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This Grilled Corn Salad is a delicious summer salad that you can whip up any day of the week! Juicy corn, fresh veggies, and a little spice come together for a yummy dish!
Grilled corn on the cob is a family favorite at every barbecue and potluck event! This salad takes all your favorite summer food and adds a bunch of other delicious flavors and textures combined. Take your summer corn to the next level. The jalapeno adds a spicy little kick, but the creaminess of the avocado and the rich cotija cheese balances it out.
It goes great with burgers, steaks, fish, and more! You can also serve it as a main course for a deliciously light summer supper. If you are looking for a good grilled corn recipe to use as a base, definitely try our Cilantro Lime Grilled Corn.
Ingredients for Grilled Corn Salad
Fresh ingredients are best for this grilled corn salad recipe! Corn has a crunchy and sweet flavor that can be found year-round. It is the perfect side dish for any gathering!
- Corn – This is the main ingredient! I like to grill the corn on the cob and then cut off the kernels ahead of time. For that smoky grilled flavor, you can grill frozen corn kernels over high heat in a cast iron skillet.
- Avocados – Make sure they are ripe but not brown. Slice and cut them into inch-sized pieces.
- Cilantro – This herb brings a unique flavor to the recipe and adds more green.
- Cherry tomatoes – These are bright, flavorful, and delicious tomatoes. They are bite-sized and easy to bite into without cutting. Slice ahead of time in half or fourths.
- Jalapeno – A little goes a long way, so add more or less depending on how spicy you would like this salad.
- Red onion – The sharp flavor of this onion will enhance the entire dish and add a beautiful color too.
- Cotija cheese – This cheese is crumbly, slightly salty, and pairs perfectly with the corn.
- Olive oil – For the dressing, use good quality extra-virgin olive oil.
- Lime juice – For added flavor add a little lime zest too the grilled corn salad.
Step-By-Step Instructions
It is simple to prepare the grilled corn salad. Prepare your corn ahead of time then mix all the ingredients together. Refrigerate until ready to serve!
- Prepare – First, you want to take your grilled corn cobs and cut the kernels off. Make sure to use a very sharp knife.
- Combine – Next, add your corn and all the other ingredients into a large bowl. This recipe is great because you can omit any ingredients that you aren’t crazy about and it won’t change the heart of the recipe.
- Toss – Mix everything together until evenly combined.
- Chill – Put the salad in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to chill before serving. This just gives all the flavors a chance to combine.
Additions and Substitutions for this Grilled Corn Salad
This delightful corn salad can be dressed up or down depending on what ingredients you have on hand. Salads are the perfect place to dice, chop, and get rid of any vegetables you have lying around in the fridge! Here are some ingredients you can add for an even more delicious salad!
- Protein – Grilled shrimp, sliced steak, or cooked chicken are great additions for the salad.
- Cucumbers – Fresh cucumber, diced or sliced gives that light and fresh flavor.
- Peppers – A green or red bell pepper is diced and chopped into small pieces or sliced into long strips to add a light crunch.
- Lemons or limes – Add a splash of lemon juice or lime juice and about a teaspoon of lime zest.
- Garlic – This has a savory taste to it that will balance out some of the flavors.
- Feta cheese – It is a good substitute for the cotija cheese. Light and crumbly texture but sticks well to other vegetables.
- Garnish – Garnish the top of the grilled corn salad with any fresh herbs you have on hand. Fresh cilantro, basil, or parsley, are all favorites!
- Tortilla chips – Crunch some chips into the salad or use it as a dip!
Other Corn Dishes You Will Love
For all those corn lovers out there, these corn dishes are just for you! They are so simple to make and have so much flavor. Perfect for a side dish, an appetizer, or a lovely main dish recipe!
How to Make Grilled Corn Salad
Grilled Corn Salad
Ingredients
- 4 grilled corn cobs, recipe HERE
- 4 avocados peeled and diced
- 1 bunch cilantro chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 jalapeno diced
- ½ red onion diced
- ½ cup cotija cheese crumbled
- juice of three limes
- 3 Tablespoons olive oil
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cut the corn off of the cob and place it in a large bowl.
- Add all the remaining ingredients and stir to combine.
- Chill in the fridge until ready to serve, at least 30 minutes.
So delicious! It’s so bright and flavorful. I could eat this all day!
Perfect salad for the end of summer days! My whole family loved it!
This is a dish that I could eat every day! I love the flavors and especially the zip that jalapeno adds!