 10-12 minutes, rotating every 2-3 minutes to ensure even charring.
- Allow the grilled corn to cool for 5 minutes. Once cool enough to handle, stand each cob upright in a large bowl and cut downward with a sharp knife to remove the kernels from the cob.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine corn kernels with diced red bell pepper, jalapeño, red onion, and cilantro.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, cumin, and smoked paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour the dressing over the corn mixture and gently toss to combine. Allow the salad to rest for at least 10 minutes before serving.
- Just before serving, fold in the diced avocado and sprinkle with cotija cheese.
Notes
Look for corn with bright green husks and moist, golden silk. The kernels should be plump and tightly packed – when punctured with your fingernail, they should release a milky liquid, signaling peak freshness.
This salad keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, though the texture is best within the first 24 hours.
For make-ahead convenience, prepare all components separately and combine just before serving.
Nutrition
Calories: 215kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 6gFat: 13gSodium: 150mgFiber: 5gSugar: 7g
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