As the sun warms the sky and vibrant blooms blanket our gardens, I find myself craving fresh, lively dishes that celebrate the season. That’s where this Grilled Corn Salad with Avocado, Goat Cheese & Hot Honey Vinaigrette shines. The sweet aroma of corn roasting on the grill instantly transports me to my favorite summer gatherings filled with laughter and warmth.
Imagine sweet, smoky corn mingling with creamy avocado and the tangy kick of goat cheese. Each bite is a delightful explosion of flavor that dances on your palate, crowned with a touch of hot honey vinaigrette that elevates the experience to new heights. This dish is not just a salad; it’s a colorful centerpiece that’s as versatile as it is nourishing—perfect for everything from casual barbecues to elegant dinner parties.
Join me as we dive into this refreshing, nutritious recipe that will undoubtedly have your friends asking for seconds!
Why is Grilled Corn Salad a Must-Try?
Freshness Abounds: The vibrant ingredients celebrate summer produce, offering a fresh taste that never disappoints.
Flavorful Harmony: Sweet corn, creamy avocado, and tangy goat cheese meld beautifully, creating an unforgettable flavor profile.
Spicy Kick: Hot honey vinaigrette delivers a delightful zing, making every bite a thrilling experience.
Beautiful Presentation: Its colorful appearance makes it a stunning centerpiece on any table, sure to impress guests.
Versatile Dish: Ideal as a side for grilled meats or enjoyed on its own, this salad fits any occasion perfectly!
Grilled Corn Salad Ingredients
For the Salad
• Fresh Corn – The sweet, smoky flavor shines when grilled, providing the salad’s star component.
• Avocado – Use ripe avocados for creaminess and healthy fats that enhance the texture of the dish.
• Goat Cheese – Adds a tangy creaminess; feta can be swapped in for a milder taste.
• Cilantro – Fresh cilantro brightens the dish with herbal notes; use dried cilantro sparingly if fresh isn’t available.
For the Vinaigrette
• Olive Oil – Acts as the rich base for the vinaigrette, aiding in emulsification.
• Apple Cider Vinegar – Provides acidity, balancing the rich flavors with a necessary tang.
• Honey – Sweetens the dressing, perfectly balancing the acidity without overpowering the flavors.
• Dijon Mustard – Infuses depth and a slight tang into the vinaigrette for added complexity.
• Red Pepper Flakes – Accentuates the vinaigrette’s heat; adjust to your liking for milder or spicier notes.
• Salt & Pepper – Essential for enhancing and bringing out the natural flavors of the ingredients.
How to Make Grilled Corn Salad
-
Preheat the grill: Set your grill to medium-high heat. This is crucial to achieve those beautiful charred marks on the corn, which will give its flavor that wonderful smoky essence.
-
Grill the corn: Place fresh corn cobs on the grill and cook for about 10 minutes. Turn occasionally until charred on all sides, then remove and allow to cool slightly before handling.
-
Whisk the vinaigrette: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk it together until well blended for a creamy, zesty dressing.
-
Cut the corn kernels: Once the corn has cooled a bit, carefully cut the kernels off the cob into a large mixing bowl. Feel the excitement build as those golden nuggets tumble into the bowl, ready to mingle with the other ingredients!
-
Combine ingredients: To the bowl of corn, add diced avocado, crumbled goat cheese, and chopped cilantro. Stir gently to combine these fantastic flavors, ensuring every ingredient gets to make its presence known.
-
Drizzle the vinaigrette: Pour your hot honey vinaigrette over the assembled salad. Toss everything gently to coat, allowing the dressing to elevate the salad to a new level of deliciousness.
-
Season and serve: Taste your creation and season with additional salt and pepper as needed before transferring to a beautiful serving platter, where it can proudly shine at your summer gathering.
Optional: Garnish with additional cilantro or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an extra pop of color and flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Grilled Corn Salad
Serve Fresh: Enjoy the salad immediately after mixing to keep the avocado vibrant and prevent browning, ensuring a fresh experience.
Choose Fresh Corn: Fresh corn is key for that sweet, smoky flavor. If using frozen, be sure it’s thawed and thoroughly dried to avoid sogginess.
Adjust the Heat: Modify the amount of red pepper flakes in the vinaigrette to suit your spicy preference—start small, and taste as you go.
Mix Gently: When combining ingredients, toss gently to maintain the integrity of the avocado and goat cheese, enhancing the salad’s texture.
Garnish Thoughtfully: Add a sprinkle of extra cilantro or chili flakes before serving for a vibrant finish that entrusts your grilled corn salad with added flair.
How to Store and Freeze Grilled Corn Salad
Fridge: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To maintain the avocado’s freshness, it’s best to consume the salad quickly.
Freezer: It’s not recommended to freeze the entire salad since the avocado can become mushy once thawed. Instead, consider freezing the grilled corn separately for up to 3 months.
Preparation Tips: For longer storage, keep components like corn, avocado, and vinaigrette separate until you’re ready to serve. This helps retain freshness and flavor.
Reheating: If you’ve grilled corn in advance, thaw it before adding to the salad. However, enjoy the salad cold for a delightful summer dish, keeping that vibrant taste intact.
What to Serve with Grilled Corn Salad?
This colorful salad isn’t just a standalone dish; it can beautifully enhance your entire summer meal experience.
-
Grilled Chicken: Juicy, marinated chicken complements the smoky flavor of the salad and adds heartiness to your meal. The juicy bites pair perfectly with the salad’s fresh flavors.
