Charred Corn Avocado Salad with Roasted Red Onions

This Charred Corn Avocado Salad with Roasted Red Onions is the epitome of summer freshness, delivering a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The sweet, smoky charred corn pairs beautifully with creamy avocado, juicy cherry tomatoes, and roasted red onions. Toss in a zesty lemon Dijon dressing, and you have a perfect side dish for any barbecue or potluck gathering. Its vibrant colors and refreshing taste make it an instant hit at any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fresh Flavors: Each ingredient bursts with summer vibes, making every bite a celebration of taste.
• Easy to Prepare: With minimal prep time and straightforward steps, this salad can be on your table in no time.
• Versatile Dish: Ideal as a side for barbecues, picnics, or even as a light lunch on its own.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with nutrients from fresh vegetables and healthy fats from avocado.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite ingredients or adjust the dressing to suit your taste.

Tools and Preparation

Before we dive into making this delicious salad, having the right tools can make the preparation process much smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Grill or stovetop grill pan
• Mixing bowl
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill or stovetop grill pan: A must-have for achieving that perfect char on the corn and onions.
• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining all the fresh ingredients without making a mess.
• Knife: A sharp knife will make slicing through ripe avocados and tomatoes effortless.
• Whisk: Perfect for mixing the dressing thoroughly to ensure every bite is flavorful.

Ingredients

For the Salad

• 2 red onion
• 2 tbsp olive oil (divided)
• 3 corn
• 200 g red grape tomatoes
• 200 g yellow grape tomatoes
• 1 avocado
• ¼ bunch cilantro (coriander)
• salt (to taste)
• pepper (to taste)

For the Dressing

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp maple syrup

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Charred Corn Avocado Salad with Roasted Red Onions

Step 1: Prepare the Corn and Onions

• Preheat your grill or stovetop grill pan over medium-high heat.
• Brush the corn and red onions lightly with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
• Place them on the grill; cook until charred, turning occasionally. This should take about 10–15 minutes for the corn and around 20 minutes for the onions.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

• Once cooked, allow the corn to cool slightly before cutting off the kernels into a mixing bowl.
• Chop the grilled red onions into bite-sized pieces and add them to the bowl alongside the corn.

Step 3: Add Fresh Ingredients

• Halve both types of grape tomatoes and add them to the mixing bowl.
• Dice the avocado carefully and fold it into the mixture along with chopped cilantro.

Step 4: Make the Dressing

• In a separate small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, salt, and pepper.
• Whisk until well blended.

Step 5: Combine Everything

• Drizzle the dressing over your salad mixture.
• Toss gently to ensure everything is coated evenly.

Step 6: Serve

• Transfer your Charred Corn Avocado Salad with Roasted Red Onions to a serving dish.
• Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy!

How to Serve Charred Corn Avocado Salad with Roasted Red Onions

This vibrant Charred Corn Avocado Salad with Roasted Red Onions is perfect for any occasion. It can be served in various ways to enhance its flavors and presentation.

As a Standalone Dish

• A refreshing option for a light lunch or dinner that showcases the salad’s bright colors and textures.

With Grilled Proteins

• Pairing this salad with grilled chicken, shrimp, or steak adds a hearty touch, making it a complete meal.

As a Side for Tacos

• Serving this salad alongside tacos enhances the meal, offering a fresh contrast to the savory fillings.

In a Wrap

• Use this salad as a filling in wraps for an easy-to-eat option that still packs in all the delicious flavors.

On a Bed of Greens

• Serve it over mixed greens for an elevated presentation and added nutrition, making it even more satisfying.

How to Perfect Charred Corn Avocado Salad with Roasted Red Onions

To ensure your salad is always delicious, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh corn and ripe avocados make all the difference in flavor and texture.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust salt and pepper according to your preference before serving.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the components ahead of time but mix just before serving to keep everything fresh.
• Experiment with Add-Ins: Feel free to add black beans or diced bell peppers for extra nutrition and taste.
• Chill Before Serving: A short chill in the fridge can help meld the flavors beautifully.
• Serve Immediately: Enjoying this salad right after preparation ensures optimal freshness and crunch.

Best Side Dishes for Charred Corn Avocado Salad with Roasted Red Onions

This Charred Corn Avocado Salad pairs wonderfully with various side dishes. Here are some great options to complement your meal.

