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Fresh Grilled Corn Salad Recipe with Easy Zesty Lime Cilantro Dressing

fresh grilled corn salad - featured image

A fresh, vibrant grilled corn salad tossed with a zesty lime cilantro dressing, perfect for summer gatherings and quick weeknight meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 ears fresh corn on the cob, husked and cleaned
  • ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped and packed
  • Juice of 2 large limes (about 4 tablespoons)
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
  • 1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
  • ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
  • 2 stalks green onions, sliced thin (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F / 200°C).
  2. Husk the ears of corn, remove all silk strands, rinse under cold water, and pat dry.
  3. Grill the corn directly on the grill grates for 10-12 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes until nicely browned with smoky aroma.
  4. Let the grilled corn rest for 5 minutes, then cut the kernels off the cob using a sharp knife.
  5. In a mixing bowl, whisk together fresh lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper until emulsified. Stir in minced jalapeño if using.
  6. Add grilled corn kernels, chopped cilantro, diced red onion, and cherry tomatoes to the bowl with dressing. Toss gently to coat evenly.
  7. Crumble feta cheese over the top and sprinkle with sliced green onions if desired. Toss lightly and adjust seasoning as needed.
  8. Serve fresh or chilled for 15-20 minutes to let flavors meld. Optionally, squeeze extra lime and add salt before serving to brighten flavors.

Notes

Use freshly squeezed lime juice for best flavor. Turn corn often on the grill to avoid burning and ensure even char. Pat corn dry before grilling to get better char marks. For vegan version, omit feta or substitute with plant-based cheese. Frozen grilled corn can be used as a quick substitute after thawing and sautéing. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Add delicate toppings like avocado or feta just before serving to avoid sogginess.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled corn salad, lime cilantro dressing, summer salad, easy salad recipe, fresh corn salad, BBQ side dish, gluten-free salad, vegetarian salad