Grilled Corn Avocado Summer Salad
Recipe Introduction
Ever wonder what to bring to a BBQ that isn't the usual soggy potato salad? Honestly, I've been there. Let's talk summer salads for BBQ .
This grilled corn and avocado salad is about to become your new potluck superstar. It's got that sweet, smoky, and tangy thing going on, all in one bowl.
A Tex-Mex Twist on Your BBQ Side Dishes
This ain't your grandma's salad. Think sunshine and good vibes. This vibrant salad has roots in the fresh Tex-Mex cuisine.
It's quick and easy to whip up in about 35 minutes. The recipe yields 6 servings, perfect for sharing... or maybe not!
Why This Salad Rocks for Any Vegan BBQ salad
Forget heavy sides! This refreshing summer salad is packed with goodness. We're talking healthy fats from the avocado and fiber from the corn.
Plus, it's naturally vegan, so everyone can dig in! It's perfect for bringing to any BBQ, potluck, or just enjoying on a hot day.
What makes this recipe special is the combination of smoky grilled corn, creamy avocado, and that zesty chili lime dressing .
It will knock your socks off!
Time to gather your ingredients and prepare to make this awesome Grilled corn salad ! I promise you'll want to make this Avocado salad recipe again and again! And if you are really looking for a fast salad you can make a Broccoli Salad Recipe Easy is always a great option!
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Started!
Right, so you're thinking about making this amazing Grilled Corn & Avocado summer salads for bbq , yeah? Fab! Honestly, it's easier than assembling flatpack furniture.
Here's what you'll need to get started.
Main Ingredients: Fresh is Best, Mate!
Okay, listen up. Quality matters, especially with something like avocado salad recipe . You want creamy, not rock solid!
- Corn: 6 ears (about 1.5 kg ). The fresher, the sweeter. Look for bright green husks.
- Avocados: 2 ripe ones (around 300g ). They should yield to gentle pressure.
- Cherry Tomatoes: 1 pint (about 300g ), halved. Sweet and juicy.
- Red Onion: 1/2 , thinly sliced (about 75g ). Adds a nice bite.
- Fresh Cilantro: 1/4 cup , chopped (about 5g ). Makes it super fresh!
- Jalapeno: 1 , minced (about 15g , optional). Only if you like a kick!.
- Olive Oil: 1/4 cup (about 60 ml ). Extra virgin is best.
- Lime Juice: 3 tablespoons , freshly squeezed (about 45 ml ). No bottled stuff, please.
- Red Wine Vinegar: 1 tablespoon (about 15 ml ). Adds tang.
- Chili Powder: 1 teaspoon (about 5ml/g ). For a warm spice.
- Ground Cumin: 1/2 teaspoon (about 2.5 ml/g ). Earthy flavor.
- Garlic Powder: 1/4 teaspoon (about 1.25 ml/g ). Adds punch.
- Salt & Pepper: To taste. Don't be shy!
This vibrant Tex-Mex salad recipes salad is also really versatile.
Seasoning Notes: Spice it Up!
The chili lime dressing is the secret weapon here. It balances the sweetness of the corn and the creaminess of the avocado.
Don't be afraid to adjust the chili powder for your spice preference. If you don't have cumin, a pinch of smoked paprika adds a lovely depth.
For vegan BBQ salad , make sure your seasonings are plant based!.
This recipe is perfect for a summer grilling recipes party!.
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple
- Grill (Gas or Charcoal): For that smoky corn flavor.
- Large Mixing Bowl: For tossing everything together.
- Small Bowl or Jar: For making the dressing.
- Whisk or Fork: To mix the dressing.
- Cutting Board & Knife: For chopping veggies.
- Tongs: For grilling the corn.
No fancy gadgets needed! If you don't have a grill, you can roast the corn in the oven at 400° F ( 200° C) .
Job done! Enjoy your Broccoli Salad Recipe Easy .
Cooking the Perfect Grilled Corn & Avocado Summer Salad for BBQ
Honestly, what's a summer BBQ without some cracking BBQ side dishes ? Forget the boring potato salad. We're levelling up with this Grilled Corn & Avocado Summer Salad.
Think sunshine in a bowl. It’s quick, easy, and totally delicious. This refreshing summer salad is a guaranteed crowd pleaser!
Prep Like a Pro: The Mise en Place Lowdown
Before you even think about firing up the grill, let's get our ducks in a row. Essential mise en place means having everything chopped, diced, and ready to go.
Get your 6 ears of corn shucked. Dice 2 ripe avocados. Halve 1 pint of cherry tomatoes. Thinly slice 1/2 a red onion.
Chop 1/4 cup of fresh cilantro. Mince that 1 jalapeno pepper, if you're feeling brave!
For the dressing, measure out your 1/4 cup olive oil, 3 tablespoons of lime juice, 1 tablespoon of red wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, and salt and pepper.
Having everything ready really saves time!
Getting Down to Grilling: step-by-step
- Get that grill screaming hot, medium high heat .
- Brush the shucked corn with a little olive oil. This is optional, but it helps the kernels char nicely.
- Grill the corn, turning every few minutes. Look for that lovely char and tender kernels. This usually takes about 10- 15 minutes.
- Take the corn off the grill and let it cool down a bit. You don't want to burn your fingers.
- Stand the corn up and slice off the kernels with a sharp knife. Be careful, now!
- Whisk together the dressing ingredients in a small bowl. Give it a good mix.