1. Grilled Vegetable Skewers: Colorful veggies grilled to perfection add a smoky flavor that matches well with the salad.
2. Quinoa Pilaf: A light quinoa dish seasoned with herbs provides additional protein and texture.
3. Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread offers a delightful crunch that contrasts nicely with the creamy avocado.
4. Stuffed Peppers: Flavorful stuffed peppers bring heartiness and spice, enhancing the overall meal experience.
5. Cilantro Lime Rice: This fragrant rice dish adds a zesty touch that pairs beautifully with the salad’s flavors.
6. Mini Caprese Skewers: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil on skewers make for an easy yet elegant appetizer option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Charred Corn Avocado Salad with Roasted Red Onions, it’s easy to overlook a few essential steps. Here are common mistakes to watch out for:

• Overcooking the corn: Cooking the corn too long can make it tough. Grill or roast until just charred for the best texture.
• Using unripe avocados: An unripe avocado can ruin the salad’s creaminess. Choose soft avocados that yield slightly when pressed.
• Skipping seasoning: Neglecting to season properly can leave your salad bland. Add salt and pepper to taste for maximum flavor.
• Not letting the onions cool: Adding hot roasted onions straight into the salad can wilt ingredients. Allow them to cool before mixing.
• Forgetting the dressing: A great dressing is key to this salad’s success. Don’t skip or skimp on the lemon Dijon dressing!

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your Charred Corn Avocado Salad in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 2 days in the refrigerator.
• For best results, keep the dressing separate until ready to serve.

Freezing Charred Corn Avocado Salad with Roasted Red Onions

• It is not recommended to freeze this salad due to the avocado and tomatoes’ texture changes.
• If you must freeze, consider storing ingredients separately (like corn and onions) for future use.

Reheating Charred Corn Avocado Salad with Roasted Red Onions

• Oven: Preheat the oven at 350°F (175°C) and warm your salad for 10-15 minutes without overheating.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals of 30 seconds, stirring in between to ensure even warming.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, stirring gently until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make Charred Corn Avocado Salad with Roasted Red Onions vegan?

You can easily make this salad vegan by substituting maple syrup for honey and ensuring all other ingredients are plant-based.

Can I add other vegetables to this Charred Corn Avocado Salad?

Absolutely! Feel free to include bell peppers, cucumbers, or even black beans for added texture and flavor.

How long does this Charred Corn Avocado Salad last?

The salad lasts up to 2 days in the refrigerator if stored properly. However, it’s best enjoyed fresh!

What can I serve with Charred Corn Avocado Salad with Roasted Red Onions?

This salad pairs perfectly with grilled meats, tacos, or as a refreshing side at picnics.

Final Thoughts

This Charred Corn Avocado Salad with Roasted Red Onions is a vibrant dish that captures summer flavors beautifully. Its versatility allows for many customization options; feel free to experiment with different vegetables or dressings. Try making it as a side dish at your next gathering!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Print

Charred Corn Avocado Salad with Roasted Red Onions

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Vanessa
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Charred Corn Avocado Salad with Roasted Red Onions is a vibrant summer dish that combines sweet, smoky charred corn with creamy avocado, juicy cherry tomatoes, and roasted red onions. Tossed in a zesty lemon Dijon dressing, this salad is not only a feast for the eyes but also a delightful explosion of flavors. It’s the perfect side for barbecues, potlucks, or a light lunch on its own. With fresh ingredients and easy preparation, this salad will quickly become a favorite at your gatherings.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 red onions
• 3 ears of corn
• 200 g red grape tomatoes
• 200 g yellow grape tomatoes
• 1 avocado
• ¼ bunch cilantro
• 2 tbsp olive oil (divided)
• 2 tsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• salt (to taste)
• pepper (to taste)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat your grill or stovetop grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush corn and red onions with olive oil and grill until charred (corn: 10–15 minutes; onions: about 20 minutes).
2. Allow grilled corn to cool slightly before cutting off kernels into a mixing bowl. Chop grilled onions into bite-sized pieces and add to the bowl.
3. Halve grape tomatoes and add them to the bowl along with diced avocado and chopped cilantro.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, salt, and pepper for the dressing.
5. Drizzle dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to coat.
6. Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 7g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 0mg