There’s something magical about summer that makes grilled corn and tomato salad an absolute must-have. Imagine the sweet, smoky aroma of freshly grilled corn mingling with the bright, juicy tomatoes, creating a symphony of flavors that could make even the grumpiest neighbor smile. This dish is not just food; it’s a celebration on a plate, perfect for backyard barbecues or lazy picnics in the park.
This salad brings back memories of sunny afternoons spent with friends, laughter ringing out as we devoured heaping bowls of this delightful creation. The moments shared over good food are priceless, and grilled corn and tomato salad makes those moments even better. Get ready to dig into a bowl of vibrant colors and fresh flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This grilled corn and tomato salad is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy summer days
- Each bite bursts with flavor, featuring sweet corn and ripe tomatoes in harmony
- The vibrant colors make it an eye-catching dish at any gathering
- Whether served as a side or a main course, its versatility shines through with every forkful
I once prepared this salad for a family get-together, and my cousin—who usually claims to dislike vegetables—went back for thirds. That moment was worth its weight in gold!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Fresh Corn on the Cob: Look for plump ears with bright green husks to ensure sweetness.
Cherry Tomatoes: Opt for vibrant red or yellow ones for a pop of color and flavor.
Red Onion: Choose a firm onion; it adds crunch and a mild bite to balance the sweetness.
Fresh Basil: Use fragrant leaves to give your salad that fresh summer essence.
Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil enhances all the ingredients beautifully.
Balsamic Vinegar: Adds depth; choose high-quality for the best taste.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for bringing out all the flavors in this dish.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Grill the Corn: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the corn on the grill grates and cook for about 10-15 minutes until charred slightly, turning occasionally.
Chop the Vegetables: While your corn cools down, chop up your cherry tomatoes and red onion into bite-sized pieces. Make sure they’re colorful!
Slice the Corn Off the Cob: Once cooled, carefully slice the kernels off the cob using a sharp knife. Aim to catch all those sweet kernels as they fly off!
Add Fresh Herbs**: In a large bowl, combine your chopped tomatoes and onions with freshly torn basil leaves. The aroma will transport you straight to Italy!
Toss in Dressing**: Drizzle olive oil and balsamic vinegar over your mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste before gently tossing everything together until well coated.
Serve Immediately**: For maximum freshness, serve your grilled corn and tomato salad right away while everything is at its peak flavor. Enjoy every colorful bite!
With these steps complete, you now have a delightful grilled corn and tomato salad that’s bursting with flavor! Enjoy sharing this scrumptious dish with family and friends during warm sunny days or breezy evenings under twinkling lights!
You Must Know
- Grilled Corn and Tomato Salad is not just a dish; it’s a summer celebration on a plate
- The sweet smokiness of the corn combined with juicy tomatoes creates an irresistible flavor explosion
- Plus, it’s quick to whip up—perfect for those impromptu backyard gatherings
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Grill the corn first until charred, then chop it and mix in fresh tomatoes. This order enhances flavors and maintains texture, creating a delightful bite.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out cherry tomatoes for heirlooms or add avocado for creaminess. A sprinkle of feta cheese can elevate this salad to gourmet status.
Storing & Reheating
Store Grilled Corn and Tomato Salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. It tastes best chilled, so no reheating necessary!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh corn for the sweetest flavor; frozen won’t compare!
- Always let the corn cool before cutting to avoid burns
- A drizzle of olive oil can enhance the salad’s richness and tie all flavors together beautifully
Creating this salad reminds me of a summer barbecue where everyone was fighting over the last scoop! I learned that fresh ingredients make all the difference, turning simple dishes into crowd-pleasers.
FAQ
What can I add to Grilled Corn and Tomato Salad?
Consider adding black beans or diced peppers for extra texture and flavor.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, prepare it a few hours in advance for better flavor melding.
Is Grilled Corn and Tomato Salad suitable for vegans?
Absolutely! Just omit any cheese or use vegan alternatives if desired.
Grilled Corn and Tomato Salad
Experience the taste of summer with this vibrant Grilled Corn and Tomato Salad. The sweet, smoky flavors of grilled corn blend perfectly with juicy tomatoes and aromatic basil, creating a refreshing dish that’s ideal for barbecues or picnics. Easy to prepare and bursting with color, this salad will impress your guests and leave them asking for more.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Ingredients
- 4 ears fresh corn on the cob
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium red onion, diced
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill the corn for 10-15 minutes until charred slightly, turning occasionally. Remove from grill and let cool.
- While cooling, chop the cherry tomatoes and red onion into bite-sized pieces.
- Once cooled, slice the kernels off the corn cobs.
- In a large bowl, combine chopped tomatoes, onion, corn kernels, and torn basil leaves.
- Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar; season with salt and pepper.
- Gently toss until everything is well coated. Serve immediately for maximum freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
