Grilled Corn Salad with Avocado, Goat Cheese & Hot Honey Vinaigrette

Wonderful grilled corn salad with avocado, goat cheese, and a sweet & spicy hot honey vinaigrette is the ideal dish for any occasion. This Grilled Corn Salad with Avocado, Goat Cheese & Hot Honey Vinaigrette is perfect for summer lunches or as a vibrant side at your next barbecue. Its unique combination of flavors makes it stand out, while the ease of preparation ensures that you’ll enjoy making it time and time again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fresh Ingredients: This salad uses fresh corn, ripe avocados, and garden herbs to deliver a burst of flavor in every bite.
• Easy Preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this delicious dish in under 35 minutes.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it as a light lunch or pair it with grilled chicken or fish for a filling dinner.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of tangy goat cheese and sweet-hot honey vinaigrette adds depth and excitement to each serving.
• Healthy Option: Packed with nutrients from vegetables and healthy fats from avocado, this salad is not only tasty but good for you too.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making your Grilled Corn Salad with Avocado, Goat Cheese & Hot Honey Vinaigrette, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Grill
• Large bowl
• Mason jar or small bowl
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill: Provides that perfect charred flavor essential for the corn.
• Large bowl: Ideal for mixing all your ingredients together without mess.
• Mason jar or small bowl: Great for quickly shaking up your vinaigrette for even distribution of flavors.

Ingredients

For the Grilled Corn

• 4 ears of corn
• 1 tablespoon avocado oil
• Freshly ground salt and pepper

For the Salad

• 1 ½ cups halved cherry tomatoes (heirloom cherry or grape tomatoes work best!)
• 1 avocado, diced
• ⅓ cup goat cheese, crumbled
• ¼ cup diced red onion (or substitute green onion)
• 6 large leaves basil, julienned

Hot Honey Vinaigrette

• 2 tablespoons avocado oil or olive oil
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Pinch of cayenne pepper OR ½ teaspoon hot sauce of choice
• 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar (or substitute fresh lime juice)
• ¼ teaspoon dijon mustard
• ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
• Freshly ground salt and pepper, to taste

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Grilled Corn Salad with Avocado, Goat Cheese & Hot Honey Vinaigrette

Step 1: Preheat the Grill

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This ensures that your corn gets that lovely char without overcooking.

Step 2: Prepare the Corn

Drizzle the corn with avocado oil. Rub it all over to ensure even coating. Season generously with freshly ground salt and pepper.

Step 3: Grill the Corn

Place the corn directly on the grill. Turn occasionally until charred and cooked through, about 20 minutes.

Step 4: Cut the Corn Off the Cob

Once cooled, cut the corn kernels off the cob into a large bowl. Add in halved cherry tomatoes, diced avocado, crumbled goat cheese, red onion, and julienned basil. Toss gently to combine.

Step 5: Make the Hot Honey Vinaigrette

In a mason jar or small bowl, add honey along with cayenne or hot sauce. Microwave for 10-15 seconds until warm. Then add olive oil, apple cider vinegar, dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Shake well if using a jar; whisk together if using a bowl.

Step 6: Assemble Your Salad

Pour the vinaigrette over the mixed salad ingredients. Toss everything together gently until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.

Step 7: Serve Immediately

Enjoy your fresh grilled corn salad right away! If preparing ahead of time, wait to add avocado and goat cheese until serving for optimal freshness.

How to Serve Grilled Corn Salad with Avocado, Goat Cheese & Hot Honey Vinaigrette

Grilled Corn Salad with Avocado, Goat Cheese & Hot Honey Vinaigrette is a delightful dish that brightens up any meal. Here are some creative ways to serve this refreshing salad for maximum enjoyment.

As a Standalone Dish

• Enjoy the salad on its own as a light lunch or dinner option. The combination of flavors and textures makes it satisfying without needing anything extra.

With Grilled Proteins

• Pair the salad with grilled chicken or shrimp for a complete meal. The smoky flavor from grilling complements the sweetness of the corn and the creaminess of the avocado.

On Tacos

• Use the salad as a topping for tacos. Its vibrant ingredients will add freshness and crunch to your favorite taco recipes.

As a Picnic Delight

• Take it along for picnics or outdoor gatherings. This salad travels well and can be served cold, making it perfect for warm weather outings.

With Fresh Bread

• Serve alongside crusty bread or pita chips. The combination of textures enhances the dining experience and adds some heartiness to your meal.

How to Perfect Grilled Corn Salad with Avocado, Goat Cheese & Hot Honey Vinaigrette

Creating the perfect Grilled Corn Salad with Avocado, Goat Cheese & Hot Honey Vinaigrette requires some attention to detail. Here are some tips to elevate your dish.

