Grilled Corn Summer Vegetable Salad with Lime Vinaigrette

Grilled Corn Summer Vegetable Salad With Lime Vi

Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
Recipe Introduction
Ever get stuck wondering what to bring to the next barbie? Seriously, nobody wants another shop-bought coleslaw. This is where summer side dishes come in clutch.
Let's ditch the boring and embrace the vibrant with a Grilled Corn & Summer Vegetable Salad with Lime Vinaigrette . It's the bee's knees!
This isn't just another salad. Think sweet, charred corn, juicy tomatoes, and creamy avocado all jazzed up with a zingy lime vinaigrette .
This recipe is inspired by the classic summer corn salad , it's a celebration of summer flavors, perfect for brightening up any meal.
A Salad with Sunshine: The Origin Story
Corn salads have been around for ages, enjoyed in many cultures as a simple, fresh way to showcase seasonal produce.
This recipe puts a summery spin on it, adding a touch of grilled smoky goodness. It's an easy summer side , ideal for whipping up quickly! This salad is perfect for outdoor entertaining recipes , or even just a quick and easy weeknight meal.
It's also great for potluck salad ideas !
This recipe is so easy, even my nan could make it! Prep takes about 20 minutes, grilling is 10- 15 minutes, so you're looking at a total of 30- 35 minutes.
This makes 6-8 servings, enough to feed a small gathering, or just your family.
Health Benefits and Happiness
Loaded with vitamins, fibre, and healthy fats (thanks, avocado!), this salad is both delicious and good for you. It's a healthy summer salad recipe that won't leave you feeling guilty after indulging.
This recipe is especially special for us, because it brings us the fresh memories from our own garden at the beginning of summer.
Picture this: sunny afternoon, sizzling BBQ, and this vibrant salad as the star bbq side dishes . Honestly, what could be better? It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and it will instantly make your next social event a success.
The contrast of sweetness from the corn with the tang of lime vinaigrette will definitely make this dish a topic of discussion.
So, what are you waiting for? Get your shopping list ready! Next up, we'll dive into the ingredient list. Don't worry, you probably have most of it already lurking in your fridge!
Ingredients & Equipment for Your Killer Summer Side Dishes
Okay, let's talk ingredients. Honestly, this grilled corn salad is all about the freshness . You know, that "straight-from-the-garden" taste? I remember one time I tried making this with frozen corn in winter… disaster.
Learn from my mistakes! This is the kind of summer corn salad that shines with great ingredients. And it is one of the best bbq side dishes out there.
Main Ingredients: Let's Get Specific
- Corn: 6 ears of fresh corn, shucked (about 720g ). Quality check? Look for plump, juicy kernels. Don't be shy, peel back a bit of the husk to check.
- Bell Peppers: 1 red and 1 yellow, diced (about 150g each). The brighter, the better.
- Cherry Tomatoes: 1 pint, halved (around 340g ). Get the ripest, juiciest ones you can find. They're like little bursts of sunshine.
- Red Onion: 1/2, finely diced (about 75g ). Don't go overboard, it's there for a bit of zing.
- Avocados: 2 ripe, diced (about 280g ). Soft, but not mushy, you know?
- Cilantro (Coriander): 1/4 cup chopped (about 10g ) – totally optional. If you're one of those people who thinks it tastes like soap, leave it out!
Seasoning Notes: The Secret to a Zesty Lime Vinaigrette
Forget boring dressings. This lime vinaigrette is where it's at. It's bright, tangy, and really makes the summer vegetable salad sing.
- Essential Spice Combinations: The lime juice, honey, Dijon, salt, and pepper are a must. Don't skip anything!
- Flavor Enhancers and Aromatics: Fresh lime zest is a game-changer. Grate a little in with the juice for an extra kick.
- Quick Substitution Options: No honey? Maple syrup works. Lime MIA? Lemon in a pinch, but it'll be different.
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple!
You don't need a fancy kitchen to whip up these easy summer sides . Honestly, a basic summer corn salad should be easy, right? You need a grill, a big bowl, and a sharp knife!
- Essential Tools Only: Grill (gas or charcoal), large mixing bowl, small bowl for vinaigrette, whisk, cutting board, sharp knife.
- Common Household Alternatives: No grill? A griddle pan works great. Or even just roast the corn in the oven at 200C/400F ! This healthy summer salad recipes will make you a star! These are also great potluck salad ideas and outdoor entertaining recipes .
Grilled Corn & Summer Vegetable Salad with Lime Vinaigrette
Summer is the season for bbq side dishes ! Forget the same old boring salads. This grilled corn and summer vegetable salad with lime vinaigrette will be the star of your next cookout.
It is one of those easy summer sides you can whip up with your eyes closed. My Nan always said, "If it ain't easy, it ain't worth it!" She would have loved this recipe.
Prep Like a Pro for the Best Summer Vegetable Salad
First, get your "mise en place" sorted. That's fancy chef talk for getting everything ready. Shuck 6 ears of corn.
Dice 1 red and 1 yellow bell pepper (about 150g each). Halve 340g of cherry tomatoes. Finely dice 75g of red onion.
Finally, cube 280g of ripe avocados. Chop 10g of fresh cilantro if you are a fan. This is one of those potluck salad ideas that's always a hit.
Pro Tip: Chop the veggies ahead of time to save time. But, add the avocado just before serving to prevent browning. Seriously, nobody wants brown avocado.
The Grilling & Assembling Process
- Get that grill hot! Preheat it to medium-high heat.
- Grill the corn. Turn now and again. Aim for light char and tenderness. It should take 10- 15 minutes .
- Make the dressing. Whisk together 60ml olive oil, 45ml lime juice, 15ml honey, 5ml Dijon, 2.5g salt and 1.25g pepper.
- Cut those cooked kernels off the cob with a sharp knife.
- Mix everything in a bowl. Add the grilled corn, peppers, tomatoes, red onion, avocado, and cilantro.
- Dress it! Pour over the lime vinaigrette and gently toss. Season to taste. This summer corn salad is a game changer!
Don't forget : Char is key. The char adds tons of flavour to the corn.
Expert Secrets & Smart Cuts
Want to make this grilled corn salad even better? Don't be afraid of char! Also, you can make the dressing earlier.
Just store it in the fridge. This is a great summer vegetable salad for outdoor entertaining recipes . You'll look like a culinary superstar, even if you're not! Thinking about adding this as one of your summer side dishes this year?
For a healthy summer salad recipe , consider adding some protein like grilled chicken or chickpeas. I once added some grilled halloumi, and it was lush! It makes a great addition to bbq side dishes repertoire.
And the secret ingredient is fresh corn recipes !.
Recipe Notes
This Grilled Corn & Summer Vegetable Salad ? Honestly, it’s one of those recipes that just screams summer side dishes .
It's seriously amazing. But hey, even the best recipes can use a little tweak, right? Let's dive into some notes to make this your own.
Presentation Perfection & Perfect Pairings
Wanna wow your mates? For plating, mound the salad high on a platter. Garnish with extra cilantro and a drizzle of that luscious lime vinaigrette .
It just pops, you know? As for pairings, this summer vegetable salad is killer with anything grilled. Think burgers, chicken, or even veggie skewers.
For drinks, a crisp white wine or homemade lemonade would be spot on. This can also make a great part of outdoor entertaining recipes .
If you are looking for bbq side dishes , then look no further.
Storage Secrets
Right, let's talk storage. This is best served fresh, no doubt. But, if you have leftovers, bung it in an airtight container in the fridge.
It'll keep for about 2-3 days . Just bear in mind, the avocado might brown a bit. Freezing isn't really recommended, it'll get a bit mushy.
To reheat, just let it come to room temperature. A good tip is to always pack for potluck salad ideas .
Remixing the Recipe: Variations Galore
Fancy a change? For a vegan twist, just make sure your Dijon mustard doesn't have any sneaky honey. Use agave or maple syrup in the dressing.
Sorted. Want to get fancy? Try swapping out the bell peppers for roasted red peppers, or adding some crumbled feta for a salty tang.
Grilled peaches add a great dimension to this summer corn salad , really taking advantage of fresh corn recipes . You can use this recipe with easy summer sides too.
Nutrition Nuggets
Okay, let's keep it real: I'm no nutritionist! But, this salad is packed with goodness. Corn has fiber. Bell peppers are full of Vitamin C.
Avocado gives you healthy fats. Basically, it's a healthy summer salad recipes that tastes amazing. Each serving clocks in at around 280 calories.
Not bad, eh? Its a good option when you are looking for healthy summer salad recipes . This is a simplified nutrition information only.
So there you have it! A cracking recipe with a few little tweaks to make it your own. Don't be afraid to experiment.
Most important? Have fun and enjoy the taste of summer! I bet even Aunt Mildred would be impressed! Why not make a grilled corn salad today?
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some other great summer side dishes I can make with corn?
Besides this killer grilled corn salad, you could try Mexican Street Corn (Elote) or a creamy corn chowder if the weather takes a turn for the worse, a bit like Bank Holiday weather! The sweetness of corn pairs brilliantly with spicy, smoky, and creamy flavors, so get creative!
Can I make this grilled corn & summer vegetable salad ahead of time?
The lime vinaigrette can definitely be made a day or two in advance – just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It's best to assemble the salad closer to serving time, especially the avocado, to prevent it from browning. However, chopping the veggies ahead of time is a total time-saver, just like prepping your roast potatoes on Christmas Eve!
I don't have a grill. Can I still make this recipe for summer side dishes?
Absolutely! If you don't have a grill, you can roast the corn in the oven. Just shuck the corn, brush it with a little oil, and roast at 200°C (400°F) for about 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally, until the kernels are tender and slightly browned. Alternatively, you can use frozen corn kernels and sauté them in a pan with a little butter or oil until heated through and lightly browned.
What are some variations I can try with this summer side dish recipe?
This recipe is super versatile! For a Mexican twist, add some crumbled cotija cheese and a dollop of sour cream. You could also try adding grilled peaches for a sweeter flavour profile. Swapping the cilantro for basil or parsley would give it an Italian twist.
How long will this grilled corn salad keep in the fridge?
Ideally, this salad is best eaten fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The avocado might brown slightly, but the flavour should still be great. Give it a good toss before serving. It is also important to remember, if taking for a picnic make sure it stays cool in a cool box, rather than leaving in direct sun or risk the dreaded food poisoning!
Is this summer side dish recipe healthy?
Yes, this grilled corn salad is packed with nutrients! Corn provides fibre and antioxidants, while the vegetables offer vitamins and minerals. Avocado adds healthy fats, and the lime vinaigrette is a light and flavourful dressing. However, keep in mind that the nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients and portion sizes.