This Charred Corn Salad is a burst of fresh and vibrant flavors with the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory notes. Grilling the corn brings out its natural sweetness, which is beautifully complemented by the juicy tomatoes and fragrant basil.
Whether served as a side dish at a summer BBQ, a light lunch, or a refreshing snack, this salad is incredibly versatile and easy to whip up. It’s a great way to highlight the best of seasonal produce, and with just a few ingredients, you can create a dish that’s both satisfying and full of flavor.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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4 ears of corn, husked
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1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
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1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
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1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
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1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
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1 teaspoon honey
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Directions:
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Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
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Grill the corn, turning occasionally, until lightly charred all over (about 7-10 minutes).
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Let the corn cool slightly, then slice the kernels off the cob.
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In a large bowl, combine the grilled corn, cherry tomatoes, and basil.
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In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper.
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Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
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Serve immediately or chill for an hour before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 150 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
The Benefits of Grilled Corn in Your Salad
Grilled corn is the star of this dish. It’s more than just a vegetable; it’s an ingredient that imparts smoky depth and sweetness, which is perfect when paired with fresh, juicy tomatoes and aromatic herbs like basil. When the corn is charred on the grill, the sugars in the kernels caramelize, creating a delightful smoky and sweet flavor. It’s this caramelization that makes grilled corn stand out and adds that delicious complexity to the salad. Plus, grilling corn adds an outdoor, summery vibe to the dish, which is perfect for casual get-togethers or cookouts.
While corn on the cob is a traditional grilling staple, this dish elevates it by turning it into a hearty salad. Grilled corn becomes tender, juicy, and slightly smoky, creating a depth of flavor that complements the freshness of the other ingredients. As you grill the corn, you’ll notice that it chars beautifully, creating golden brown spots that enhance the texture of the kernels, making each bite an exciting combination of crispy and tender.
Choosing the Right Tomatoes and Basil for the Salad
The tomatoes used in this recipe are key to achieving the perfect balance of flavor. Opt for ripe, juicy tomatoes, preferably heirloom or vine-ripened varieties. Their natural sweetness and juiciness contrast perfectly with the smokiness of the grilled corn. If you prefer, you can use cherry or grape tomatoes, as their burst of sweetness adds a fun, poppy texture to the salad. The tomatoes also provide a refreshing juiciness that pairs wonderfully with the crunch of the corn.
Basil is another essential ingredient in this dish. Fresh basil leaves add a wonderful herby freshness that helps brighten the salad. When basil is torn by hand, it releases its essential oils, which intensify its aromatic fragrance. Basil not only complements the corn and tomatoes but also enhances the flavors by offering a slightly peppery bite. If basil isn’t available, you can experiment with other herbs like cilantro or mint, although basil is the most classic choice in this salad.
The Zesty Lime Dressing
The dressing for this charred corn salad is simple but incredibly flavorful. The combination of lime juice, olive oil, and fresh thyme brings a zesty, herby kick that elevates the entire dish. Lime juice adds acidity and a refreshing citrusy tang that cuts through the sweetness of the corn and balances the richness of the olive oil. It’s this dressing that ties all the ingredients together, giving them a slight tangy edge that makes every bite pop.
Thyme adds a subtle earthy note, rounding out the flavor profile with its fragrant aroma. The simplicity of the dressing means that you can taste every ingredient in the salad without any one flavor overpowering the others. This dressing can easily be adjusted to your personal taste—add more lime for extra acidity, or even a touch of honey if you prefer a hint of sweetness.
Make-Ahead Tips for Charred Corn Salad with Basil and Tomatoes
One of the best aspects of this charred corn salad is that it can be made ahead of time, which makes it a perfect option for potlucks, BBQs, or busy weeknights. To prepare the salad in advance, grill the corn and cut the kernels off the cob as instructed. Afterward, store the grilled corn at room temperature for up to 3 hours. The salad can be assembled up to an hour ahead of time, giving you plenty of time to focus on other tasks while the salad rests and the flavors meld.
If you plan to make the salad in advance, it’s best to assemble it just an hour before serving to avoid sogginess. Allow the salad to sit at room temperature, which will help the flavors come together. However, avoid chilling the salad, as the flavors can lose their vibrancy when served cold.
Serving Suggestions
While the salad can be enjoyed on its own, it also pairs beautifully with a variety of other dishes. Serve it alongside grilled meats such as chicken, steak, or fish for a complete meal, or top it with grilled shrimp for a seafood-inspired dish. It can also be a fantastic addition to a taco night or served as part of a larger summer spread alongside fresh guacamole and salsa.
If you want to make it more substantial, consider adding cooked quinoa, farro, or couscous to the salad to turn it into a heartier main dish. You can also sprinkle some crumbled feta or goat cheese over the top to introduce a creamy, tangy element to the salad.
Why You Should Try This Salad
This Charred Corn Salad with Basil and Tomatoes is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create a dish that’s bursting with flavor. The freshness of the vegetables combined with the smoky sweetness of the corn, the tangy lime dressing, and the aromatic basil creates a well-balanced, crave-worthy dish. Whether you’re hosting a summer dinner party or looking for a light lunch, this salad will not disappoint.
The best part about this recipe is its flexibility—it can be easily adjusted to suit your preferences and dietary needs. You can add additional vegetables such as cucumbers, bell peppers, or avocado, or swap the basil for a different herb. The lime dressing can also be tweaked to your taste, making this salad endlessly customizable. It’s a recipe that celebrates the bounty of summer produce and is sure to impress anyone who tries it.
Conclusion
The Charred Corn Salad with Basil and Tomatoes is a must-try recipe for anyone who loves fresh, seasonal ingredients. It captures the essence of summer in every bite, making it a fantastic dish for casual gatherings, picnics, or even as a light meal on a warm day. The smoky, sweet corn, the juicy tomatoes, and the fragrant basil come together in perfect harmony, and the lime dressing adds a tangy brightness that ties everything together. Whether you make it ahead of time or serve it fresh off the grill, this salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser and a new favorite in your recipe collection.