Get ready to elevate your summer dining experience with a mouthwatering Grilled Corn Tomato Salad that promises to be the star of any backyard barbecue or dinner table. Imagine sweet, charred corn kernels mingling with juicy cherry tomatoes, zesty red onions, and fresh cilantro, all kissed by a bright lime dressing that will transport your senses to culinary paradise. This simple yet stunning dish is not just a salad—it's a celebration of seasonal ingredients that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 ears of corn, husked
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, juiced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400-450°F). Clean and oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Husk the corn ears, removing all silk and outer layers. Brush the corn lightly with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Place the corn directly on the preheated grill grates. Grill for 10-12 minutes, rotating every 3-4 minutes to ensure even charring and cooking on all sides. The corn should develop beautiful golden-brown grill marks.
- While the corn is grilling, prepare the other salad ingredients. Halve the cherry tomatoes, finely dice the red onion, and chop the fresh cilantro.
- Once the corn is grilled and slightly cooled, use a sharp knife to carefully cut the kernels off the cob by standing the ear vertically and slicing downward.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the grilled corn kernels, halved cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, and chopped cilantro.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, fresh lime juice, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated and well combined.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lime juice if needed.
- Let the salad sit for 5-10 minutes to allow flavors to meld together. Serve at room temperature as a fresh, vibrant side dish.
Tips
- Corn Selection: Choose fresh, in-season corn for the best flavor and sweetness. Look for ears with bright green husks and plump kernels.
- Grill Temperature Matters: Ensure your grill is at medium-high heat (400-450°F) for perfect corn caramelization without burning.
- Char Technique: Rotate corn every 3-4 minutes for even grilling and beautiful golden-brown grill marks.
- Cutting Corn Kernels: Use a sharp knife and a steady hand when cutting kernels off the cob. Stand the ear vertically for easier, safer cutting.
- Flavor Enhancing: Let the salad sit for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and intensify.
- Optional Additions: Consider adding crumbled feta cheese or diced avocado for extra richness and complexity.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 110kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
