Cilantro Corn Salad

Corn Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing thatโ€™s fresh, sweet, tangy, smoky, and crunchy has readers raving: “Everyone loved it!!” “What a fantastic recipe!…What a hit!!” “By far the best salad Iโ€™ve ever made,” and “This was delicious โ€“ my kids asked for the recipe they loved it so much.”

This recipe is expertly crafted by food scientist Jessica Gavin with years of experience developing bold, crowd-pleasing recipes! When I looked at the recipe, I expected it to be good, but I was blown away at just how fabulous it was. Whether for a summer barbecue or an easy side dish, the foolproof recipe and expert tips guarantee fresh, vibrant, and irresistibly delicious results every time!

Fresh Corn Salad with avocado, red bell peppers, jalapeno, cilantro, sesame seeds mixed together in a white bowl with silver spoons


 

In my opinion, all summer potlucks need Baked Beans, Corn Bread, Italian Pasta, Fruit Salad and a dynamite Corn Salad.ย  I am soooooo excited to introduce you to such a salad.ย  This recipe from is from Jessica Gavinโ€™s book Easy Culinary Science: For Better Cooking andย I wouldnโ€™t change one thing about itโ€”thatโ€™s how much I love this vibrant saladโ€”and thatโ€™s how much I love Jessicaโ€™s Book!

Corn Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing thatโ€™s fresh, sweet, tangy, smoky, crunchy and positively addicting!ย  It's quick and easy to make and goes with practically everything!ย ย You can use fresh, canned or frozen corn, and can char your corn on the grill or stovetop for a year-round favorite Corn Salad. #salad #cornsalad #recipe #saladrecipe #grilledcorn #summerside #sidedish #potluck

Jessica Gavin is a certified culinary scientist who teaches her readers the essential techniques and tips with approachable, delectable recipes and time saving tips (Iโ€™ve included her science tips below). Each chapter explores the basic concepts of cooking, how different ingredients work together and how heat affects texture. So if youโ€™re a curious cook or simply love delicious recipes, this book is for you!

Tossing Fresh Corn Salad with avocado, red bell peppers, jalapeno, cilantro, sesame seeds mixed together in a white bowl

Why You’ll Love This Easy Corn Salad

  • Fresh & Flavorful: Packed with vibrant ingredients like charred corn, avocado, cucumber, tomatoes, and bell peppers all brought together in a tangy cilantro lime dressing.
  • Make it Year-Round: You can use fresh, canned or frozen corn, and can char the corn on the grill or stovetop for a year-round favorite. Because you are going to want to devour this salad year roundโ€”guarantee it!
  • Easy to Make: Quick to prepare with minimal effort, and it holds up well, making it a perfect dish for potlucks and parties.
  • Versatile: Perfect for any season and pairs well with a variety of dishes like chicken, steak, or fish.
  • No Wilt, No Worries: The salad stays fresh and delicious for hours, making it ideal for meal prep, entertaining, or making ahead for busy days.
  • Crowd Favorite: Itโ€™s a stress-free, make ahead favorite dish for potlucks, pool parties, picnics and cookouts.
top view of corn salad ingredients in a white bowl with canned corn, avocados, tomatoes, jalapenos, cilantro, red onions, jalapeno, sesame seeds
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Grilled Corn Salad Recipe Ingredients

Let’s take a closer look at what you need to make this recipe (measurements in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post):

  • Grilled corn
  • Diced English cucumber
  • Diced red bell pepper
  • Quartered cherry tomatoes
  • Diced avocado
  • Diced red onions
  • Garlic
  • Minced jalapeno
  • Chopped cilantro
  • Roasted, salted sunflower seeds
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For The Cilantro Dressing

This Cilantro Lime Dressing is bright, tangy and refreshing. You are going to want to put it on everything.   Itโ€™s not only made with cilantro and lime, and lime zest but chopped mint, apple cider vinegar, garlic and a touch of honey. The lime and cider vinegar balances the sweetness of the corn and the spiciness of the jalapeno for a perfectly balanced tantalizing dressing.

Adding Cilantro Lime dressing ingredients in a blender for Corn Salad Recipe

To make a creamy dressing without the added dairy, Jessica explains in her book:

“Using a high-speed blender has the sheer power to create a thickened emulsion within seconds.ย  The droplets of olive oil get separated into tiny fat droplets that are suspended in the lime juice and vinegar to create a temporary emulsion.ย  The blender create a more finely dispersed emulsion compared to whisking the dressing so it will stay stable for longer.”

