Summer Grilled Corn Salad w/ Cilantro Lime Dressing

Fire up the grill, because you won’t want to miss this flavorful summertime favorite. This Grilled Corn Salad is colorful, refreshing and satisfying.

As promised, I’m back with a recipe to pair with this Avocado Cilantro Lime Dressing that I posted yesterday. Let me introduce to you this Summer Grilled Corn Salad. There’s much more than corn in this salad, but it really is the star of the show. It adds a wonderful smoky-sweet flavor and crisp texture too.

You may have seen a similar recipe on the blog when I first started out, for this Avocado, Black Bean & Corn Salad. It’s actually one of the most popular recipes on the blog. I wanted to share a slightly different version with a creamier dressing for you guys.

Totally addictive

Don’t be surprised if this dish is the first to disappear at your next gathering. The widely gorgeous colors and Mexican-style flavors will keep them coming back for more, so you might want to make a double batch.

This salad is super refreshing, loaded with nutrients, but so filling and satisfying. It’s a meal all on its own, but you can enjoy it as a side too. This is not your average salad, that’s for sure.

Super easy

After you’ve grilled the corn, cut the veggies and made the dressing, just toss it all together in a bowl and serve. I just throw the corn on the grill bare, but there are other ways to successfully grill corn. I found this article helpful. You can also boil or roast the corn if preferred.

If you’re strapped for time, you can skip the grilling altogether. Just replace the cobs with 3 cups of frozen corn. Thaw before adding to the salad by rinsing under cool water for a few minutes. Drain well.

Serving ideas

This Grilled Corn Salad can be served a few different ways. You can place it in the serving bowl or plate with the veggies separated (like the photo below). When it’s time to serve, just toss it together with the dressing. This is just for fun and not necessary. You can also serve the dressing on the side, but be sure to make a double batch for your heavy-handed guests.

I’d love to hear from you

If you make this Grilled Corn Salad, I’d love to hear what you think. It would really make my day. You can also follow me on Instagram and share your creation with me. Just tag me @veganhuggs and hashtag #veganhuggs so I don’t miss it.

5 from 1 vote

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Grilled Corn Salad w/ Creamy Cilantro Lime Dressing

Prep Time

20 mins

Cook Time

10 mins

Total Time

30 mins

 

Fire up the grill, because you won't want to miss this flavorful summertime favorite. This Grilled Corn Salad is colorful, refreshing and satisfying.

Course: Entree | Side, Salad

Recipe Type: Gluten-Free, Oil-free, Vegan

Servings: 6

Calories: 271 kcal

Author: Melissa Huggins

Ingredients

• 4 ears corn , husks and silks removed (about 3 cups) *See note
• 1 small green bell pepper , diced
• 1 small yellow bell pepper , diced
• 2 cans black beans , rinsed and drained
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes , halved
• 1 small red onion , diced (about 1/2 cup)
• 2 avocados , peeled and cubed (*optional)
• 1/4 cup cilantro , chopped
• 1 batch avocado cilantro lime dressing

Instructions

1. Prepare and preheat your grill to high heat. If you don't mind a little oil, lightly spray the grill (see note for different ways to grill corn without any oil). 

2. Place the corn on the grill and let it sit until one side starts to blacken. Turn to char the remaining sides. Remove when all sides are somewhat charred, and the corn is cooked throughout. Don't leave the corn on the grill too long, or it will dry out. This could take about 8-10 minutes. 

   
   

3. When the corn is cool enough to handle, slice the kernels off the cob and place into a large bowl.

4. Now place all the veggies in the large bowl with the corn (except the avocado). Sprinkle with salt & pepper and toss to combine.

5. Pour dressing over veggies and toss to combine. Now add avocado and toss gently so they don't mash together. Taste for seasoning add as needed.

6. Serve immediately. Enjoy! 

Recipe Notes

* If you don't have time to grill corn, you can replace it with 3 cups frozen corn. Thaw before adding to the salad by rinsing under cool water for a few minutes. Drain well. 

* Here's a great article on 3 Ways to Grill Corn. 

* If you're making the salad ahead of time, you may want to add the avocados & tomatoes just before serving. I would add the dressing at that time too. This will keep the salad fresh looking (it looks a little less colorful once added). * Another option is to serve the dressing on the side, but you might want to make a double batch for heavy-handed guests. 

* Avocados that are just-ripe work the best, otherwise they will get mushy in your salad.  

* Yields about 9 cups

* Nutritional information includes dressing. 

 

Nutrition Facts

Grilled Corn Salad w/ Creamy Cilantro Lime Dressing

Amount Per Serving (1 1 1/2 cups)

Calories 271 Calories from Fat 108

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 12g 18%

Saturated Fat 1g 5%

Sodium 201mg 8%

Potassium 750mg 21%

Total Carbohydrates 32g 11%

Dietary Fiber 12g 48%

Sugars 3g

Protein 10g 20%

Vitamin A 8.6%

Vitamin C 34.5%

Calcium 3.6%

Iron 13.9%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.