Raise your hand if you’re in denial that summer is more than halfway over [SOB]! I’m so excited for my kids to be able to experience school inside an ACTUAL school this year, and I can’t say the back-to-school supplies being unloaded at Target the other day didn’t make my heart flutter (got Gwen the cutest unicorn pencil holder for her…pencils? Ok she’s only 3, but it was too cute to resist) but the fact that August is just around the corner is sending me into a slight panic. MORE pool. MORE fireflies. MORE popsicles. MORE SWEET CORN! That is to say, Iowa sweet corn made its debut a few weeks ago and we have been eating it like it’s going out of style -er, season, which doesn’t last long. I served boiled sweet corn cobs at a BBQ we recently had with my parents and my Mom stopped mid chomp to ensure we were eating Iowa sweet corn. Not Nebraska, not Florida — gen-U-ine, Iowa sweet corn. These are the important things in life! ;) Anyway, I decided to char then slice the kernels from our latest sweet corn haul to star in this fresh and healthy Southwest Grilled Corn Salad. This cool and crunchy corn salad is a must try before the sun sets on summer!
Southwest Corn Salad with a Grilled Twist
Fresh sweet corn cobs are charred over an open flame on the grill, or in a grill pan on the stove, then the crisp kernels join red bell pepper, purple onion, minced jalapeno, and a near ton of chopped cilantro before being drizzled with a just-tangy-enough Chili Lime Dressing. SO GOOD. The charred sweet corn kernels are absolutely divine with the hints of smoke and spice from the chili powder in the dressing, and minced jalapeno in the salad. There is no shortage of flavors and textures in this healthy little side dish.
Serving Suggestions
Southwest Grilled Corn Salad is perfect to serve as a side dish for a backyard cookout, but it’s versatile! Try it in…
How to Make This Dish
Start by grilling sweet corn on a gas or charcoal grill over high heat, or a grill pan that’s been heated over high heat. No oil nor spray needed! Add the ears then rotate until they’re slightly charred all over — not too long or the kernels can get chewy. You won’t hear constant sizzling like you would if you were cooking bacon, for example — rather, just a few pops and hisses every so often.
Watch How to Slice Kernels from the Cob
Set the corn aside to cool slightly, then slice the kernels off the cob. Here’s my go-to method for cleanly slicing kernels off the cob. Next add the charred kernels to a large mixing bowl with chopped red bell pepper, red onion, fresh cilantro, and jalapenos.
Next drizzle over a spoon-drink-worthy Chili Lime Salad Dressing – SWOON! – then stir to combine. That’s just fresh lime juice mixed with extra virgin olive oil, honey, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
That’s all she wrote! You can serve this Southwest Corn Salad immediately, though I do love to give it some time in the fridge so all the flavors have a chance to meld together. Whether you serve a scoop next to dinner, as a taco topper, or dug into with tortilla chips, I hope you love this fresh and healthy corn salad recipe – enjoy!
More Sweet Corn Recipes
Air Fryer Corn on the Cob Napa Sweet Corn Salad Sweet Corn Caprese Salad Southwestern Black Bean Dip Grilled Corn and Avocado Pasta Salad
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