Grilled Corn Salad with Avocado Zesty Lime Dressing
Grilled Corn Salad With Avocado Zesty Lime Dress
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
Recipe Introduction
Fancy some amazing sides for cookout ? Ever wondered what to bring to that BBQ that will actually get eaten? I’ve got just the thing! This Grilled Corn Salad with Avocado & Zesty Lime Dressing is bursting with summery flavor.
It is honestly my go-to recipe!
Sunshine on a Plate: The Perfect BBQ Side Dishes
This isn't just any salad, it’s sunshine in a bowl! Inspired by vibrant Mexican flavors, this corn salad recipe is perfect to impress.
It’s also super easy. You'll be done in about 35 minutes! This recipe yields about 6 servings. Perfect for a small gathering.
Why You'll Love This Corn Salad Recipe
Honestly, this salad is addictive! Corn is a good source of fiber, and avocados are packed with healthy fats. This salad is the perfect cookout side dishes for a summer party.
What makes it special? The amazing avocado lime dressing takes it to the next level.
Let's Talk Ingredients for this Easy Summer Salads
Alright, let's gather our bits and bobs. You'll need fresh corn, of course! We're talking six ears to be precise.
Then, grab a ripe avocado, a red onion, some cilantro, and a jalapeño if you are feeling brave. For the dressing, limes, olive oil, honey, and some spices.
Make Ahead Salads, and Grilling Like a Pro
Oh my gosh, grilling the corn brings out the sweetness! The char is key!. Remember to turn them every few minutes.
It gets the corn kernels slightly charred. Cut the kernels off and you'll get that amazing smoky flavor. The prep is totally doable.
Variations and Serving: More Than Just a Side
This Grilled corn salad is divine, but feel free to play around with it. Try adding cotija cheese! If you are going vegan, swap the honey for maple syrup.
Pair it with grilled chicken or fish. Don't forget the tortilla chips and guacamole.
Ingredients & Equipment for Sunshine on a Plate
Right then, let's talk about what you'll need to whip up this awesome Grilled Corn Salad with Avocado & Zesty Lime Dressing.
Honestly, it's all pretty straightforward. This recipe is your secret weapon for cookout side dishes . It makes for a perfect picnic side too.
Main Ingredients: The Star Players
Corn: 6 ears fresh corn. Make sure they’re firm and the husks are bright green. You know, good corn!
Olive oil: 2 tablespoons (30 ml).
Salt: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml).
Black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml).
Avocado: 1 ripe avocado, diced. Key is ripe but firm , you don't want mush!.
Red onion: 1/2 small one, diced.
Cilantro: 1/2 cup (15g), chopped. Fresh is best!.
Jalapeño: 1 , minced. Optional, if you like a kick.
Lime juice: 1/4 cup (60ml), fresh, from 2-3 limes.
Olive oil: 2 tablespoons (30 ml).
Honey: 1 tablespoon (15 ml).
Salt: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml).
Red pepper flakes: 1/8 teaspoon (tiny pinch!), optional.
Seasoning Notes: That Zingy Zang!
The lime dressing is the real star. Lime juice, honey and the olive oil creates pure magic!. The Avocado lime dressing will make this salad one of your favourite easy summer salads .
Feel free to adjust the honey and red pepper flakes. Taste as you go. If you want to be creative, add sumac as it adds a nice tangy flavor.
This is a perfect BBQ side dish .
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple
- Grill. Essential for the smoky char. Gas or charcoal, your call.
- Large bowl. To toss everything together.
- Small bowl or jar. For the dressing.
- Sharp knife & cutting board. No need to be fancy!.
- Measuring cups and spoons.
- Whisk or fork. To mix the dressing.
Honestly, you don't need fancy kit. A BBQ will do. You can also use a griddle pan if you are in a hurry.
Now you're set to make the best Grilled corn salad . This corn salad recipe is going to be one of your favourite potluck recipes .
The flavour combination is unbelievable! This is one of those make ahead salads that is perfect for your summer grilling recipes .
Just assemble it before. This is also one of the best sides for cookout .
Get Your Grill On: The Ultimate Grilled Corn Salad
Right then, let's get cracking on some top-notch sides for a proper barbie! (That's a cookout , for any of our international friends tuning in!).
We're aiming for recipes that’ll wow your guests without you slaving away in the kitchen all day. This Grilled Corn Salad with Avocado & Zesty Lime Dressing is perfect for that.
Honestly, nothing beats a vibrant and fresh easy summer salads when the sun's blazing. This isn’t just any old salad. Sweet, smoky, and zesty – it’s sunshine on a plate.
Prep Steps: Your Mise en Place Mission
First things first, let's get our act together. We need to get our "mise en place" (fancy chef speak for "everything in its place").
Chop your veggies, measure out your liquids, and get that grill fired up! This will save you a lot of time.
Safety first, people! Watch your fingers while chopping. And, never leave a lit grill unattended . Let's try not to set off the smoke alarm, yeah?
Step-by-Step: From Grill to Bowl
- Brush the corn with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Grill over medium heat, turning now and then. Aim for 10- 15 minutes , until slightly charred.
- Let the corn cool a bit. Don't burn your fingers!
- Cut those kernels off the cob.
- Mix the corn, avocado, red onion, cilantro, and jalapeño (if you like a kick) in a bowl.
- Whisk together lime juice, olive oil, honey, salt, and red pepper flakes (optional).
- Pour that lovely dressing over the salad.