• Choose Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh corn, ripe avocados, and high-quality goat cheese for the best flavor.
• Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer less heat, reduce the cayenne pepper or hot sauce in the vinaigrette.
• Mix It Up: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers for added crunch and nutrition.
• Serve Immediately: For optimal freshness, serve the salad right after mixing. This keeps the avocado from browning too quickly.
• Chill Before Serving: Letting the salad sit in the fridge for 30 minutes can help meld the flavors together beautifully.
• Garnish Creatively: Top with extra basil leaves or microgreens before serving for an appealing presentation.

Best Side Dishes for Grilled Corn Salad with Avocado, Goat Cheese & Hot Honey Vinaigrette

This salad pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that complement its flavors. Here are some tasty options to consider:

1. Grilled Chicken Skewers: Marinated chicken skewers add protein and enhance your meal’s flavor profile.
2. Stuffed Peppers: Colorful stuffed peppers filled with rice and beans provide a hearty side that aligns well with summer themes.
3. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: The natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes contrasts nicely with the tangy goat cheese.
4. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad adds grains to your meal while keeping things fresh and healthy.
5. Caprese Salad: Combining fresh mozzarella and tomatoes offers a classic Italian touch that complements your corn salad beautifully.
6. Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread provides comfort and pairs well with almost any main dish.

These side dishes will help create a balanced meal around your Grilled Corn Salad with Avocado, Goat Cheese & Hot Honey Vinaigrette!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Grilled Corn Salad with Avocado, Goat Cheese & Hot Honey Vinaigrette, it’s easy to overlook some details that can affect the dish’s flavor and texture. Here are common mistakes to avoid:

• Skipping the seasoning: Failing to season the corn before grilling can result in bland flavors. Always season with salt and pepper for a tasty base.
• Overcooking the corn: Cooking the corn too long can make it tough. Grill for about 20 minutes, turning occasionally until charred but still tender.
• Adding avocado too early: If you mix in avocado too soon, it may brown or become mushy. Add it just before serving for freshness.
• Ignoring vinaigrette balance: A poorly balanced vinaigrette can overpower your salad. Taste and adjust honey or cayenne for the right sweetness and spice.
• Not using fresh ingredients: Fresh produce enhances flavor significantly. Opt for ripe avocados and seasonal tomatoes for the best results.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
• Best consumed within 2-3 days for optimal taste and texture.

Freezing Grilled Corn Salad with Avocado, Goat Cheese & Hot Honey Vinaigrette

• This salad is not ideal for freezing due to its fresh ingredients, particularly avocado and tomatoes. Freezing may alter their texture.

Reheating Grilled Corn Salad with Avocado, Goat Cheese & Hot Honey Vinaigrette

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm salad in a covered dish for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals of 30 seconds, stirring in between until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Place on low heat in a skillet, stirring gently until warmed without overcooking any ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Grilled Corn Salad with Avocado, Goat Cheese & Hot Honey Vinaigrette ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare most of the salad ahead of time. Just wait to add avocado and goat cheese until you’re ready to serve.

What other ingredients can I add to my Grilled Corn Salad?

Feel free to customize by adding ingredients like black beans, diced bell peppers, or even grilled chicken for extra protein.

How do I adjust the spice level in my hot honey vinaigrette?

You can easily adjust the heat by adding more cayenne pepper or hot sauce according to your preference.

Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh?

While fresh corn offers better flavor and texture, frozen corn can work as a substitute if fresh is unavailable. Just ensure it’s thawed before grilling.

Final Thoughts

This Grilled Corn Salad with Avocado, Goat Cheese & Hot Honey Vinaigrette is a delightful blend of flavors perfect for summer lunches or gatherings. Its versatility allows you to customize ingredients based on personal preferences or what’s on hand. Try this refreshing dish today and enjoy its vibrant flavors!

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

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Grilled Corn Salad with Avocado, Goat Cheese & Hot Honey Vinaigrette

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Experience the vibrant flavors of summer with this Grilled Corn Salad featuring creamy avocado, tangy goat cheese, and a sweet & spicy hot honey vinaigrette. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a light lunch, this salad is quick to prepare and bursting with fresh ingredients. The grilled corn adds a delightful char, while the combination of textures from ripe avocados and crunchy tomatoes makes every bite a treat. This colorful dish not only satisfies your taste buds but also packs in nutrients. Enjoy it as a standalone meal or pair it with grilled proteins for a complete dining experience.

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Ingredients

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• 4 ears of corn
• 1 avocado
• 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes
• ⅓ cup goat cheese
• ¼ cup red onion
• Basil leaves
• Hot honey vinaigrette (honey, oil, apple cider vinegar, cayenne pepper)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. Drizzle corn with avocado oil and season with salt and pepper.
3. Grill corn for about 20 minutes until charred; cool and cut kernels off the cob into a large bowl.
4. Add halved cherry tomatoes, diced avocado, crumbled goat cheese, red onion, and basil; toss gently.
5. In a jar or bowl, mix honey, cayenne pepper (or hot sauce), olive oil, vinegar, mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to create the vinaigrette; shake or whisk until combined.
6. Pour the vinaigrette over the salad mixture; toss gently and serve immediately.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 320mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 27g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 10mg