Charred Corn and Jalapeño Salad with Lime Crema
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction
Fancy some cracking cookout sides ? This Charred Corn and Jalapeño Salad with Lime Crema is the perfect summer treat! Honestly, are you even having a BBQ if you don't have amazing sides? It is also easily an easy cookout recipes side dish to prepare.
Quick Hook
It's a fresh, zesty salad that'll be the star of your next BBQ. This jalapeño corn salad recipe will change your mind about cookout sides .
Think sweet corn, spicy jalapeño, and a creamy lime crema salad dressing . Oh my gosh, it's good.
Brief Overview
This recipe gives a Southwestern spin to the classic corn salad. It's easy to whip up and ready in just 35 minutes, making it an ideal summer BBQ sides addition.
The recipe yields 6-8 servings. Perfect for sharing...or not, if you're really hungry!
Main Benefits
The dish is packed with vitamins and fiber from the veggies. It is a vegan cookout side dishes option. Serve this at your next BBQ, potluck, or even a simple family dinner.
What makes this salad special? The contrasting flavors and textures! Sweet corn, spicy jalapeño, creamy crema. It is like a party in your mouth! Trust me, this Southwestern inspired salad will be a winner.
make-ahead Magic
Want to get ahead? This make-ahead cookout sides recipe is your friend.
You can grill the corn and chop the veggies in advance. Store them separately. Then, just before serving, toss everything together with the lime crema salad dressing . Easy peasy!
Get Your Ingredients Ready
Alright, so now that you're properly tempted, let's talk ingredients. You'll need corn, jalapeños, red bell pepper, and a few other bits and bobs.
Don't worry; most of it's probably already in your fridge!
This grilled corn salad will blow your guests away.
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Talk Grub!
So, you wanna make this killer jalapeño corn salad recipe ? Ace! Here's the lowdown on what you'll need. No fancy chef stuff, promise.
We are preparing one of the best cookout sides out there!
Main Ingredients: The Heart of the Grilled Corn Salad
- Corn: 6 ears fresh (or about 4 cups / 900g thawed frozen). Fresh is always best for that summer sweetness. If you're using fresh, make sure the husks are tight and the silks are golden. That means it's ripe and ready!
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons / 30ml . Go for a good quality extra virgin; it makes a difference.
- Cherry Tomatoes: 1 pint / 280g , halved. Get the sweetest ones you can find!
- Red Bell Pepper: 1 , diced (~ 150g ). Adds a nice crunch and sweetness.
- Jalapeño: 1 , minced (~ 8-10g ). Handle with care! Seeds out for less heat.
- Red Onion: 1/2 cup , finely diced (~ 75g ). Adds a bit of bite.
- Fresh Cilantro: 1/4 cup , chopped (~ 10g ). If you're not a cilantro fan, parsley will do in a pinch.
- Sour Cream: 1/2 cup / 120ml . Full fat or low-fat, your call!
- Lime Juice: 2 tablespoons / 30ml , freshly squeezed. The bottled stuff just doesn't cut it.
- Honey or Agave: 1 tablespoon / 15ml . For a touch of sweetness.
- Cumin: 1/4 teaspoon / ~ 1g . Adds warmth and depth.
- Cayenne Pepper: Pinch (optional). For an extra kick.
Seasoning Notes: Flavor Bombs
This salad is all about balance. The essential spice combinations are cumin and cayenne, which give it that Southwestern inspired salad vibe.
Don't skip the fresh lime juice; it's key to brightening everything up. And honestly, a pinch of salt and pepper can work wonders.
Flavor enhancers? Charring the corn! Makes the taste incredible.
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple!
- Grill: Gas, charcoal, or even a grill pan works. Aim for medium heat.
- Mixing Bowls: For tossing the salad.
- Sharp Knife: Crucial for cutting corn off the cob.
- Cutting Board: Obvs.
- Whisk: For the lime crema salad dressing .
That's it! See? Nothing too crazy. Get ready to create the best summer BBQ sides that will rock your cookout sides game.
Even those looking for vegan cookout side dishes and easy cookout recipes can swap the sour cream and honey for plant based alternatives.
This will be a make-ahead cookout sides dish.
Get Your Grill On: Charred Corn and Jalapeño Salad
Honestly, finding the perfect cookout sides can be a real challenge. I've been there. This Charred Corn and Jalapeño Salad with Lime Crema? Total game changer.
It's that Southwestern inspired salad that brings sunshine to your plate, every single time. Forget boring potato salad, we're doing something special.
You know? This is a guaranteed hit at any summer BBQ sides spread.
Prep Like a Pro: Setting the Stage for Deliciousness
First things first: mise en place . Essential, right? Dice that red bell pepper, mince your jalapeño (gloves, people, gloves!), and halve those gorgeous cherry tomatoes.
Time saving tip: Do all this while the grill is heating up. Boom.
Charred Corn Perfection: step-by-step
- Prep the Corn: Brush those six ears of corn with two tablespoons of olive oil. Season generously with salt and pepper.
- Grill Time: Grill over medium heat for 10- 12 minutes , turning now and then. You want a little char.
- Cool It Down: Let the corn cool enough to handle.