Blended Cilantro Lime dressing in a blender for Corn Salad

charred, grilled corn for Grilled corn salad
grilled corn cut of the cob for easy Corn Salad

Tips for Using Canned or Frozen Corn In This Recipe For Corn

  • This recipe calls for 4 ears of corn which means youโ€™ll need approximately 3 ยฝ – 4 cups of corn.
  • Whether you use canned or frozen corn, take care you are using sweet corn.
  • If using canned corn, take care to rinse and drain it first.
  • If using frozen corn, you donโ€™t need to thaw it before you add it to the hot skillet.
  • If using frozen corn, you will need to cook it a couple minutes longer in order for it to char.
side view of corn salad ingredients in a white bowl with canned corn, avocados, tomatoes, jalapenos, cilantro, red onions, jalapeno, sesame seeds

How to Make This Roasted Corn Salad

  1. Char the corn on the grill or in a skillet.
  2. Add all the dressing ingredients to yourย blenderย and blend on medium-high speed until the dressing becomesย thickenedย and an opaque light green color with cilantro speckles, about 30 seconds. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Drizzle the dressing onto the salad and combine.
  4. Season with salt and pepper to taste then top with sunflower seeds and additional cilantro if desired.
  5. If you are making the recipe in advance, then I suggest combining all of the ingredients except the avocado, then simply toss in the avocado when you’re ready to serve.

Grilled Corn Salad Recipe variations

My husband was out of town when I made this salad so the leftovers were all mine.ย  I made a meal out of it by adding chopped steak (leftover from my Brazilian Steak) and ramen noodles.ย  It was sensational!ย  The possibilities are endless with this recipe!

Fresh Corn Salad mixed together in a white bowl with silver spoons

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Fresh Corn Salad mixed together in a white bowl with silver spoons

Grilled Corn Salad Recipe

Corn Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing thatโ€™s fresh, sweet, tangy, smoky, crunchy and positively addicting!ย  It’s quick and easy to make and goes with practically everything!ย ย You can use fresh, canned or frozen corn, and can char your corn on the grill or stovetop for a year-round favorite Corn Salad.
Servings: 4 -6 servings
Total Time: 30 minutes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes

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Ingredients

Corn Salad

  • 4 ears of corn husks removed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • kosher salt for seasoning
  • black pepper for seasoning
  • 3/4 cup diced English cucumber
  • 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes quartered
  • 1/2 cup diced avocado
  • 1/2 cup diced red onions
  • 1 garlic clove minced
  • 1 tablespoon minced jalapeno without seeds
  • 1 tablespoon cilantro plus more for garnish
  • 2 tablespoons roasted salted sunflower seeds

Cilantro Lime Dressing

  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • ¼ cup chopped cilantro
  • 2 tablespoons chopped mint
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • zest of one lime
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 garlic clove minced
  • 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
  • black pepper as needed for seasoning

Instructions

Corn Salad

  • GRILL CORN: Lightly brush each ear of corn with olive oil, and sprinkle each side with salt and pepper. Grease and heat grill to high heat. Once hot, add corn and close the lid. Cook 2-3 minutes on each side, rotating the corn until all of the sides are lightly charred, about 10-12 minutes, closing the lid in between rotations. Set the corn aside and allow to cool enough to handle. Cut the kernels off of the cob and transfer to a large bowl.
  • OR SKILLET CORN: Cut the kernels off of the cob. Heat the olive oil in large cast iron skillet over high heat. Add the corn and cook, stirring occasionally, until corn starts to char approximately 5 minutes. Transfer kernels to a large bowl.
  • Add all of the Corn Salad ingredients to the grilled corn except for the sunflower seeds.

Cilantro Lime Dressing

  • Add all of the Cilantro Lime Dressing ingredients to your blender and blend on medium-high speed until the dressing becomes thickened and an opaque light green color with cilantro speckles, about 30 seconds. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Drizzle the dressing onto the corn salad and combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste then top with sunflower seeds and additional cilantro if desired.

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Recipe from Easy Culinary Science: For Better Cooking by Jessica Gavin

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30 Comments

  1. Keiko says

    Hi Jen! I am definitely making this!! I love fresh corns! Looks SO delicious! But…I don’t have a grill nor a cast iron skillet…Do you think George Foreman Grill would work? I am interested in buying a cast iron skillet. Do you have a recommendation for me?

