Sweet Smoky Grilled Corn Salad

Recipe Introduction

Ever wondered what makes a BBQ truly memorable? It's not just the perfectly grilled burgers, it's the amazing summer side dishes for bbqs that bring everyone together! We are going to explore 2 very simple recipes to achieve the perfect menu for a great day.

I'm gonna share with you some absolute bangers that will have your mates begging for the recipes. Honestly, I've tried loads, and these two are my go-to's every single time.

These recipes are easy peasy and are bursting with sunshine flavors. They are also some of the easiest BBQ side dish recipes .

These are great for any occasion and will impress your friends and family.

Sweet & Smoky Grilled Corn Salad with Chipotle Lime Zing

This salad is all about celebrating fresh summer flavors. Think sweet corn, juicy tomatoes, and a kick of smoky chipotle.

It's the perfect grilled corn salad to balance out those heavier BBQ mains.

This recipe is inspired by traditional Mexican street corn but with a lighter, salad twist. It is a easy peasy recipe, taking only about 35 minutes from start to finish.

This recipe serves 6-8 people, perfect for a small gathering. I love serving this when I am hosting people in my garden.

One of the main benefits of this salad is that is full of fiber and vitamins from the fresh vegetables.

This is perfect for outdoor party food . It's also a fantastic way to sneak in some extra veggies at a BBQ , and you can totally prep most of it beforehand, making it one of the best make-ahead BBQ sides .

What makes it special? The smoky chipotle dressing, adds a real depth of flavor that you won't find anywhere else.

Honestly, it's the secret ingredient! It's perfect for picnics and can be made as a potluck side dish

Refreshing Watermelon & Feta Salad with Mint & Lime

Right then, fancy something a bit lighter? How about a watermelon feta salad ? This one's a total game changer. Think juicy watermelon, salty feta, and a refreshing hit of mint.

This recipe is a classic combination, originating from the Mediterranean region. It is incredibly easy, requiring no cooking at all.

All you need to do is chop and mix! In just 15 minutes you will create a flavorful and colorful dish.

This serves 4-6 people.

Watermelon is hydrating, so this is a great choice if you’re looking for healthy summer salads . It is a summer grilling recipes essential.

What makes this recipe so special? Well, it is unexpectedly refreshing and tastes absolutely divine!

Alright, let's dive into what you need to whip up these fantastic summer side dishes for BBQs . Honestly, it's all pretty straightforward.

I reckon even my nan could manage these, and she once set fire to toast twice in one morning.

Gearing Up: The Ingredients & Equipment Lowdown

Getting the right bits and bobs together is half the battle. Let's break it down, yeah?

Sweet & Smoky Grilled Corn Salad: What You Need

This BBQ side dish recipe is all about fresh flavours!

• Corn: You'll need 6 ears . Fresh is best! The kernels should be plump and milky when you pierce them. Seriously, no one wants old, wrinkly corn. (US: 6 ears, Metric: approx. 1.8kg total)
• Cherry Tomatoes: Grab 1 pint . Sweet and juicy are the goals here. (US: 1 pint, Metric: approx. 500ml)
• Red Onion: Half a medium one, finely diced. (US: 1/2 medium, Metric: approx. 75g)
• Avocados: 2 ripe ones, diced. Not too hard, not too squishy Goldilocks zone, innit? (US: 2 medium, Metric: approx. 300g)
• Cilantro: 1/4 cup chopped. If you're one of those people who thinks cilantro tastes like soap, use parsley instead. (US: 1/4 cup, Metric: approx. 10g)
• Olive Oil: 1/4 cup for the dressing. (US: 1/4 cup, Metric: 60ml)
• Lime Juice: 2 tablespoons , freshly squeezed. Bottled stuff just doesn't cut it. (US: 2 tablespoons, Metric: 30ml)
• Chipotle Pepper: 1 in adobo sauce, minced. This adds that smoky kick. (US: 1, Metric: 1)
• Adobo Sauce: 1 tablespoon from the can. (US: 1 tablespoon, Metric: 15ml)
• Honey: 1 teaspoon . Just a touch of sweetness. (US: 1 teaspoon, Metric: 5ml)
• Cumin: 1/2 teaspoon . Adds warmth and earthiness. (US: 1/2 teaspoon, Metric: 2.5ml)

Honestly, this grilled corn salad is a cracking addition to any summer grilling recipes lineup. It's even good as one of those potluck side dishes !

Watermelon & Feta Fiesta: What You Need

This watermelon feta salad is a refreshing dream!

• Watermelon: 6 cups cubed. Seedless is your friend here, trust me. (US: 6 cups, Metric: approx. 1.5kg cubed)
• Feta: 4 ounces , crumbled. Get the good stuff, it makes all the difference. (US: 4 ounces, Metric: 115g)
• Mint: 1/4 cup , roughly chopped. Fresh mint is key. (US: 1/4 cup, Metric: 10g)
• Lime Juice: 2 tablespoons , freshly squeezed. Again, fresh is the way to go. (US: 2 tablespoons, Metric: 30ml)
• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon . (US: 1 tablespoon, Metric: 15ml)

Spice It Up!

For the corn salad, the chipotle and cumin combo is a winner. A little honey balances the spice. For the watermelon salad, the lime and mint are magic.

Don't be shy with the pepper! You can swap parsley for cilantro. Or agave for honey for a vegan twist!