- Kernel Konnection: Slice those kernels right off the cob. Aim for about four cups .
- Crema Magic: Whisk together half a cup of sour cream, two tablespoons of lime juice, one tablespoon of honey, quarter teaspoon of cumin, and a pinch of cayenne.
- Salad Assembly: Toss the corn, tomatoes, pepper, jalapeño, onion, and cilantro in a big bowl.
- Dress to Impress: Drizzle with that glorious lime crema.
Pro Tips for Cookout Glory
Want to elevate your grilled corn salad ? Don't be afraid of that char. Seriously, it adds smoky flavor.
Common mistake alert! Too much jalapeño. Start small and taste as you go! For an easy cookout recipes that you can prepare in advance, the salad can be made a few hours ahead of time.
Hold the dressing and mix right before serving. This jalapeño corn salad recipe can also be made totally vegan . Just swap in plant based sour cream.
Who knew? You can even add black beans for a BBQ side dish ideas ! Enjoy your make-ahead cookout sides !
Recipe Notes: Level Up Your Cookout Sides
Right, so you're thinking of making this jalapeño corn salad recipe ? Excellent choice! This isn't your nan's summer BBQ sides , trust me.
It's got that zing . Let's dive into some helpful tips and tricks to make your life easier.
Fab Serving Suggestions
Presentation is everything, innit? Plating matters! A simple way to elevate this grilled corn salad is to serve it in a hollowed out bell pepper super colourful! It would look amazing!.
Alternatively, chuck a dollop of the lime crema salad dressing on top just before serving. For sides, consider some grilled halloumi skewers.
A cold beer also goes down an absolute treat.
Storing Like a Pro
This salad is at its best when fresh, honestly. But, if you need to prep ahead, no worries. Store the salad and the lime crema salad dressing separately in airtight containers.
You can keep the salad in the fridge for up to three days . Don't freeze it the veggies will go mushy.
When reheating, give it a good mix to redistribute the dressing. I always make this as a make-ahead cookout sides , so there is less fuss on the day.
Switching Things Up
Fancy a change? Let's make it your own! Need a vegan cookout side dishes ? Swap the sour cream for cashew cream.
Boom! Vegan! Want to make it more Southwestern inspired salad ? Add a can of drained and rinsed black beans.
Also, if you want to spice it up, why not try adding Mango? Play around with seasonal ingredients to get creative.
Nutrition Lowdown
Okay, so I'm no nutritionist. But, basically, this salad is pretty good for you. Full of vitamins from the veggies and a bit of protein from the corn.
The jalapeño provides a vitamin C boost! Obviously, the lime crema adds some calories, but hey, everything in moderation, right? A great way to make the dish healthier would be to reduce the amount of honey that you add.
I would recommend looking into other easy cookout recipes if this dish is not for you!
Hopefully, this cookout side dish becomes your new go-to! Honestly, it's so easy to make. Have fun playing around with it.
Get creative, and don't be afraid to add your own twist. Now go get grilling and wow your mates with these fantastic BBQ side dish ideas !
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this Charred Corn and Jalapeño Salad a great cookout side compared to the usual suspects?
This isn't your grandma's mayo laden potato salad! This Charred Corn and Jalapeño Salad offers a vibrant, fresh alternative to traditional cookout sides. The char from the grill adds a smoky depth, while the jalapeño and lime crema give it a zesty kick that'll wake up your taste buds.
It's a real crowd pleaser, even for those who think they've seen it all at a BBQ.
I'm a bit of a cooking newbie; is this recipe for easy cookout sides really beginner friendly?
Absolutely! This recipe is as easy as pie (or maybe easier!). Grilling the corn is the only step that requires a little attention, but it's mostly about turning it occasionally. The rest is just chopping veggies and whisking together the lime crema.
Even if you're more used to ordering takeout than firing up the grill, you'll nail this one.
Can I make this cookout side salad ahead of time, or will it get soggy?
You can definitely prep ahead! I recommend making the salad and lime crema separately. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge. Combine them just before serving to prevent the salad from getting soggy. It's a brilliant time saver when you're juggling burgers, sausages, and keeping everyone happy!
I'm not a huge fan of spicy food. How can I adjust the heat level of the jalapeño in this cookout sides recipe?
No sweat! The heat is totally customizable. First, make sure to remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeño that's where most of the heat lives. If you're still worried, start with half a jalapeño and taste as you go. You can always add more, but you can't take it away!
Alternatively, swap the jalapeño for a milder green chili or just a pinch of red pepper flakes.
What are some fun variations I can try to spice up this corn salad even further?
Get creative! Diced avocado adds creaminess, while black beans boost the protein and fiber. For a vegan option, use plant based sour cream and agave nectar. You could even throw in some crumbled cotija cheese for a salty kick. This recipe is a blank canvas, so don't be afraid to experiment with flavors you love!
How should I store leftovers of this Charred Corn and Jalapeño Salad, and how long will they last?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It's best consumed within 2-3 days for optimal flavor and texture. The lime crema might separate slightly, so give it a good stir before serving again. Just remember, the longer it sits, the softer the veggies will become.
Charred Corn And Jalapeno Salad With Lime Crema
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 180 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 9g |
| Fiber | 4g |