Imagine a vibrant, fresh salad that captures the essence of summer in every single bite - that's exactly what this Grilled Corn and Heirloom Bean Salad delivers! Bursting with smoky grilled corn, colorful heirloom beans, and a zesty lime dressing, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece that will be the star of any barbecue, picnic, or family gathering. Get ready to elevate your summer dining experience with a dish that's not just a salad, but a celebration of seasonal flavors!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 ears of corn, husked
- 1 cup heirloom beans, cooked
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 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.
- Brush the husked corn ears with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and season lightly with 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 on all sides. The corn should develop nice golden-brown grill marks and look slightly caramelized.
- Remove the grilled corn from the heat and let it cool for 5 minutes. Once cooled, use a sharp knife to carefully cut the kernels off the cob into a large mixing bowl.
- Add the cooked heirloom beans, diced red bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, and fresh chopped cilantro to the bowl with the corn kernels.
- In a small separate bowl, whisk together the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the corn and bean mixture, and gently toss to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lime juice if needed.
- Cover and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to meld together before serving.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature as a refreshing summer salad.
Tips
- Corn Grilling Perfection: For the best flavor, use fresh corn and grill it until you see beautiful golden-brown char marks. This adds a smoky sweetness that elevates the entire salad.
- Bean Selection: If possible, use a variety of heirloom beans to add visual interest and diverse textures. Ensure they're cooked and cooled before mixing.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This salad tastes even better after sitting for a few hours, allowing the flavors to meld. Prepare it in advance and refrigerate for maximum taste.
- Customize Your Dressing: Feel free to experiment with the dressing by adding a touch of honey for sweetness or a dash of cumin for extra depth.
- Fresh Herbs Matter: Use freshly chopped cilantro for the most vibrant flavor. If you're not a cilantro fan, fresh parsley makes an excellent substitute.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 204kcal
Carbohydrates: 31g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg