Grilled Corn Salad Recipe
This vibrant Grilled Corn Salad combines the smoky sweetness of grilled corn with the crunch of toasted nuts, the freshness of tender herbs, and the tang of pickled onions. Finished with a zing of lime juice and creamy Parmesan, it makes a perfect refreshing side dish for any summer meal.
- Author: Clara
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes (for grilling corn)
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Salad Ingredients
- 4 ears corn, shucked and grilled
- 1/4 cup toasted nuts (such as walnuts, pecans, or pistachios)
- 1 cup tender herbs (such as cilantro, basil, or parsley), chopped
- 1/2 cup pickled onions
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan
- Juice of 1/2 lime
- 1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Cut the Corn Kernels: Using a sharp chef’s knife, carefully cut the kernels off the grilled corn cobs into a large mixing bowl. Make sure to cut close to the cob to get as much corn as possible.
- Prepare the Nuts: Place the toasted nuts into a small bowl or on a cutting board and crush them into small pieces using the bottom of a measuring cup or a small pan. Avoid pulverizing them into powder; small chunks provide pleasant texture.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the crushed nuts, chopped tender herbs, pickled onions, freshly grated Parmesan, lime juice, and extra-virgin olive oil to the bowl with the corn kernels.
- Season and Mix: Sprinkle kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper over the mixture. Stir gently but thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the salad and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more lime juice, olive oil, salt, or pepper according to your preference.
Notes
- Use freshly grilled corn for best smoky flavor, but you can also use roasted or boiled corn in a pinch.
- Pickled onions add delightful acidity, but thinly sliced red onions soaked in vinegar and sugar work as a substitute.
- Try different combinations of herbs such as a mix of basil and cilantro to customize flavor.
- This salad is great served chilled or at room temperature.
- Can be served as a side dish or tossed into grain bowls for a heartier meal.
Keywords: grilled corn salad, summer salad, grilled vegetables, fresh herbs salad, easy side dish, vegetarian salad