Description
Mexican-inspired summer corn salad dazzles taste buds with sweet grilled kernels and zesty lime dressing. Crisp vegetables and fresh herbs create a refreshing side dish that will make summer gatherings unforgettable.
Ingredients
Scale
Corn and Vegetable Base:
- 4 ears of corn
- 1 1/2 cups halved cherry tomatoes
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 6 large basil leaves
Cheese and Dairy:
- 1/3 cup goat cheese
Dressing and Seasoning:
- 3 tablespoons avocado oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
- Pinch of cayenne pepper
- Freshly ground salt
- Freshly ground pepper
Instructions
- Fire up the grill to a sizzling 375-400°F, creating the perfect environment for caramelizing corn.
- Massage corn with oil, seasoning generously with salt and cracked pepper for enhanced flavor profile.
- Position corn directly on grill grates, rotating every 5 minutes to achieve uniform charring and smoky caramelization, approximately 15-20 minutes total.
- Let grilled corn cool slightly, then expertly slice kernels off the cob into a spacious mixing vessel.
- Incorporate diced tomatoes, creamy avocado chunks, crumbled goat cheese, thinly sliced red onion, and fresh basil leaves into the corn base.
- Craft the vinaigrette by warming honey with cayenne in microwave for 10-15 seconds to release aromatics.
- Whisk together warmed honey, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until emulsified and smooth.
- Drizzle vinaigrette over the salad, gently folding ingredients to distribute dressing evenly without crushing delicate components.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper as needed for perfect balance.
- Serve immediately for optimal texture, or refrigerate up to 3 days—adding avocado and goat cheese just before serving to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Perfectly grill corn by rotating it consistently to achieve even charring and prevent burning.
- Make the salad gluten-free by ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free and using alternative vinegars if needed.
- Customize heat levels by adjusting cayenne or hot sauce quantity to suit personal spice preferences.
- Extend salad’s freshness by adding avocado and goat cheese just before serving to prevent browning and maintain texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg