Vibrant Grilled Corn Salad with Avocado Recipe for Summer Feasts

Golden summer days call for vibrant dishes that burst with fresh flavors, and this grilled corn salad with avocado recipe delivers pure sunshine on a plate.

Charred kernels of sweet corn dance deliciously alongside creamy avocado chunks in a salad that sings with southwestern spirit.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of smoky, bright, and rich notes that will make taste buds dance with delight.

The combination of grilled ingredients creates a robust backdrop for zesty herbs and tangy dressing.

Crisp vegetables and ripe avocado pieces intermingle with a light, punchy vinaigrette that adds complexity to every forkful.

Simple ingredients transform into a spectacular side dish that steals the show at any summer gathering.

Grab your grill and get ready to elevate your meal with this irresistible salad that screams warm-weather deliciousness.

How to Grill and Toss Corn Salad Like a Pro

• Grill Preparation Gather your outdoor cooking gear and set up the grill with medium-high heat for maximum flavor development.
• Corn Transformation Place fresh corn directly on hot grates, allowing beautiful caramelized marks to develop while infusing smoky essence into each kernel.
• Ingredient Symphony Chop vibrant cherry tomatoes, slice creamy avocado, crumble tangy goat cheese, and sprinkle delicate basil leaves into a spacious mixing bowl.
• Flavor Explosion Whisk together golden honey, zesty cayenne, silky olive oil, bright vinegar, and aromatic spices to create a luscious dressing that will dance across your taste buds.
• Salad Harmony Gently combine grilled corn kernels with prepared ingredients, drizzle with spicy-sweet vinaigrette, and toss until each morsel is beautifully coated with amazing flavors.

Tips to Nail the Sweet and Spicy Dressing

• Tips and twists to elevate your summer dish.
• Get those beautiful grill marks by rotating corn every 5 minutes for even caramelization and smoky flavor.
• Replace goat cheese with feta or blue cheese for a different tangy punch that complements the sweet honey and grilled corn.
• Prep all ingredients separately and combine just before serving to keep vegetables crisp and prevent soggy salad syndrome.
• Adjust cayenne or hot sauce quantity to match your spice tolerance – from mild whisper to blazing inferno.

Serving This Grilled Salad for Any Gathering

• Summer Picnic Superstar: Serve this vibrant salad as a stunning side dish at backyard barbecues, potlucks, or beach gatherings where fresh, colorful recipes shine.
• Protein Power-Up: Transform the salad into a complete meal by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy tofu to boost protein and make it more filling for lunch or dinner.
• Bread Buddy Companion: Pair with crusty sourdough, warm pita, or grilled ciabatta to soak up the delicious hot honey vinaigrette and add a delightful textural contrast to the soft salad ingredients.
• Wine & Dine Pairing: Complement the salad's spicy-sweet profile with a crisp white wine like sauvignon blanc or a light rosé that will enhance the fresh corn and tangy goat cheese flavors.

Keeping Corn Salad Fresh with Texture Intact

• Advance Prep Power: Grill corn and chop vegetables up to 24 hours before serving, storing separately in sealed containers to maintain freshness and crunch.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Keep salad components chilled in separate containers, combining just before serving to prevent soggy textures and maintain crisp vegetable integrity.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare vinaigrette up to 5 days in advance, storing in an airtight jar in the refrigerator. Shake well before using to re-emulsify ingredients.
• Quick Lunch Transform: Pack corn salad ingredients separately for a portable work lunch. Carry dressing in a small container and mix just before eating to keep everything vibrant and delicious.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 180 kcal

Servings: 5

What Goes Into Grilled Corn Salad with Hot Honey Vinaigrette

• Corn: Sweet summer staple that caramelizes beautifully when grilled, bringing smoky depth to the salad.
• Avocado Oil: High-heat cooking oil that prevents corn from sticking and adds subtle nutty flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance natural corn sweetness and provide foundational flavor.