    • Jen says

      Hi Keiko, it’s so good to hear from you! xo I don’t have a George Foreman so I can’t tell you exactly but I know it is used to grill chicken so I definitively think it should work. As far as cast iron skillets, I don’t think you can really go wrong because they are all so durable but it is nice to buy one that comes pre-seasoned. Costco carries Lodge (pre-seasoned) at the best price and has has wonderful reviews: https://www.thespruceeats.com/best-cast-iron-pans-to-buy-4140095

      • Keiko says

        Thank you, Jen. Corn is on sale this week, and I am making it! I’ve been enjoying your “Thai Red Curry with Chicken and Vegetables” and “Cilantro Lime Rice with Blackbeans.” SO good! I am addicted! It seems like it wasn’t a long time ago; going to Thai restaurant together and hanging out with other young single adults. Please say hello to Patrick!

        • Jen says

          I’m so happy you’re making it so soon! And oh my goodness, what a blast from the past! I remember when we were trying out different Thai restaurants to find the best Panang Curry and now we live down the street from your recommendation in Carlsbad – so crazy! Love hearing from you Keiko and that you are enjoying my recipes! I hope you and your family are well! xo

          • Keiko says

            Made it on Saturday! Everyone loved it!! I will make it again. Thank you!
            That is crazy that you live down the street from my recommendation, but I don’t remember which one I recommended! ๐Ÿ™‚ You have a better memory than me. We need to meet up there when we go that way!

          • Jen says

            You are so welcome, I’m so happy it was a hit! Yes, let’s meet there next time you’re in town!

  2. Jessica Gavin says

    Oh my gosh Jen, the photos looks incredible! I need to fire up my grill ๐Ÿ™‚ thank you so much for your support and sharing my cookbook. What a lovely post, you made my day friend!

    • Jen says

      It was my absolutely pleasure! Your book is a masterpiece and I am honored to share it with hopefully more people! Can’t wait to cook more from it!

  3. Rachel says

    I just made this and it is so good. Had a very ripe mango so tossed that in too. I just adore your recipes so keep ’em coming.

    • Jen says

      Ah, thank you so so much Rachel! I love hearing you adore my recipes! and I LOVE the addition of mango – mango makes everything better!

  4. Diana Lopes says

    This reminds me of chickpea salad, I really like the recipe! Thanks!

    • Jen says

      You are so welcome! Enjoy!

  5. Mike says

    Hi – if youโ€™re using frozen corn, how much should you use? Thanks!

    • Jen says

      Hi Mike, you will want about 6 cups of corn. Enjoy!

  6. Brigitte says

    I just made this salad wow super good . I didnโ€™t have jalapeรฑo , I think it would have made a big difference . I did 2 table lime for 1 table apple cider vinegar and I added a little more lime and zest . I like my salad tangy but what a great salad so versatile. I will add shrimp when I serve it . Super good
    Thanks

    • Jen says

      You’re so welcome, I’m so happy you loved it! I think it will be fabulous with shrimp – YUM!

  7. Betty says

    What a fantastic recipe! I made this as a side dish to go along with bbq ribs. What a hit!! The recipe and your site have been shared yet again!

    • Jen says

      Thank you so much Betty! I’m honored this Corn Salad was a hit and you’re enjoying/sharing my recipes! This salad sounds perfect with your BBQ ribs – yum!

  8. Mary Ann says

    Made this yesterday with a couple of small changes and it was amazing. Used a Cilantro and Onion Infused EVOO and and instead of apple cider vinegar used a White Lime Infused Balsamic Vinegar.

    Thanks again for an amazing recipe.

    • Jen says

      You’re so welcome Mary Ann! I have never used White Lime Infused Balsamic Vinegar – it sounds fabulous!

      • Mary Ann says

        You might want to check out a store called Humble Olive Oils, right in Carlsbad.

  9. Cherie says

    Making this for Saturday Father’s day celebration – May I make it a day ahead of time without the avocado and dressing?

    • Jen says

      Hi Cherie, yes you can make it a day ahead, keeping the avocados and dressing separate. I would also add the tomatoes last (but you can chop them and keep them separate) as the can release a lot of juice. enjoy!

  10. cherie says

    This was delicious – my kids asked for the recipe they loved it so much. So easy to make – I’m making it for our “Social Distancing 4th of July” get together tomorrow. ๐Ÿ™‚

    Thanks for the great recipe!!

    • Jen says

      I’m so happy it was such a hit, thanks so much Cherie and Happy 4th!

  11. Nikki says

    My family really enjoyed this recipe I really liked the addition of the cucumber and the mint in the dressing. Subtle, but interesting. Thanks for another great recipe.

    • Jen says

      You’re so welcome Nikki, I’m so pleased you loved it! Thanks for making my recipes!

  12. GL says

    This is probably by far the best salad I’ve ever made . Always a hit with any guests too.

    • Jen says

      Thank you so much, GL! I am so happy this salad is such a hit! I hope you have a wonderful weekend and find more recipes to enjoy!