Ever find yourself craving something vibrant, fresh, and just a little bit unexpected? That’s exactly what this Grilled Corn with Watermelon Salsa & Basil recipe delivers. It's the kind of dish that makes you feel like you're at a backyard barbecue, even if you're just grilling up a single ear on a Tuesday night. I remember the first time I tried a similar dish at a local farmers market; the burst of sweetness from the watermelon combined with the smoky char of the corn completely blew me away. I knew I had to recreate it at home. And now I’m sharing my version with you—a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and herbaceous flavors that's sure to become a summer staple.
This recipe isn't just about throwing a few ingredients together; it’s about creating an experience. The grilling process brings out the natural sweetness of the corn, while the watermelon salsa adds a refreshing and tangy counterpoint. The basil, with its slightly peppery notes, ties everything together beautifully. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make! Whether you're a seasoned grill master or a kitchen novice, you’ll find this recipe straightforward and satisfying. One time, I accidentally used a bit too much lime juice in the salsa. I thought I ruined it, but it turned out to be a happy accident! The extra zing gave it a surprising kick that everyone loved.
Required Equipments
- Grill
- Mixing Bowls
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Measuring Cups
- Tongs
Grilled Corn with Watermelon Salsa and Basil: Frequently Asked Questions
Grilled Corn with Watermelon Salsa and Basil
Elevate your summer grilling game with this Grilled Corn with Watermelon Salsa & Basil recipe! Sweet, smoky corn is topped with a refreshing watermelon salsa and fragrant basil for an unforgettable flavor explosion.
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield: 4 servings
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
- First things first, let’s get that grill nice and hot. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 375-450°F (190-230°C). If you're using a gas grill, this usually means turning the burners to medium. For a charcoal grill, wait until the coals are glowing with a light gray ash.
- While the grill heats up, get your corn ready. Peel back the husks of the corn, but don’t detach them completely. Remove the silk (those annoying little threads). Then, pull the husks back up around the corn. This will help keep the corn moist while grilling. If the husks are too long, you can trim them a bit so they don't catch fire.
- Now, give the corn a little flavor boost. In a small bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Brush this mixture all over the corn kernels, getting in between the rows as much as possible.
- Time to grill! Place the corn on the preheated grill. Close the lid and let them cook for about 15-20 minutes, turning every 5 minutes or so. The husks will char, and the kernels should be tender when pierced with a fork. If the husks start to burn too quickly, you can lightly spray them with water.
- While the corn is grilling, let’s whip up that watermelon salsa. In a medium mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of diced watermelon (make sure it’s seedless!), 1/2 cup of finely diced red onion, 1/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro, 2 tablespoons of lime juice, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Gently stir everything together and set aside. The longer it sits, the better the flavors meld!
- Once the corn is grilled to perfection, carefully remove it from the grill using tongs. Let it cool slightly before handling. Now, pull back the husks completely and discard them.
- Arrange the grilled corn on a serving platter. Spoon a generous amount of watermelon salsa over each ear of corn. Sprinkle with some freshly chopped basil for that final touch of fresh flavor.
- Serve immediately and watch your friends and family devour this summery treat! Trust me, it's a guaranteed hit at any barbecue.
📝 Notes
🍎 Nutrition
Calories: 210 kcal
Protein: 5g
Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 4g
Calcium: 30mg