- Serve right away or chill for later.
Pro Tips: Nailing This Cookout Side Dishes
Don't be shy with the grill! A bit of char on the corn adds so much flavour. One of the best BBQ side dishes and that smoky depth.
Avoid mushy avocados like the plague. Ripe, but firm is the way to go. Nothing worse than a slimy salad, right? I made that mistake once .
Want to get ahead? This salad makes a fabulous make ahead salads too. Grill the corn and make the dressing the day before.
Store separately. Toss it all together just before serving! It's a winner for those potluck recipes !
This salad is not only delicious but also goes with pretty much anything. It's a solid choice when you're looking for unique sides for cookout .
You could even make a Grilled Corn Salad into a Grilled corn salad topped with Avocado lime dressing
It's really amazing how all these Summer grilling recipes and make up some of the most popular cookout side dishes and picnic sides .
Enjoy this simple recipe and experiment with it.
Recipe Notes for the Best Cookout Side Dishes
Right, so you're all set to make this Grilled Corn Salad with Avocado & Zesty Lime Dressing . Ace! But before you get started, let's run through a few bits and bobs to make sure your corn salad recipe is absolutely banging.
Honestly, it's pretty straightforward, but these little pointers will take it from good to "Oh my gosh, what is this?!".
Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro!
Listen, presentation matters! For a stunning display, serve this easy summer salad in a hollowed-out watermelon half. Think rustic chic! Or, for individual portions, use mason jars.
Get that sunshine on a plate! This vibrant salad goes brilliantly with grilled chicken or fish. Also, black bean burgers are a winner! For bevvies, ice-cold lemonade or a crisp lager never goes wrong.
Consider sides for cookout such as tortilla chips and guacamole.
Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh!
Right then, here's the lowdown on keeping your make ahead salads fresh. If you're not serving this straight away, don't dress it! The Avocado lime dressing will make it soggy.
Store the salad and dressing separately in the fridge. The salad will keep for about 3 days. Freezing isn't really recommended, tbh.
The avocado goes a bit weird.
To reheat (though it's best cold), just give it a gentle toss.
Variations: Mix it Up!
Fancy a tweak? For a vegan BBQ side dish , swap the honey in the dressing for maple syrup. Boom! And for my gluten-free pals, no worries—this recipe is naturally GF.
Feeling adventurous? Chuck in some grilled halloumi for a salty kick. I once added pomegranate seeds for a festive twist.
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in a Bowl!
This picnic side isn't just delicious; it's actually pretty good for you! Think vitamins and healthy fats. Each serving clocks in at about 220 calories, with 3g of protein, 15g of fat, and 4g of fiber.
Not bad, eh? Of course, this is just an estimate. Check yourself based on your ingredients and serving sizes.
So there you have it! All the insider knowledge to make your summer grilling recipes , particularly this Grilled Corn Salad with Avocado & Zesty Lime Dressing , an absolute showstopper.
Honestly, have a go. Play around with it. I just know it will be a success!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this grilled corn salad with avocado ahead of time? I'm prepping for a big bash!
Absolutely! You can definitely get a head start. Grill the corn and prepare the lime dressing a day in advance and store them separately in the fridge. Just before serving your Grilled Corn Salad with Avocado & Zesty Lime Dressing, toss everything together. This prevents the avocado from browning and the salad from getting soggy – nobody wants a sad salad at a cookout!
I'm not a huge cilantro fan. What's a good substitute for this side for cookout recipe?
No worries, mate! If cilantro isn't your cup of tea, fresh parsley makes a fantastic substitute in this Grilled Corn Salad with Avocado & Zesty Lime Dressing. It provides a similar fresh, green flavour without the polarizing soapy note that some people experience with cilantro. You could also try using chives for a mild oniony flavor. Just use the same amount as the cilantro called for in the recipe.
What if I don't have a grill? Can I still make this corn salad?
Totally! If you haven't got a barbie, you can still whip up this Grilled Corn Salad with Avocado & Zesty Lime Dressing. You can roast the corn in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally, until it's tender and slightly browned. Alternatively, you could even sauté the corn kernels in a pan with a little olive oil until they're lightly caramelized. It won't have the exact same smoky flavour, but it'll still be delicious.
How long will the leftover salad last, and how should I store it?
Leftover Grilled Corn Salad with Avocado & Zesty Lime Dressing is best enjoyed within 1-2 days. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keep in mind that the avocado may brown slightly, but it's still safe to eat. A little squeeze of extra lime juice can help slow down the browning process. It’s a bit like a box of Milk Tray – you need to be quick before it's all gone!
I'm trying to keep things healthy. What are the nutritional benefits of this side for cookout?
Good on you for thinking healthy! This Grilled Corn Salad with Avocado & Zesty Lime Dressing is packed with nutrients. Corn provides fiber and antioxidants, while avocado is a great source of healthy fats and vitamins. The lime dressing adds a dose of vitamin C. To keep it even healthier, you could reduce the honey slightly or use a sugar substitute in the dressing. It’s a cracking way to get some goodness into your cookout!
Any tips on making the lime dressing? Mine always seems a bit bland.
For a zingy lime dressing, make sure you use fresh lime juice! Bottled stuff just doesn't have the same kick. Taste as you go and add a pinch more salt to really bring out the flavours or a touch more honey if it's too tart. For a bit of extra oomph, add a tiny bit of grated lime zest or a finely minced clove of garlic – you won't regret it!
