This delicious Grilled Corn Salad is the perfect summer side dish that’s ready in 15 minutes! Make it for a weeknight dinner, picnic, or backyard barbecue. It’s crisp, refreshing, and creamy flavors make it the best warm weather recipe for any crowd.
We love fresh summer corn! I’m 100% in love with this easy, amazing grilled corn salad that is giving me allllllll the summer vibes. It’s a recipe we probably make once a week in the summertime thanks to it’s quick and easy prep as well as versatility for pairing with all different grilled proteins.
Grilled corn, cherry tomatoes, crispy cucumbers, creamy avocado, jalapeño and a light, tangy dressing makes for the best, fresh flavor that goes so well with any BBQ or main dish. Plus my kids love to shuck the corn after its grilled and cooled, so that gives them a fun activity to help out with.
Some of our other favorite ways to use sweet, summer corn are Corn Chowder, Corn Fritters, and Grilled Mexican Street Corn Dip.
Reader Review: “DELICIOUS! Made it tonight as a side with burgers – the perfect summer meal.” – Kayli
Why You’ll Love this Recipe
- All the best of summer veggies in one bite. This is a farmers’ market salad! It’s one of the first recipes I get excited for when the warm weather arrives.
- A great way to use up any vegetables at home. Make this at the end of the week and add any other fresh veggies you have leftover in the fridge.
- Both kid and adult-approved. My kids love this salad, especially with some chips. It has all their favorite flavors in one bite.
Ingredients
- Corn: The star of this salad, it’s best when it’s in season and fresh.
- English cucumber: This is a seedless cucumber, if you buy one with the seeds, it’s best to scoop them out with a spoon before chopping.
- Cherry tomatoes: Adds sweet vegetable flavor.
- Cilantro: A tangy bright herb that pairs well with the grilled corn and ripe avocado.
- Lime: Bright and vibrant acidic flavor that elevates the other ingredients in the salad.
- Avocado: When it’s perfectly ripe, it adds a delicious creaminess.
- Red onion: If you aren’t a fan of raw onion, soak the red onion in ice water for 10 minutes to take off some of the bite. Drain and pat dry.
- Garlic: Fresh is best over jarred.
- Sour cream: Tangy and creamy base to the dressing
- Greek yogurt or mayonnaise: Use what you have here to compliment the sour cream.
- White wine vinegar: A little dash balances out the creaminess of the dressing.
- Jalapeño: For those who love spice! If you prefer the salad mild, then omit the jalapeno.
How to make Grilled Corn Salad
- Preheat the grill to medium heat. Husk the corn and grill directly over the coals or heat until lightly charred. I have a whole post on how to grill corn on the cob!
- Meanwhile, combine all of the dressing ingredients, whisking until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to use.
- In another large bowl, add the sliced corn, avocado, cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro and toss gently to combine.
- Add the creamy dressing, and stir to coat, then serve!
Expert Tips
- A less messy way to prepare corn. Since we are grilling it in the husks, the keeps the corn preparation a bit more mess-free than peeling it first. But you can make it this way if you prefer.
- The easiest way to cut corn off of the cob is to place it horizontally on the cutting board and carefully use your chef’s knife to slice kernels in “pieces” off the cob.
- Make it a meal. You could even turn this grilled corn avocado salad into a full-fledged summer meal by adding diced grilled chicken to it.
- Serve it as an appetizer or dip. Serve it with chips and treat it more like a dip for a perfect party appetizer.
- Add your favorite vegetables. You can easily add other fresh market veggies, spices, and herbs to this salad.
- Make it in advance. It’s easy to assemble a couple of hours before a party to help the flavors meld.
Storage
Store this grilled corn avocado salad in the fridge for up to 3 days. Always give it a fresh stir before enjoying. Like I mentioned before, prepping this salad in advance is great to do too! The flavors will get better with time.
FAQs
As long as the corn is fresh and ripe, you don’t need to boil it, the grill will cook it perfectly for you.
A creamy lime dressing is our choice! But there are many options. A creamy chipotle dressing or lime vinaigrette would also be delicious.
We love grilled steak, shrimp, salmon, chicken, and even ribs! It’s simple to add this salad to any grilling menu.
More Summer Side Dish Recipes
- BLT Pasta Salad
- Watermelon Basil Feta Salad
- Summer Fruit Salad
- Peach Panzanella Salad
- Creamy Grape Salad
Grilled Corn Salad
Ingredients
Salad
- 4 ears of corn shucked, grilled, and cut off the cob (about 2 cups)
- 1/2 cup english cucumber chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1/2 bunch cilantro chopped
- 1 avocado diced
- 1/2 red onion chopped
- 1 jalapeño seeds removed, finely diced
- 1 clove garlic
Dressing
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt or mayonnaise
- 1 lime zested then juiced
- 2 Tablespoons white vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the grill to medium heat. Remove the corn from its husk then grill directly over the heat for 5-8 minutes until lightly charred, rotating occasionally.4 ears of corn
- Meanwhile, combine the sour cream, mayo or Greek yogurt, lime zest, lime juice, garlic, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Whisk well and set in the fridge until ready to use.½ cup sour cream, ¼ cup Greek yogurt or mayonnaise, 1 lime, 2 Tablespoons white vinegar, ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, 1 clove garlic
- Slice the corn kernels off the cobs directly into a large bowl. Add the cucumber, tomatoes, cilantro, avocado, onion, and jalapeno and toss gently to combine. Add the dressing and toss again. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or lime juice as needed, then serve.½ cup english cucumber, 1 cup cherry tomatoes, ½ bunch cilantro, 1 avocado, ½ red onion, 1 jalapeño
Notes
- Store this grilled corn salad in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Always give it a fresh stir before enjoying. Prepping this salad in advance is great to do too! The flavors will get better with time.
Perfect ingredients in this salad. I’m drooling here.
I love all of these fresh veggies and I bet they taste amazing together like this! Pass me a fork!
i cannot wait to try this!
Doesn’t this look good? It has summer written all over it! I’m a big fan of corn anything so put in a salad and I’m devouring the whole thing 🙂
DELICIOUS! Made it tonight as a side with burgers – the perfect summer meal.
I am a huge fan of grilled corn! This salad looks sooo good. Perfect for if I happen to have leftover grilled corn! Thanks!
OMG this looks perfect! I love a grilled corn salad, but never think to make a creamy version – what’s wrong with me?! I’m so making this ASAP.
What a delicious summer salad! I absolutely adore fresh corn. Can’t wait to make this!
This grilled corn salad was refreshing- everyone at the table asked for seconds.
Thanks Christina!