Charred Corn Avocado Salad with Roasted Red Onions

This Charred Corn Avocado Salad with Roasted Red Onions is a vibrant and flavorful dish that perfectly captures the essence of summer. With its sweet and smoky charred corn, creamy avocado, and zesty lemon Dijon dressing, this salad is not only refreshing but also incredibly versatile. It’s an ideal accompaniment for barbecues, potlucks, or even a light lunch. The unique combination of ingredients will make your taste buds dance and leave your guests asking for the recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fresh Ingredients: Enjoy a mix of seasonal produce that brings bright flavors to your plate.
• Easy to Prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time, this salad comes together quickly for any occasion.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of charred corn and roasted red onions adds a delightful smokiness.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect as a side or main dish, it complements various cuisines.
• Nutritious Delight: Packed with vitamins and healthy fats from avocados and tomatoes.

Tools and Preparation

To make this delicious salad, having the right tools can simplify the process. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Grill or stovetop grill pan
• Mixing bowl
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill or stovetop grill pan: Provides the perfect charring on corn for enhanced flavor.
• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining all ingredients evenly without mess.
• Sharp knife: Ensures clean cuts for vegetables, making prep easier and safer.

Ingredients

For the Corn and Onions

• 2 red onions
• 3 corn

For the Salad Base

• 200 g red grape tomatoes
• 200 g yellow grape tomatoes
• 1 avocado
• ¼ bunch cilantro (coriander)

For the Dressing

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

To Taste

• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)

How to Make Charred Corn Avocado Salad with Roasted Red Onions

Step 1: Prepare the Grill

Preheat your grill or stovetop grill pan over medium-high heat. This will ensure that your corn gets those lovely char marks.

Step 2: Char the Corn

• Brush each ear of corn with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
• Place the corn on the grill and cook for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally until charred on all sides.
• Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly before cutting off the kernels.

Step 3: Roast the Onions

• Cut the red onions into thick slices.
• Drizzle with remaining olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
• Grill them alongside the corn until soft and slightly charred, about 5-7 minutes per side.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl:
– Add charred corn kernels, grilled onions, halved red and yellow grape tomatoes, diced avocado, and chopped cilantro.

Step 5: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl:
– Whisk together lemon juice, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, salt, and pepper to taste.

Step 6: Dress the Salad

Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients in the mixing bowl. Gently toss everything together until well combined.

Step 7: Serve

Transfer to a serving dish or individual plates. Enjoy your Charred Corn Avocado Salad with Roasted Red Onions fresh!

How to Serve Charred Corn Avocado Salad with Roasted Red Onions

This Charred Corn Avocado Salad with Roasted Red Onions is versatile and can complement various meals. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or enjoying a casual dinner, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dish.

As a Standalone Dish

• Enjoy the salad on its own as a refreshing light meal. The combination of flavors provides a satisfying option for lunch or dinner.

With Grilled Proteins

• Pair the salad with grilled chicken or steak. The smoky charred corn complements the rich flavors of grilled meats perfectly.

On Tortillas

• Serve the salad stuffed in warm tortillas for a delightful twist. This makes for an easy and delicious taco night option.

As a Topping

• Use it as a topping for burgers or sandwiches. The fresh ingredients add crunch and brightness that enhance any dish.

At Potlucks

• Bring the salad to potlucks or gatherings where it can shine among other dishes. Its vibrant colors and fresh taste make it an instant crowd-pleaser.

How to Perfect Charred Corn Avocado Salad with Roasted Red Onions

This salad is simple yet full of fresh flavors. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time.

• Choose ripe avocados: Selecting ripe avocados will enhance the creaminess of your salad, making each bite more enjoyable.

• Use fresh vegetables: Fresh corn and tomatoes provide the best flavor and texture, so opt for seasonal produce whenever possible.

• Adjust seasoning: Taste your dressing before adding it to the salad, allowing you to customize salt and pepper levels according to your preference.

• Grill corn for extra flavor: For enhanced smokiness, grill your corn until it’s well-charred before cutting off the kernels.

• Let it sit: Allow the salad to sit for about 10 minutes before serving. This lets all the flavors meld beautifully.

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

This refreshing salad pairs well with various side dishes. Here are some great options to consider when planning your meal.

1. Grilled Chicken Skewers: Tender chicken marinated in spices complements the freshness of the salad beautifully.

2. Quinoa Pilaf: A nutty quinoa pilaf adds heartiness and balances the lightness of the salad.

3. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: The sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes contrasts nicely with the tangy flavors in your salad.

4. Black Bean Tacos: Flavorful black bean tacos can be a perfect match, adding protein while keeping things plant-based.

5. Cilantro Lime Rice: Fragrant cilantro lime rice enhances the meal’s overall freshness, making each bite delightful.

6. Caprese Skewers: These skewers made from mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil offer another layer of fresh flavor that pairs well with your salad.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Charred Corn Avocado Salad with Roasted Red Onions, it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls that could affect the flavor and texture of your dish.

• Boldly Overcooking the Corn: Cooking corn for too long can make it mushy. Grill or sauté it just until charred for that perfect smoky flavor.
• Ignoring Fresh Ingredients: Using stale or overripe ingredients can ruin the salad’s taste. Always opt for fresh corn, ripe avocados, and vibrant tomatoes.
• Neglecting Seasoning: Skipping salt and pepper will leave your salad bland. Season each layer as you prepare to enhance the overall flavor.
• Using Too Much Dressing: A heavy dressing can overpower the fresh ingredients. Start with a small amount and adjust according to taste.
• Cutting Ingredients Unevenly: Uneven cuts can lead to inconsistent texture. Make sure to chop your vegetables uniformly for a better bite.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store the salad in an airtight container.
• It will last for up to 3 days in the fridge.
• Keep the dressing separate until serving to maintain freshness.

Freezing Charred Corn Avocado Salad with Roasted Red Onions

• Freezing is not recommended due to the avocado’s texture change.
• If needed, freeze only the charred corn and roasted onions separately.
• Use freezer-safe containers to prevent freezer burn.

Reheating Charred Corn Avocado Salad with Roasted Red Onions

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Spread on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds, stirring in between.
• Stovetop: Sauté in a pan over medium heat until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Charred Corn Avocado Salad with Roasted Red Onions.

Can I use frozen corn for this salad?

Yes, you can use frozen corn; just make sure to thaw and drain it before adding it to the salad for the best results.

What can I substitute for avocado?

You may use diced mango or cucumber as alternatives if you’re looking for a different flavor or texture.

How do I make this salad vegan?

This recipe is already vegan-friendly as all ingredients are plant-based. Just ensure your Dijon mustard is vegan.

Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to include bell peppers, zucchini, or any seasonal veggies you like in your Charred Corn Avocado Salad with Roasted Red Onions.

Final Thoughts

This Charred Corn Avocado Salad with Roasted Red Onions is not only vibrant and flavorful but also versatile enough to accompany any meal. Customize it by adding your favorite herbs or proteins. Enjoy this delightful dish at your next gathering!