Summer's bounty shines in this vibrant grilled corn and avocado salad, elevated by a creamy, tangy feta dressing. This recipe is not only incredibly delicious but also surprisingly easy to make, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a sophisticated summer gathering. The sweet corn, creamy avocado, and salty feta create a symphony of flavors and textures guaranteed to impress. Let's dive into the details!
What is Grilled Corn and Avocado Salad?
Grilled corn and avocado salad is a fresh, flavorful salad featuring grilled sweet corn kernels as its star ingredient. The grilling process adds a delightful smoky char to the corn, enhancing its natural sweetness. This is then paired with ripe avocados for creaminess, and a variety of other ingredients, often including red onion, cilantro, lime juice, and a flavorful dressing, frequently based on feta cheese. The combination is light, refreshing, and perfect for warmer weather.
What are the Ingredients for this Salad?
This recipe focuses on fresh, high-quality ingredients to maximize the flavor profile:
For the Salad:
- 2 ears of sweet corn, shucked
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
- Juice of 1 lime
For the Feta Dressing:
- 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
How to Make Grilled Corn and Avocado Salad with Feta Dressing?
Grilling the Corn:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill the corn, turning occasionally, until kernels are tender and slightly charred (about 8-10 minutes).
- Let the corn cool slightly, then cut the kernels off the cob.
Making the Feta Dressing:
- Combine crumbled feta, olive oil, lime juice, water, and minced garlic in a food processor or blender.
- Blend until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust consistency with more water if needed.
Assembling the Salad:
- In a large bowl, combine the grilled corn kernels, diced avocado, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and cilantro.
- Pour the feta dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine.
- Add the lime juice just before serving to prevent the avocado from browning.
How long does Grilled Corn and Avocado Salad last?
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, within a few hours of preparation. The avocado will start to brown after a while, affecting both the appearance and taste. If you need to prepare it ahead of time, keep the corn and avocado separate from the dressing until just before serving.
What other vegetables can I add to this salad?
Feel free to experiment with other vegetables to customize your salad! Bell peppers (especially red or yellow), cucumber, jicama, or even black beans would be delicious additions.
Is this salad suitable for vegetarians/vegans?
This recipe, as written, is vegetarian. To make it vegan, substitute the feta cheese with a vegan feta alternative. Many excellent vegan feta options are now available in most supermarkets.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
While it's best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the corn and chop the vegetables ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator. Make the dressing ahead as well; it will keep for a couple of days in the refrigerator. Combine everything just before serving to maintain the best texture and prevent browning.
What other types of dressings can I use?
While the feta dressing is a perfect complement, you could also use a cilantro-lime vinaigrette, a creamy avocado dressing, or even a simple olive oil and lemon juice dressing. The key is to balance the sweetness of the corn with the acidity of the dressing.
This Grilled Corn and Avocado Salad with Feta Dressing is a delightful summer dish that's sure to become a new favorite. The combination of flavors and textures is simply irresistible, making it perfect for barbecues, picnics, or a light yet satisfying meal. Enjoy!
