Grilled Corn Salad Recipe

Corn: Fresh ears of corn are best for grilling, providing a sweet and smoky flavor.

Cherry tomatoes: These small, juicy tomatoes add a burst of sweetness and color to the salad.

Red onion: Adds a sharp, tangy flavor that complements the sweetness of the corn and tomatoes.

Cilantro: A fresh herb that adds a bright, citrusy note to the salad.

Olive oil: Used to dress the salad, adding a rich, fruity flavor.

Lime juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice adds acidity and brightness to the dish.

Salt: Enhances the flavors of all the ingredients.

Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and depth to the salad.

When grilling corn, ensure you rotate the ears frequently to achieve an even char. This not only enhances the flavor but also gives the corn a visually appealing look. If you want to add a smoky depth, consider brushing the corn with a bit of olive oil before placing it on the grill. This helps the corn kernels caramelize and brings out their natural sweetness.

• corn - Substitute with frozen corn kernels: If fresh corn is not available, frozen corn kernels can be used. Thaw and grill them for a similar flavor.

• cherry tomatoes - Substitute with grape tomatoes: Grape tomatoes have a similar sweetness and texture, making them a good alternative.

• red onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder flavor and can be used if red onions are too pungent.

• cilantro - Substitute with parsley: Parsley provides a fresh, slightly peppery taste and can be used if you dislike cilantro.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar healthy fat profile and a mild flavor, making it a good replacement.

• lime juice - Substitute with lemon juice: Lemon juice offers a similar acidity and brightness, suitable if lime juice is unavailable.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used for its similar flavor and mineral content.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat and can be used if you prefer a milder, less visually noticeable spice.

• To store your grilled corn salad, transfer it to an airtight container. This will help maintain its freshness and prevent any unwanted odors from seeping in.
• Place the container in the refrigerator. The salad will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to give it a good toss before serving to redistribute the olive oil and lime juice.
• If you plan to freeze the salad, it's best to do so without the cherry tomatoes and cilantro. These ingredients don't freeze well and can become mushy upon thawing.
• To freeze, spread the grilled corn kernels on a baking sheet in a single layer. This prevents them from clumping together. Once frozen, transfer the kernels to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Label the bag or container with the date. Frozen grilled corn can last up to 2 months.
• When you're ready to enjoy the salad, thaw the corn kernels in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, mix them with fresh cherry tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro.
• Drizzle with olive oil and lime juice, then season with salt and black pepper to taste. Toss everything together and serve immediately for the best flavor.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the grilled corn salad in a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
  3. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. Check the temperature and heat for an additional 30 seconds if needed. Be careful not to overheat, as the cherry tomatoes and red onion can become mushy.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of olive oil to the skillet.
  3. Add the grilled corn salad to the skillet and stir occasionally.
  4. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the salad is warmed through. This method helps maintain the texture of the corn and cherry tomatoes.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Spread the grilled corn salad evenly on a baking sheet.
  3. Cover the baking sheet with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
  4. Bake for 10-15 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
  5. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the grilled corn salad in the air fryer basket in an even layer.
  3. Heat for 3-5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. Check the temperature and heat for an additional 1-2 minutes if needed. This method gives a slightly crispy texture to the corn.

• Sous Vide Method:

  1. Place the grilled corn salad in a vacuum-sealed bag or a resealable plastic bag using the water displacement method.
  2. Set your sous vide machine to 140°F (60°C).
  3. Submerge the bag in the water bath and heat for 20-30 minutes.
  4. Remove the bag from the water bath, open it, and serve the salad warm. This method ensures even heating without altering the texture of the vegetables.

• Grill: Used to cook the corn until it is charred and cooked through.

• Tongs: Handy for turning the corn on the grill to ensure even cooking.

• Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for cutting the kernels off the cob and dicing the red onion.

• Chef's knife: Essential for cutting the kernels off the cob, dicing the red onion, and chopping the cilantro.

• Mixing bowl: Used to combine all the ingredients together.

• Measuring cups: Useful for measuring out the cherry tomatoes and red onion.

• Measuring spoons: Used for measuring the olive oil, lime juice, salt, and black pepper.

• Salad tongs: Ideal for tossing the salad ingredients together to ensure they are well combined.

Pre-cook the corn: Boil the corn for a few minutes before grilling to reduce grill time.

Use pre-cut veggies: Buy pre-cut cherry tomatoes and diced red onion to save chopping time.

Make the dressing ahead: Mix the olive oil and lime juice in advance and store in the fridge.

Chill the salad: Prepare the salad a few hours ahead and let it chill in the fridge for better flavor integration.