Description
Smoky charred corn delight brings Mexican street food magic straight to your kitchen, celebrating summer’s golden harvest. Spicy, tangy, and irresistibly fresh, you’ll savor each bite of this simple yet extraordinary culinary experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 ears fresh corn, husked
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta or cotija cheese (optional)
Herbs and Seasonings:
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Dressing Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
Instructions
- Fire up a grill or heavy-bottomed grill pan to medium-high heat, ensuring an even, intense cooking surface for perfect corn caramelization.
- Delicately coat corn with olive oil, creating a protective and flavor-enhancing layer for grilling.
- Position corn on the hot grill, rotating periodically to achieve uniform charring and smoky exterior, approximately 8-10 minutes total cooking time.
- Allow grilled corn to cool slightly, then skillfully slice kernels off the cob using a sharp blade, capturing maximum flavor and texture.
- Transfer golden corn kernels into a spacious mixing bowl, preparing for salad assembly.
- Introduce halved cherry tomatoes, creating vibrant color and fresh burst of flavor.
- Add diced avocado for creamy richness and textural contrast.
- Incorporate finely chopped red onion for sharp, zesty undertones.
- Sprinkle fresh cilantro to elevate the salad’s aromatic profile.
- Craft a zesty dressing by whisking olive oil, tangy lime juice, smoky paprika, and seasoning in a separate container.
- Taste and calibrate dressing, adjusting salt and pepper for perfect balance.
- Gently cascade dressing over salad, ensuring every ingredient receives delicate coating.
- Optional: Crown the dish with crumbled feta or cotija cheese for additional complexity.
- Serve immediately, presenting a vibrant, summer-inspired culinary creation.
Notes
- Enhance the smoky flavor by using a cast-iron skillet for even charring and deeper caramelization of corn kernels.
- Swap fresh corn with frozen or canned corn during off-season for consistent taste and texture.
- Customize the salad by adding grilled protein like shrimp, chicken, or tofu for a more substantial meal.
- Make it vegan by omitting cheese and using plant-based alternatives like nutritional yeast for a similar savory profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 174 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 146 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 17 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 7 mg