Tools of the Trade

• Grill: For the corn salad. A gas or charcoal grill works. A grill pan will do in a pinch.
• Mixing Bowls: For both salads and dressings.
• Whisk: For the corn salad dressing. A fork will do if you're in a bind.

These easy BBQ sides are perfect for any outdoor party food . You can even make-ahead BBQ sides to save time! Honestly, you need to have at least one of these healthy summer salads at your next get-together.

Okay, right then! Let's get cracking on some absolutely stonking summer side dishes for bbqs , shall we? Think sunshine, cold drinks, and food that sings "it's summertime!" Ever rocked up to a BBQ with naff all to bring? Never again! We're diving into some seriously good grub.

Recipe 1: Sweet & Smoky Grilled Corn Salad with Chipotle Lime Zing

Honestly, this grilled corn salad is a game changer. It's one of those BBQ side dish recipes that makes everyone go "Ooh, what's that ?" It's vibrant, it's fresh, and it's got that smoky kick that goes perfectly with, well, everything from a summer grilling recipes perspective!

Prep Steps

• Essential mise en place : Shuck your corn, chop your veggies. Get it all ready.
• Time saving organization tips: Chop the tomatoes and red onion while the grill heats up. Boom!
• Safety Reminders: Be careful when cutting the corn off the cob! Sharp knives, my friend!

step-by-step Process

1. Grill the corn, turning, until charred: About 10- 12 minutes .
2. Cool the corn slightly before cutting off the kernels. Careful it's hot!
3. Combine the corn with tomatoes, red onion, avocado, and cilantro.
4. Whisk together olive oil, lime juice, chipotle pepper, honey, cumin, salt, and pepper.
5. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently.
6. Serve immediately. Or chill. Up to you!

Pro Tips

• Don't overcook the corn! Slightly charred is perfect.
• Avoid the mistake of skipping the adobo sauce! It’s key to that smoky flavour. It is also known as one of the most easy BBQ sides .
• Make it ahead! The flavors meld together beautifully if you let it sit. It is a nice make-ahead BBQ sides for a potluck side dishes .

Recipe 2: Refreshing Watermelon & Feta Salad with Mint & Lime

This watermelon feta salad ? Oh my gosh, it's the taste of summer in a bowl! Think sweet, salty, and zingy.

It's one of the healthy summer salads that actually tastes indulgent. I reckon Picnic salads need this as a staple, no question!.

This is a great outdoor party food .

Prep Steps

• Essential mise en place : Cube the watermelon, crumble the feta. Chop the mint. Done!
• Time saving organization tips: Buy pre-crumbled feta. I won't judge!
• Safety Reminders: None. This is basically foolproof.

step-by-step Process

1. Combine cubed watermelon, crumbled feta, and chopped mint.
2. Whisk together lime juice and olive oil.
3. Drizzle the dressing over the salad.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Chill for at least 30 minutes . Serve cold.

Pro Tips

• Use seedless watermelon for easier eating.
• Don’t overdress! A little lime juice goes a long way.
• Avoid adding salt if your feta is already pretty salty. A pinch will do, mate!

That should give you a good starting point. Get that BBQ side dish recipes going, and make it your own! Toodle pip!

Alright, let's talk about these amazing summer side dishes for BBQs . These aren't just recipes, they’re your ticket to BBQ glory! You know, the kind of food people actually talk about.

Honestly? These are winners.

Recipe Notes: Level Up Your BBQ Side Dish Recipes

Fancy taking your easy BBQ sides game to the next level? Great, I got you covered. These little pointers will make your dishes go from "nice" to "OMG, what's in this?!"

Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro

Presentation matters, darlings! For the Grilled corn salad , think rustic charm. Pile it high in a wooden bowl. Garnish with extra cilantro and a lime wedge.

I tell you, it makes all the difference. For the Watermelon Feta Salad, layer the watermelon attractively, crumble the feta artfully.

This makes it a feast for the eyes. Complement with some chilled rose wine. These aren't your average potluck side dishes anymore.

Storage Tips: make-ahead BBQ Sides For The Win!

Good news! Both of these beauties are great for make-ahead BBQ sides . The Grilled Corn Salad keeps well in the fridge for up to three days.

Just store the dressing separately and toss it in right before serving. No soggy salad here! The Watermelon Feta Salad is best eaten fresh, but you can prep the ingredients a day in advance.

Store the watermelon separately. Mix everything just before your outdoor party food starts.

Variations: Dietary Swaps and Seasonal Flair

Got a picky crowd? No sweat! For a vegan twist, use agave instead of honey in the corn salad dressing.

For the Watermelon Feta Salad, try adding some toasted pine nuts for crunch. Speaking of, try this watermelon recipe with different melons.

Cantaloupe or honeydew are really good! These healthy summer salads can work with practically anything.

Nutrition Basics: Feel Good Food

Here is the nutrition breakdown. The Grilled Corn Salad is packed with fiber and vitamins, thanks to all those veggies.

The Watermelon Feta Salad is light and hydrating, perfect for a hot day. It's also a source of potassium and antioxidants.

You are covered for your summer grilling recipes !

So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and whip up these brilliant summer side dishes for BBQs ! You've got this! These would be great for picnic salads , too, if you're interested! I bet you will be the most popular person at the bbq with this BBQ side dish recipes ! Don't be afraid to experiment.

You know? And make it your own. Have fun, keep it simple, and enjoy the sunshine!