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This Grilled Corn Salad with Chipotle Lime Dressing is a flavor explosion in every bite! Sweet grilled corn, zesty lime, smoky chipotle peppers, and creamy cotija cheese come together to create a salad that's perfect for summer BBQs, potlucks, or just a light and refreshing lunch. One time I took this to a friends BBQ and it was gone so fast!
What makes this salad so special? It's all about the balance of flavors and textures. The grilled corn provides a smoky sweetness, the chipotle lime dressing adds a kick of spice and tang, the red onion offers a bit of bite, the cilantro brings a fresh herbaceousness, and the cotija cheese lends a salty, creamy finish. Its a party in your mouth!
Whether you're a seasoned grill master or a newbie in the kitchen, this recipe is super easy to follow. Plus, it's totally customizable – feel free to add other veggies or swap out ingredients to suit your taste. The point is to have fun and experiment! So, fire up that grill, gather your ingredients, and let's get cooking!
Required Equipments
Grill
Mixing Bowls
Whisk
Cutting Board
Knife
Measuring Cups and Spoons
Grilled Corn Salad with Chipotle Lime Dressing: Frequently Asked Questions
Grilled Corn Salad with Chipotle Lime Dressing
A vibrant and flavorful Grilled Corn Salad with Chipotle Lime Dressing, perfect for summer gatherings. This recipe combines grilled corn, zesty lime, smoky chipotle peppers, and creamy cotija cheese for a delightful side dish or topping.
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield:4 servings
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
Prepare the Corn: Shuck the corn and remove all the silk. This is way easier than it looks, trust me! Pro tip: soaking the corn in water for about 10 minutes before grilling can help prevent it from drying out.
Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375-450°F or 190-230°C). Make sure the grates are clean to prevent sticking. I use a grill brush – it's a lifesaver!
Grill the Corn: Place the corn directly on the grill grates. Grill for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the kernels are slightly charred and tender. You're looking for those beautiful grill marks! Don't worry if some kernels get a little dark – that’s where the flavor is at!
Cool the Corn: Remove the corn from the grill and let it cool slightly. Once it's cool enough to handle, use a sharp knife to cut the kernels off the cob. Hold the corn upright and slice downward. Be careful, those kernels can be slippery!
Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lime juice, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (minced), adobo sauce (from the can), honey, garlic (minced), cumin, salt, and pepper. Make sure everything is well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. I like mine extra spicy, so I sometimes add a pinch of cayenne pepper!
Combine the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the grilled corn kernels, red onion (diced), cilantro (chopped), and cotija cheese (crumbled).
Dress the Salad: Pour the chipotle lime dressing over the corn mixture. Gently toss to coat everything evenly. Be careful not to overdress the salad, as it can become soggy. You can always add more dressing later if needed.
Chill (Optional): For best flavor, cover the salad and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together. But honestly, I usually dig in right away because I'm impatient!
Serve: Serve the grilled corn salad as a side dish, or use it as a topping for tacos, grilled chicken, or fish. Garnish with extra cilantro and cotija cheese if desired. Enjoy!