The Best Grilled Corn Salad Recipe
This is the best grilled corn salad – absolutely perfect for summertime! This delicious salad pairs nicely with all of your favorite BBQ staples.
This simply delicious corn salad is a must make for your next backyard BBQ! We love it served as a side dish for smoked burgers, brisket, and hot dogs!
We also use this recipe as a substitute for salsa! Call it a savory corn salsa if you will, because it’s really just another take on our classic salsa recipe.
Serve it simply with tortilla chips or alongside smoked baby back ribs, BBQ salmon, or any of your favorite dishes.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This fresh and colorful grilled corn salad is everything you want in a summer dish: vibrant, quick to make, and ridiculously versatile. It’s perfect for when you’re hosting a BBQ and need something simple, yet impressive, to round out the table. Seriously, this recipe is as easy as it is delicious, and once you try it, you’ll be making it on repeat all season long.
Corn Salad Recipe
This fresh corn salad makes the perfect side dish for summer cookouts! We love to use sweet summer corn cooked on an outdoor grill using this grilled corn in the husk method.
I love how fresh and colorful this salad is, but even more so, how freaking easy it is to whip together when we’re hosting a BBQ!
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Supplies
Ingredients
- Grilled corn, cooked – The heart of this dish, grilling adds that irresistible smoky flavor and a little golden char.
- Cherry tomatoes, halved – Bursting with sweetness, these add a pop of color and flavor.
- Jalapeño pepper, seeded and diced – They provide a spicy kick, but make sure to wear gloves!
- Red bell pepper, diced – For crunch and a touch of natural sweetness.
- Red onion, diced – Sharp and vibrant, it balances the dish perfectly.
- Cilantro, chopped – Brings that bright, herbaceous touch.
- Lime, juiced – A squeeze of citrus to tie it all together.
- Olive oil – Together with the lime juice, it creates a light, zesty dressing.
- Salt and pepper to taste – These basic seasonings are the ultimate flavor enhancers.
Instructions
1. Cut the corn kernels from the corn cobs with a sharp knife. This is done best by holding the corn upright on a cutting board and slicing the kernels off in a downward motion.
2. Into a large mixing bowl, combine the corn kernels, red bell pepper, jalapeño, tomatoes, onion, and fresh herbs.
3. Add fresh lime juice and season with salt and pepper. Toss well.
4. Drizzle with a little olive oil to create a light dressing.
We love this combination of fresh ingredients and bright flavors, but you may want to experiment. Give some of these add-ins a try.
Optional Add-Ins
- Black beans
- Green bell pepper
- Avocado
- Chili peppers
- Chili powder for a spicy kick
- Feta cheese
- Cotija cheese
Tips and Tricks
- Use a charcoal grill or gas grill to give your corn the best smoky flavors. Brush the grill grates with oil to prevent sticking.
- For the best results, opt for fresh corn, but if you’re in a pinch, canned corn or frozen corn can work with a bit of extra seasoning.
- Use grape tomatoes or cherry tomatoes for the sweetest flavor.
- A sharp knife makes slicing vegetables a breeze, and a serrated knife is perfect for tomatoes.
- This salad shines brightest when served fresh at room temperature or slightly cool, not straight from the fridge.
Can You Use Other Kinds of Corn?
The short answer is yes, you may used canned corn kernels or frozen corn instead of grilled corn, but it won’t have the same delicious flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prep and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Just hold off on the lime juice and cilantro until right before serving for the freshest flavors.
What can I use instead of cilantro?
Substitute with fresh basil or parsley for a different, yet still delicious, herbaceous twist.
How long does this corn salad last?
This salad is best enjoyed on the day, but it can be stored for 2-3 days in an airtight container in the fridge.
Can I add cheese?
Absolutely! Try crumbling some cotija cheese, queso fresco, or feta cheese over the top.
How do I make it spicier?
Add a dash of chili powder, hot sauce, or an extra jalapeño.
More Salad Ideas:
- Dill & Dijon Red Potato Salad
- Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
- Fully Loaded Potato Salad
- Grilled Corn Salad
- Easy Potato Salad Recipe
- Greek Orzo Salad
Pair this delicious recipe with grilled meats, fish, or tortilla chips for the ultimate summer meal. I’m telling you, this grilled corn salad deserves a spot at every BBQ!
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Grilled Corn Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 ears of grilled corn cooked
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 jalapeno pepper seeded and diced
- 1/2 red bell pepper diced
- 1/2 red onion diced
- 1/2 bunch of cilantro chopped
- 1/2 lime juiced
- 2 tsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cut the corn kernels from the corn cobs with a sharp knife. This is done best by holding the corn upright on a cutting board and slicing the kernels off in a downward motion.
- Into the large mixing bowl, combine the corn kernels, red pepper, hot pepper, tomatoes, onion, and fresh herbs.
- Add fresh lime juice, salt, and pepper and toss corn mixture, mixing well.
- Drizzle with a little olive oil to create a light dressing.
Nutrition