-
Steak: A perfectly grilled steak brings a satisfying contrast to the lightness of the corn salad while providing a rich, savory depth that balances the dish.
-
Fish Tacos: The refreshing nature of fish tacos, with their crispy slaw and zesty toppings, harmonizes beautifully with the creamy avocado and tangy goat cheese in the salad.
-
Coleslaw: This classic summer side brings crunch and a tangy sweetness that mirrors the flavor profile of your salad. Together, they create a delightful mix of textures.
-
Fresh Fruit Platter: Offer a platter of seasonal fruits to cleanse the palate. The sweet and juicy bites of watermelon or berries perfectly contrast the savory notes in the salad.
-
Chilled Rosé: Pair your meal with a refreshing chilled rosé. Its fruity and acidic notes are a wonderful match, enhancing the flavors of both the salad and your main course.
-
Cornbread: The slight sweetness and crumbly texture of cornbread make it a comforting companion that enhances the grilled corn’s essence.
-
Pasta Salad: A light pasta salad with vibrant veggies and a tangy dressing would provide an excellent contrast to the creaminess of the goat cheese in your corn salad.
Make Ahead Options
Preparing the Grilled Corn Salad with Avocado, Goat Cheese & Hot Honey Vinaigrette in advance is a fantastic way to save time for busy weeknights or summer gatherings! You can grill the corn and make the hot honey vinaigrette up to 24 hours ahead. Simply cool the grilled corn, cut the kernels off the cob, and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The vinaigrette can also be placed in a jar; shake well before using. To maintain the vibrant flavor and prevent the avocado from browning, add it just before serving. When you’re ready to enjoy, toss the prepped ingredients together and drizzle the vinaigrette for a fresh, satisfying salad that’s just as delicious as when freshly made!
Grilled Corn Salad Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to explore these delightful twists to make this salad uniquely yours!
-
Add Color: Incorporate cherry tomatoes or bell peppers for extra vibrancy and a refreshing crunch. Their sweet notes will play beautifully alongside the corn and avocado.
-
Cheese Swap: Replace goat cheese with feta or mozzarella based on your flavor preferences. Each cheese brings its own character to the dish; feta adds a briny zing while mozzarella keeps it mild and creamy.
-
Herb Infusion: Swap cilantro for parsley or basil to give the salad a fresh twist. These herbs will add a new layer of flavor, making it even more refreshing and aromatic.
-
Sweetness Variation: Use maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey for a different sweet dimension, especially if you want to avoid refined sugar.
-
Grain Boost: Mix in some quinoa or farro for added texture and protein. This transforms the salad into a heartier dish, perfect for a light main meal.
-
Add Nuts: Sprinkle in some toasted pumpkin seeds or walnuts for a satisfying crunch. The nutty flavor enhances the overall experience and adds healthy fats.
-
Spice it Up: For more heat, include jalapeños or a dash of your favorite hot sauce in the vinaigrette. This will elevate the salad’s kick and make it even more enjoyable for spicy food lovers.
-
Citrusy Twist: Squeeze in some lime or lemon juice for a zesty finish, brightening the overall flavor and enhancing the salad’s summer vibes.
Grilled Corn Salad with Avocado, Goat Cheese & Hot Honey Vinaigrette Recipe FAQs
What type of corn should I use for the salad?
Absolutely! Fresh corn is the best choice for achieving that sweet, smoky flavor when grilled. Look for ears that are firm, with bright green husks and moist silk. If you’re in a pinch, frozen corn can be substituted, but be sure to thaw and thoroughly dry it to prevent sogginess.
How should I store leftovers?
Very simply! Leftover Grilled Corn Salad should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the avocado may brown slightly, which is why it’s best to consume the salad soon after preparation to enjoy that fresh taste.
Can I freeze the salad?
Not ideally. Freezing the entire salad is not recommended since the avocado can become mushy upon thawing. However, you can freeze the grilled corn separately by placing it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When ready to use, simply thaw the corn before mixing it back into the salad.
What if my vinaigrette is too spicy?
Not a problem at all! If your hot honey vinaigrette turns out too spicy, you can easily adjust the flavor. Start by adding more olive oil or honey to mellow the heat. Alternatively, a splash of apple cider vinegar will add acidity without intensifying the spiciness.
Are there any dietary considerations for this salad?
Absolutely, there are a few to keep in mind! This salad is vegetarian-friendly, but if you’re serving it to guests, check if anyone has dairy allergies, as it contains goat cheese. For a vegan version, substitute goat cheese with a dairy-free cheese alternative. Also, be aware that the honey in the vinaigrette means it’s not vegan; you could replace it with agave nectar for a suitable option.
How can I keep my avocado from browning?
The key is timely assembly! For the freshest flavor and color, consider preparing the vinaigrette and grilled corn in advance but mix everything together right before serving. If you’re concerned about browning, you can also toss the diced avocado with a little lemon or lime juice before adding it to the salad, which will help keep it vibrant.
Delicious Grilled Corn Salad with Avocado and Goat Cheese Bliss
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill the corn for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally until charred.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the vinaigrette ingredients until well blended.
- Cut the cooled corn kernels off the cob into a large mixing bowl.
- Add diced avocado, crumbled goat cheese, and chopped cilantro to the bowl.
- Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently.
- Season with additional salt and pepper before serving.