Grilled corn salad captures the essence of summer with its sweet, smoky kernels complemented by creamy avocado, tangy goat cheese, and fresh basil. The hot honey vinaigrette adds just the right amount of heat and sweetness, elevating every bite into a flavor-packed experience.
Perfect as a side dish, appetizer, or even a light meal, this salad is versatile and crowd-pleasing. Whether paired with grilled meats, served with chips, or enjoyed solo, it’s a dish that combines ease, elegance, and seasonality in every bowl.
Full Recipe:
- For the grilled corn:
- 4 ears of corn
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- Freshly ground salt and pepper
- For the salad:
- 1 ½ cups halved cherry tomatoes (preferably heirloom or grape tomatoes)
- 1 avocado, diced
- ⅓ cup goat cheese, crumbled
- ¼ cup diced red onion (or substitute green onion)
- 6 large basil leaves, julienned
- For the hot honey vinaigrette:
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil or olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Pinch of cayenne pepper OR ½ teaspoon hot sauce of choice
- 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar (or substitute fresh lime juice)
- ¼ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
- Freshly ground salt and pepper, to taste
Directions:
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Drizzle the corn with oil, rub it evenly, and season with salt and pepper. Place the corn directly on the grill, turning occasionally, until it’s charred and cooked, about 20 minutes.
- Once cooled, cut the kernels off the cob and place them in a large bowl. Add tomatoes, avocado, goat cheese, red onion, and basil. Toss gently to combine.
- Prepare the hot honey vinaigrette: In a mason jar or small bowl, combine honey and cayenne (or hot sauce) and microwave for 10–15 seconds until the honey is hot. Stir in olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Shake well to combine or whisk in a bowl. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss to combine. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve immediately. For make-ahead preparation, add the avocado and goat cheese just before serving.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 167 per serving | Servings: 6
Introduction to Grilled Corn Salad
Grilled Corn Salad with Avocado, Goat Cheese, and Hot Honey Vinaigrette is a vibrant, flavorful dish that perfectly captures the essence of summer. Combining the smoky char of grilled corn, the creamy richness of avocado, the tang of goat cheese, and the sweet-and-spicy kick of a hot honey vinaigrette, this dish is a culinary celebration of fresh, seasonal ingredients. It’s a perfect accompaniment to barbecues, potlucks, or casual family dinners, offering a refreshing contrast to heavier grilled dishes.
Why Grilled Corn is the Star of the Show
The hallmark of this recipe is the grilled corn, which provides a smoky, slightly charred flavor that enhances the natural sweetness of the kernels. Grilling caramelizes the corn’s sugars, creating a depth of flavor that raw or boiled corn simply cannot achieve. The process also brings out a slight nuttiness in the corn, making it the perfect foundation for this multi-layered salad.
For those who don’t have access to a grill, the recipe offers alternatives like cooking the corn on the stovetop or roasting it in the oven. While these methods may lack the distinct char of a grill, they still allow the corn to develop its sweet, caramelized notes.
The Role of Avocado and Goat Cheese
Avocado and goat cheese contribute richness and creaminess to the salad, creating a delightful contrast to the crunch of the corn and other veggies. Avocado’s mild, buttery flavor complements the boldness of the goat cheese, while its creamy texture adds a luxurious mouthfeel. Goat cheese, on the other hand, introduces a tangy complexity that elevates the dish without overpowering the other ingredients.
A Unique Hot Honey Vinaigrette
The hot honey vinaigrette is the ingredient that sets this salad apart. This homemade dressing is a simple yet ingenious blend of honey, cayenne pepper or hot sauce, olive oil, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar. The sweetness of the honey balances the heat from the cayenne, while the tangy vinegar and mustard tie the flavors together. This combination provides a sweet-and-spicy profile that enhances the natural flavors of the fresh produce in the salad.
What makes this vinaigrette particularly appealing is its versatility. It can be adjusted to suit individual taste preferences by varying the amount of heat or sweetness. It’s also quick to prepare, making it an easy addition to elevate other dishes.
Versatility and Customization
One of the most attractive aspects of this grilled corn salad is its adaptability. The recipe encourages creativity, offering several substitutions and additions to suit different dietary needs and flavor profiles. For instance:
- Cheese Variations: Feta or cotija cheese can replace goat cheese for those who prefer a different flavor profile.
- Herbs: Basil is the suggested herb, but cilantro is a fantastic substitute for a more Latin-inspired flavor.
- Additional Vegetables: Adding ingredients like red bell peppers, arugula, or even black beans can transform the salad into a more filling dish.
This flexibility makes the salad ideal for experimenting with ingredients you have on hand or tailoring it to specific occasions and dietary restrictions.
Serving Suggestions
This grilled corn salad can be served in various ways, making it a versatile addition to your meal planning. It works beautifully as a standalone dish, a side to grilled meats like chicken or steak, or even as a topping for tacos and nachos. For casual gatherings, it can be served as a dip with tortilla chips, offering a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s both light and flavorful.
Adding a protein such as grilled shrimp, chicken, or tofu transforms this salad into a satisfying main course, perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. Whether served warm or chilled, this dish adapts seamlessly to the occasion.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Grilled Corn Salad is as practical as it is delicious. It can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. However, to preserve its freshness, especially the creaminess of the avocado and the texture of the goat cheese, it’s best to add these ingredients just before serving. This makes the salad an excellent make-ahead option for busy schedules or entertaining.
The Appeal of Seasonal Ingredients
Another highlight of this dish is its focus on seasonal ingredients. Sweet corn is at its peak during the summer, making it the ideal time to showcase its natural sweetness and crisp texture. Paired with ripe avocados, fresh cherry tomatoes, and fragrant basil, the salad embodies the best flavors of the season.
Using seasonal produce not only enhances the flavor and quality of the dish but also supports sustainable eating practices. Seasonal ingredients are often more affordable and environmentally friendly, offering an opportunity to enjoy fresh, nutrient-rich foods at their best.
Conclusion
Grilled Corn Salad with Avocado, Goat Cheese, and Hot Honey Vinaigrette is a dish that embodies the beauty of summer cooking. Its vibrant colors, bold flavors, and diverse textures make it a standout addition to any table. Whether served as a side dish, appetizer, or main course, it’s a recipe that’s as versatile as it is delicious.
This salad’s focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients and its adaptability to different tastes and occasions ensure it will become a staple in your culinary repertoire. Its balance of sweetness, spice, and tanginess creates a flavor profile that is sure to impress, while its simplicity makes it accessible for cooks of all skill levels. Enjoy this dish as a celebration of summer’s bounty and the joy of sharing good food with loved ones.