Grilled Corn Salad with Zesty Lime Dressing
Grilled corn, fresh veggies, and a zesty lime dressing come together in this bold, vibrant corn salad that’s perfect for summer cookouts and taco nights.
👩🍳 Sweet, Spicy, and Limey: The Ultimate Corn Salad
I’m a Midwest girl. Steak, potatoes, and sweet corn basically run through my veins. So I started playing around a few months ago with more summer side dishes and this corn salad was born from all the experimenting. It’s got all my favorite things: citrusy lime dressing, sweet grilled corn, fresh herbs, and a little Tex-Mex flair. The result? This ridiculously good Grilled Corn Salad with Zesty Lime Dressing.
If you’ve never tried Tajín, now’s the time. It’s a magical blend of chili peppers, sea salt, and dehydrated lime that punches up the flavor like nobody’s business. I crank up the lime even more with fresh juice and zest (because I have a serious lime addiction), plus a drizzle of honey and a few spices to balance it all out.
Grill the corn with a little olive oil until you get the burn marks, toss it with red onion, cherry tomatoes, cilantro, parmesan, and that tangy-spicy dressing, and boom, you’ve got a bold, fresh corn salad to serve.
🛒 Recipe Ingredient List
🥣 Visual Process for Making Grilled Corn Salad with Zesty Lime Dressing
Start with the dressing. It’s best to mix this up first so it can rest in the fridge and the flavors have time to come together. I like using a mason jar. Just add everything in, tighten the lid, and give it a good shake. Simple and effective.
Brush the corn with olive oil, throw it on a hot grill for about 10-12 minutes until you get nice char markes on the kernals. Yum!
Cut the kernals off with a sharp knife into a large bowl.
Hot Tip: Freeze the corn cobs and make corn cob broth with them later. It is delicious as a broth in vegetable soup!
Add everything to the bowl and toss with the dressing. It can be served slightly warm or chilled depending on when dinner is being served and your preference.
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Grilled Corn Salad with Zesty Lime Dressing
Ingredients
- 4 ears fresh corn (husks removed)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (to brush the corn)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved or quartered)
- ¼ cup red onion (thinly sliced)
- ⅓ cup Crumbled Cotija Cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
Zesty Lime Dressing
- 1 teaspoon lime zest (1 medium lime)
- 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice (1½ to 2 medium limes)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 minced garlic clove
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon Tajín (or chili powder)
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine the dressing ingredients in a mason jar, secure the lid and give it a good shake. Place in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- Preheat your grill to (or grill pan) to medium-high heat, around 400–450°F. Brush corn lightly with olive oil.
- Grill, turning every few minutes, until you get beautiful charred spots, about 10–12 minutes total. Don't be afraid of a little blackening.
- Stand each ear up in a large bowl and carefully slice downward to remove the kernels.
- Toss the corn kernels with the cherry tomatoes, avocado, red onion, cilantro, and cheese.
- Pour the zesty lime dressing all over. Toss gently. Add a little more lime juice, salt, or cheese before serving.
Notes
- If you use Tajín you might need less salt. If you use chili powder, you might need more salt.
Substitutions
- If you don’t have Cotija cheese, you can use feta in the same amounts.
Storage
Nutrition
FAQs
Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just grab frozen corn off the cob and cook it in a hot cast iron skillet with a little olive oil until it’s blistered and lightly charred. It’ll still bring that smoky, grilled flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This corn salad is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a wide variety of dishes. Serve it alongside grilled meats like steak, chicken, or shrimp for a fresh and flavorful side that balances smoky and savory flavors. It also works beautifully as a topping for tacos, adding a bright, zesty crunch that complements both meat and vegetarian fillings.
For a lighter option, try spooning it over a bed of greens to create a Tex-Mex-inspired salad bowl. It’s also great as a side for burgers, enchiladas, or burrito bowls. You can even serve it with tortilla chips as a chunky dip or appetizer for gatherings. However you serve it, this corn salad brings color, texture, and bold flavor to the table.
More Summer Recipes!
Summer’s all about firing up the grill and keeping meals quick, flavorful, and fun. Grilled Ranch Turkey Burgers are a go-to for easy weeknight dinners. They are juicy, packed with herby ranch flavor, and perfect with a toasted bun and fresh toppings. If you’re in the mood for something spicy, try Cajun Chicken Sliders paired with coleslaw and crispy Cajun fries. For a leaner twist on a classic, Zucchini Corn Chicken Burgers bring moisture, crunch, and just the right hint of sweetness from the corn.
Cool down with bold and refreshing summer salads that are anything but boring. The High-Protein Tex Mex Chicken Pasta Salad is a meal all on its own and its zesty, hearty, and packed with protein. The Mexican Chicken Pasta Salad keeps those same Tex-Mex vibes alive with tender chicken, black beans, and a creamy chili-lime dressing. For a little Southern charm, try the Smashed Potato Salad with Burrata and Creamy Herb Dressing which is rich, rustic, and oh-so-satisfying.
And don’t skip over the Sweet Corn & Peach Fiesta Salad. It’s a beautiful blend of sweet, savory, and spicy, perfect for backyard cookouts. For a simpler take on street food favorites, the Street Corn Salad and Jalapeño Popper Corn Salad bring bold flavor with minimal effort.
When it comes to summer sides, flavor and crunch are non-negotiable. Parmesan Truffle Fries are always a hit. Love loaded potatoes? Loaded Potato Salad brings all your favorite toppings into one creamy, satisfying dish.
For something a little unexpected, serve up a Floating Salad. A layered stunner that’s as eye-catching as it is refreshing. Or wow your guests with a spicy, creamy Jalapeño Popper Hamburger that bridges the gap between side dish and main course.
For appetizers and bold bites, Nashville Hot Chicken Lollipops bring crispy, fiery heat that’ll wake up your taste buds. Pair them with ranch or blue cheese for the full experience. Want a dip that doubles as a conversation starter? The Smokehouse Cottage Cheese Brisket Dip is smoky, creamy, and downright addictive and is the perfect for pairing with chips or veggies.
And don’t forget the grill! Grilled Pineapple Salsa is a must for adding sweet and smoky flavor to tacos, burgers, or grilled meats. It’s sunshine in a bowl.