Welcome to Easy Crispy Recipes! Today, we’re diving into a vibrant and delicious dish that is perfect for summer gatherings, barbecues, or a healthy side dish any time of the year – the Colorful Roasted Corn Salad. This recipe not only showcases the natural sweetness of roasted corn but also incorporates a medley of colorful vegetables and a zesty dressing that brings everything together. Inspired by the famous grilled corn salads like those from Ottolenghi, this dish combines simplicity with bold flavors. Let’s get started on creating this easy, colorful roasted corn salad that will surely impress your friends and family.
Ingredients
For this colorful roasted corn salad recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
Salad
- 4 ears of corn, husked
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (optional)
- 1 avocado, diced
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lime juice (about 1-2 limes)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Follow these step-by-step instructions to make your colorful roasted corn salad:
Preparing the Corn
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Roast the corn: Place the husked corn directly on the grill grates. Grill for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the corn is charred and cooked through. Alternatively, you can roast the corn in an oven preheated to 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through.
- Cool and cut: Once the corn is roasted, let it cool slightly. Using a sharp knife, cut the kernels off the cob and place them in a large mixing bowl.
Preparing the Vegetables
- Dice and chop: While the corn is cooling, dice the red and yellow bell peppers, finely chop the red onion, halve the cherry tomatoes, and chop the fresh cilantro.
- Combine the vegetables: Add the diced bell peppers, chopped red onion, cherry tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, chopped cilantro, and optionally, the finely chopped jalapeño to the bowl with the roasted corn.
Making the Dressing
- Mix the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, honey, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Dress the salad: Pour the dressing over the corn and vegetable mixture. Toss everything together gently to ensure all the ingredients are well coated with the dressing.
Final Touches
- Add avocado: Just before serving, gently fold in the diced avocado to prevent it from getting mushy.
- Serve: Transfer the colorful roasted corn salad to a serving bowl or platter. Garnish with extra cilantro and a sprinkle of feta if desired.
Tips and Variations
Cooking Tips
- Corn alternatives: If fresh corn is not in season, you can use frozen corn kernels. Simply roast them in a skillet with a little olive oil until slightly charred.
- Charring the corn: For an extra smoky flavor, use a kitchen torch to char the corn after grilling or roasting.
- Mixing ingredients: Toss the salad gently to avoid mashing the avocado and other delicate ingredients.
Variations
- Grilled Corn Salad Ottolenghi Style: Add a splash of tahini and some roasted chickpeas for a Middle Eastern twist.
- Grilled Corn Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing: Boost the lime juice and cilantro in the dressing for a more pronounced citrus-herb flavor.
- Additional vegetables: Feel free to add other colorful vegetables like diced cucumbers, radishes, or shredded carrots for extra crunch and color.
- Cheese swap: Substitute the feta cheese with cotija or goat cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Protein addition: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or black beans to make this salad a more substantial main dish.
Nutritional Information
Here’s the basic nutritional information per serving (assuming 6 servings):
- Calories: 180
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 22g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 8g
- Protein: 4g
Conclusion
There you have it – a delicious and colorful roasted corn salad that is sure to be a hit at any meal. This salad is not only beautiful to look at but also packed with flavors and nutrients. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or a main course, it’s a versatile recipe that you can enjoy year-round.