Nothing captures the flavors of summer quite like sweet, smoky grilled corn salad. Whether you’re cooking outdoors, prepping a picnic, or looking for a light lunch, these salads offer the perfect combination of texture, color, and flavor. Packed with juicy grilled corn, fresh vegetables, and zesty dressings, grilled corn salad is easy to customize and sure to be a hit at any gathering.
In this blog post, we’re bringing you three fresh takes on grilled corn salad: a Southwest-style with black beans, a Mediterranean mix with feta, and a creamy avocado twist. Each one is delicious, simple to make, and bursting with summery goodness.
Cooking Tools You’ll Need:
- Grill or grill pan
- Tongs
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Large mixing bowl
- Small bowl for dressings
- Measuring cups and spoons
3 Grilled Corn Salad:
1: Southwest Black Bean Corn Salad
Ingredients:
- 4 ears of corn, husked
- 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Juice of 1 lime
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Ingredient Preparation:
- Grill corn until lightly charred, then slice kernels off the cob.
- Dice bell pepper and onion.
- Rinse and drain black beans.
- Chop cilantro.
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine grilled corn, black beans, pepper, onion, and cilantro.
- In a small bowl, whisk lime juice, olive oil, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Pour dressing over salad and toss to coat.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Full Recipes: Black Bean Corn Salad
2: Mediterranean Feta Corn Salad:
Ingredients:
- 4 ears of corn
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup diced cucumber
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Ingredient Preparation:
- Grill corn until charred and slice off kernels.
- Halve cherry tomatoes, dice cucumber, and chop parsley.
- Crumble feta cheese if not pre-crumbled.
Instructions:
- Combine grilled corn, tomatoes, cucumber, parsley, and feta in a mixing bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Pour dressing over the salad and toss well.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to an hour before serving.
Full recipes: Feta Corn Salad
3: Creamy Avocado Corn Salad
Ingredients:
- 4 ears of corn
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tbsp plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation
- Grill corn until slightly charred and cut kernels off.
- Dice avocado and chop green onions and cilantro.
- Mix Greek yogurt or sour cream with lime juice, salt, and pepper.
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine corn, avocado, green onions, and cilantro.
- Add creamy dressing and gently mix.
- Serve immediately to keep avocado fresh and vibrant.
Full Recipes; Creamy Avocado Corn Salad
Serving Ideas:
- Side dish: Pair with grilled meats, burgers, or seafood.
- Taco topping: Spoon onto tacos for extra flavor and crunch.
- Lunch bowls: Add grilled chicken or quinoa for a full meal.
- Party platter: Serve in individual cups or mason jars for picnics and potlucks.
How to Store Grilled Corn Salad:
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Avoid soggy textures: Drain any excess liquid before storing.
- Add avocado later: For recipes with avocado, add it fresh before serving to prevent browning.
- No freezing: These salads are best enjoyed fresh and do not freeze well.
Nutrition Stats Table (Per 1-Cup Serving)
Recipe | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Southwest Black Bean | 210 | 6g | 26g | 9g | 5g |
Mediterranean Feta | 200 | 5g | 22g | 10g | 3g |
Creamy Avocado | 230 | 4g | 18g | 14g | 4g |
Note: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on ingredient brands.
Find More: 3 Elote Salad Recipe
FAQs:
Q1: Can I use frozen or canned corn instead of fresh?
Yes, but grilling fresh corn adds a smoky flavor that enhances the salad.
Q2: What’s the best way to grill corn?
You can grill directly on the grates, rotating every few minutes until lightly charred, or use a grill pan indoors.
Q3: Can I make grilled corn salad ahead of time?
Yes! It keeps well for up to 3 days. Add delicate ingredients like avocado right before serving.
Q4: Are these recipes vegan?
Two of them are naturally vegan (Southwest and Creamy Avocado if using non-dairy yogurt). The Mediterranean version can be made vegan by omitting the feta or using a plant-based substitute.
Q5: Can I make these salads spicy?
Sure! Add chopped jalapeños, a dash of cayenne, or spicy dressing to kick up the heat.