• Avocado, Cherry Tomatoes, Red Onion: Fresh, vibrant vegetables that create colorful texture and refreshing crunch.
• Goat Cheese: Creamy, tangy cheese that adds rich complexity and smooth counterpoint to grilled elements.
• Basil Leaves: Aromatic herb that introduces bright, peppery notes and classic summer garden essence.

• Avocado Oil, Olive Oil: Smooth base for dressing that carries other flavors and provides silky consistency.
• Honey, Cayenne Pepper, Hot Sauce: Spicy-sweet combination that delivers exciting, multilayered taste experience.
• Apple Cider Vinegar, Lime Juice: Acidic elements that balance richness and wake up entire salad's flavor profile.
• Dijon Mustard: Emulsifying agent that helps blend dressing and adds subtle sharp undertone.
• Garlic Powder: Convenient seasoning that introduces mild, rounded allium warmth.
• Salt and Pepper: Final seasoning touches that harmonize and elevate overall taste.

Tools to Build a Vibrant Corn and Avocado Salad

• Grill: Essential for charring corn to get smoky flavor and beautiful grill marks.
• Cutting Board: Needed for safely cutting corn kernels, chopping herbs, and prepping ingredients.
• Sharp Knife: Perfect for removing corn kernels and slicing cherry tomatoes and herbs.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Crucial for combining salad ingredients and tossing with vinaigrette.
• Whisk: Great for blending vinaigrette ingredients smoothly and evenly.
• Measuring Spoons: Helpful for accurately portioning oil, vinegar, and spices.
• Tongs: Useful for handling and turning corn on the grill safely.

Zesty Corn Salad with Avocado Recipe

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4.6 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Mexican street corn salad celebrates summer’s bounty with grilled corn, creamy avocado, and zesty lime. Crisp, fresh ingredients mingle for a palate-pleasing side dish you’ll crave at backyard gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 ears of corn
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1 ½ cups (360 ml) cherry tomatoes, halved (heirloom or grape)
• ⅓ cup (80 ml) goat cheese, crumbled
• 6 large basil leaves, julienned
• ¼ cup (60 ml) red onion, diced (or substitute green onion)
• 1/8 tsp garlic powder
• 3 tbsps (45 ml) avocado oil or olive oil
• 1 tbsp honey
• 2 tsp apple cider vinegar (or substitute fresh lime juice)
• ¼ tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper or ½ tsp hot sauce
• Salt, freshly ground
• Black pepper, freshly ground

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Instructions

1. Grill Preparation: Preheat grill to medium-high heat, ensuring grates are immaculately clean and ready for cooking.
2. Corn Seasoning: Brush corn ears with avocado oil, then generously season with kosher salt and black pepper to amplify natural flavors.
3. Grilling Technique: Roast corn directly on grates, rotating every 5 minutes to achieve uniform caramelization, cooking for 15-20 minutes until beautifully charred.
4. Kernel Extraction: Allow grilled corn to cool briefly, then skillfully slice kernels from cob into a spacious mixing bowl.
5. Salad Assembly: Gently fold in diced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, crumbled goat cheese, sliced red onion, and torn basil leaves, creating a vibrant medley of textures and colors.
6. Vinaigrette Creation: Warm honey in a small pan, whisking in cayenne for subtle heat, then blend with avocado oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to craft a dynamic dressing.
7. Final Touches: Drizzle vinaigrette over the salad, tossing delicately to ensure harmonious coating, then taste and fine-tune seasoning as desired. Serve chilled or at room temperature, garnishing with additional fresh avocado and goat cheese just before presentation.

Notes

• Grill Temperature Matters: Maintain medium-high heat to achieve perfect caramelization without burning corn kernels.
• Kernel Cutting Technique: Allow corn to cool slightly before slicing to prevent burning hands and ensure clean, precise cuts.
• Vinaigrette Timing: Warm honey gently to create a smooth base for the spicy dressing, enhancing flavor integration.
• Serving Freshness Tip: Add avocado and goat cheese just before serving to maintain texture and prevent wilting or sogginess.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 120mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 16g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 5mg