- In a big bowl, toss the corn, avocado, tomatoes, onion, cilantro, and jalapeno.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and gently combine. Don't drown it!
Pro Tips for BBQ Salad Glory
Want to take your summer salads for BBQ game to the next level? Grilling corn can be tricky. Don't overcrowd the grill.
Give each cob some space. Also, look out for juicy, perfect, not-mushy avocados super important!. Common mistake? Overdressing. Add it little by little until it's just right.
My secret ingredient? A pinch of smoked paprika in the dressing. It adds a lovely depth of flavor. Also, you can easily convert this to a vegan BBQ salad.
This Grilled Corn & Avocado Salad is so delicious, it could easily become your go-to salad. I personally love how the sweetness of the corn pairs with the creamy avocado and the kick of the chili lime dressing.
Plus, it goes with just about anything at a summer BBQ . From Tex-Mex salad recipes to light and easy broccoli salad recipe .
Enjoy your own summer salad!. Also, you can use it as Salad Kale instead of lettuce. Or try adding chicken to make a salad with protein to be a healthy option for lunch!
Recipe Notes
This Grilled Corn & Avocado Summer Salad isn't just another side dish. It's a flavour explosion perfect for any BBQ side dishes .
Let's dive into some extra tips to make it shine!
Ace your Plating!
Okay, let's talk presentation. Nobody wants a boring looking salad . Pile it high in a rustic bowl. Maybe add a sprig of cilantro on top.
A sprinkle of extra chili lime dressing is never a bad idea. This is one of those summer salads for bbq that needs to look as good as it tastes.
What to Serve Alongside?
This refreshing summer salad goes with almost anything. Think grilled chicken or juicy steaks. It’s also amazing with veggie burgers.
You know what else? A crisp glass of Sauvignon Blanc or even a Tex-Mex salad recipes style margarita will make your meal epic!
Storage Secrets
Honestly, I usually devour this salad in one sitting. But if you have leftovers, here's what to do. Pop it in an airtight container and into the fridge.
It'll be good for up to 3 days . The avocado might brown a bit, but it'll still taste amazing.
Freezing this avocado salad recipe isn't really recommended. The textures just don't hold up. Reheating? Nah, this is best served cold. Take it straight from the fridge. It tastes so fresh!
Adaptations and Twists
Want to try something different? Add some black beans for extra protein. I've even thrown in diced mango for a sweet twist.
Speaking of twists, this is naturally a vegan BBQ salad , so everyone can enjoy it.
If you are looking for a broccoli salad recipe easy , then this is the perfect jumping point, swap corn for blanched broccoli.
If you are into salad kale maybe massage some kale as a base before adding the other ingredients.
Short Nutrition Burst
This Grilled corn salad is packed with goodness. We are talking healthy fats from avocado. Vitamins from tomatoes. Fiber from the corn! It's a super tasty way to get your veggies in.
Every bite makes you happy! You can use this recipe for your next Summer grilling recipes.
So there you have it. Some extra tips to make this Grilled Corn & Avocado Summer Salad truly unforgettable. Go on, give it a try. I know you'll love it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this summer salad for bbq ahead of time? Will it get soggy?
You can definitely prep some of the components ahead of time, like grilling the corn and making the dressing. However, for the freshest taste and texture, it's best to assemble the salad closer to serving time. The avocado can brown and the tomatoes can release moisture, making it a bit soggy if it sits too long.
Think of it like a Victoria Sponge best enjoyed fresh!
I'm not a fan of spicy food. How can I tone down the heat in this grilled corn and avocado salad?
No worries, we can adjust the spice levels! Simply omit the jalapeno pepper entirely, or make sure to remove all the seeds and membranes before mincing it. You can also reduce the amount of chili powder in the dressing. Remember, you can always add more spice later, but it's hard to take it away!
It's all about finding your Goldilocks zone.
What are some good variations to this summer salads for bbq recipe? I'm looking to mix things up!
Absolutely! This salad is ripe for variations. Try adding black beans and diced mango for a sweeter twist, or grilled halloumi cheese for a salty, savory element. You could even throw in some grilled shrimp or shredded chicken to make it a complete meal.
Think of it as your culinary playground experiment and have fun!
How long does this summer salad last in the fridge? Any tips for storage?
This salad is best enjoyed within 1-2 days. To prevent the avocado from browning, lightly brush it with lime juice before adding it to the salad. Store the dressed salad in an airtight container in the fridge. Keep in mind the texture will change slightly as it sits, so fresher is always better!
It's a bit like leftovers from a Sunday roast still good, but not quite the same as fresh.
Is this grilled corn and avocado salad healthy? What are the nutritional benefits?
Yes, it's a pretty healthy option! It's packed with vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats from the avocado. Corn provides fiber, and the lime juice offers a dose of vitamin C. Just be mindful of the amount of olive oil in the dressing if you're watching your calorie intake.
It's a delicious way to get some goodness into your BBQ spread - a win-win!
I don't have a grill. Can I still make this summer salad for BBQ?
Absolutely! You can still achieve that delicious grilled corn flavor without a grill. Roast the corn in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally, until the kernels are slightly charred. Alternatively, you can use a grill pan on your stovetop.
Don't let a lack of a BBQ stop you from enjoying this summery treat!
Grilled Corn Avocado Summer Salad
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 250 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 18g |
| Fiber | 7g |
