Sweet Spicy Grilled Corn Salad

Recipe Introduction: Ready for the Best Cookout Side Dishes EVER?

Fancy something a bit special for your next barbie? Are you fed up with the same old potato salad? This Sweet & Spicy Grilled Corn Salad will knock your socks off.

Honestly, it's the perfect way to spice up those summer cookout recipes and bring a bit of sunshine to your plate.

Why This Corn Salad is a Winner

This salad isn't just delicious; it's got history! Inspired by traditional Mexican Esquites , this is a modern twist. Plus, this recipe is easy peasy.

It only takes about 35 minutes to whip up. This recipe makes about 6 servings, ideal for a small gathering or a family cookout .

Get Ready for Some Goodness

This grilled corn salad is bursting with flavour. Grilling the corn brings out its natural sweetness. The lime dressing adds a zing, and the chili gives it that extra kick.

It's also packed with nutrients! Corn is a great source of fibre, keeping you feeling full and happy. Serve this bad boy at your next potluck side dishes party or take it on a picnic side dishes .

Trust me, this will be the best cookout sides dish that people rave about for weeks.

So, What Makes This Salad Special?

Honestly, what sets this apart from other bbq side dish ideas is the smokiness of the grilled corn . Grilling gives the corn a char that elevates it.

It's a simple trick that makes a world of difference. Plus, it's so versatile. You can adjust the spice level to your liking, making it a truly personalised salad.

Now, let's dive into what you'll need for this sweet and spicy salad ...

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Cookout Started!

Right then, let's talk Sweet & Spicy Grilled Corn Salad ingredients! This isn't rocket science, promise. It's more like building the perfect sandcastle. But with taste. And less sand.

Main Ingredients for the Win

• Corn on the cob: You'll need 6 ears . That's about 720g if you're weighing. Fresh is best, like summer tomatoes. You know, those that actually taste of something! The kernels should look plump and juicy. Avoid anything that looks dried out.
• Olive oil: 2 tablespoons (30ml) for grilling. Extra virgin, if you're feeling fancy, but the regular stuff works a treat.
• Lime juice: 1/4 cup (60ml) Freshly squeezed is the only way. Bottled stuff just doesn't cut it.
• Honey: 1 tablespoon (15ml) . Runny honey is fine. It's just for a touch of sweetness.
• Red bell pepper: 1 , diced. Roughly 150g . Get a bright red one!
• Red onion: 1/2 , finely diced. About 75g . Not too much or it'll overpower the whole thing.
• Cilantro: 1/2 cup , chopped. That's about 15g . If you're not a fan, parsley will do in a pinch.
• Avocado: 1 , diced (optional). Around 150g . But honestly, who skips the avocado?
• Jalapeno pepper: 1 , seeded and minced. Or 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes if you're scared of the heat. You know, the best summer cookout recipes are adaptable to taste!

Seasoning Notes: Spice Up Your Life

We're aiming for a sweet and spicy salad here. A pinch of smoked paprika is key. It adds a lovely depth.

Don't go overboard! Essential spice combinations like the paprika and honey give depth and character. Also, essential salt and pepper.

You will need a salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. You know, bbq side dish ideas aren't just about the flavor; it's about the experience!

Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple

All you really need is:

• A grill . Gas, charcoal, a fancy Big Green Egg... whatever you have!
• Mixing bowl.
• Whisk.
• Cutting board and knife.

That's it! No fancy gadgets required. It's simple, it's easy, and it's one of the best cookout sides ! Honestly, I've made this with a dodgy grill pan and a blunt knife.

It still tasted amazing. This grilled corn salad is one of the easy side dishes for bbq that's sure to be a crowd pleaser at your outdoor party food .

Whether you are doing a potluck side dishes or picnic side dishes don't miss out on it. You know, I once made this salad for a summer grilling recipes party, and everyone raved about it.

Right then, let’s get grilling! Honestly, nothing screams summer like a proper cookout side dishes , does it? And I'm not talking about those sad, forgotten salads lurking in the corner.

I’m talking a flavour explosion. Think sunny days, ice-cold drinks, and a grill sizzling with goodness. Today, we're diving headfirst into a Sweet & Spicy Grilled Corn Salad that’ll blow your socks off.

It's one of those easy side dishes for BBQ that everyone will rave about, and it’s surprisingly simple to make.

Trust me, even if you're more "burnt toast" than "Bake Off," you can nail this.

Prep Steps: Let's Get Sorted

Mise en Place: Everything in Its Place

First things first, mise en place is your best mate here. That's just fancy for "get everything ready." Chop your red bell pepper, finely dice that red onion, and get your cilantro chopped up small.

Squeeze that lime juice, measure the honey, and mince the jalapeno. Honestly, prep is half the battle, innit? The key ingredient here is the corn, and it should be shucked and fresh.

Time Saving Ninja Skills

Here's a sneaky tip. Chop the red pepper and onion the day before if you're short on time. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge.

Done and dusted. This recipe screams summer cookout recipes , so a bit of forward planning is never a bad thing.

It’ll save you precious minutes when the barbecue is in full swing!

Sweet & Spicy Grilled Corn Salad - Let's Cook!

step-by-step Sizzling

1. Brush your shucked corn with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Season generously with salt and pepper.
2. Grill the corn over medium heat for about 15 minutes , turning it every few minutes. You want a nice char all over. That’s where the smoky magic happens. We're going for a BBQ side dish ideas level of flavour here.
3. Let the grilled corn cool down slightly. You don’t want to burn your fingers.
4. Stand each ear upright and carefully slice the kernels off the cob.
5. Whisk together your dressing ingredients: 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 minced jalapeno (or ½ teaspoon chili flakes), ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to taste.
6. In a large bowl, toss the grilled corn kernels with the diced red bell pepper, red onion, and chopped cilantro.
7. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine. You want everything nicely coated.
8. Gently fold in the diced avocado, if you're using it. Adding it last keeps it from getting mushy.

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Salad

Secret Weapons and Sneaky Shortcuts

If you're feeling fancy, soak the corn in water for about 30 minutes before grilling. This helps keep it juicy.

Honestly, though, I rarely bother, and it's still delicious. If you want to make the salad sweet and spicy salad , then add another Jalapeno for that extra kick.

Common Blunders: Steer Clear!

Don’t overcook the corn! You want a bit of char, but burnt corn is no good. Also, taste the dressing and adjust it to your liking.

More lime for tang, more honey for sweetness, more chili for heat.

This is perfect for potluck side dishes and picnic side dishes ! It's great cold, making it perfect outdoor party food .

You can also prepare the salad a few hours ahead, but add the avocado just before serving to prevent it from browning.

Now that's what I call best cookout sides ! This dish is perfect for your summer grilling recipes enjoy, you legends!

Recipe Notes for Your Sweet & Spicy Grilled Corn Salad

Right then, let's talk about getting this sweet and spicy salad absolutely perfect. I’ve made this grilled corn salad loads of times, and honestly, it’s always a hit at outdoor party food .

Here are some handy tips and tricks I've picked up along the way for the best cookout sides .

Plating & Presentation

Fancy it up a bit, yeah? A big ol' bowl works a treat. But, portioning into individual ramekins looks pretty snazzy.

Garnish with a few extra cilantro sprigs and a lime wedge. Oh, and you know what's great? Serve it with homemade lemonade or even a light lager.

This really bumps up your summer grilling recipes . Consider offering it alongside other easy side dishes for bbq , like potato salad or coleslaw, for a full spread of cookout side dishes .

Keeping it Fresh

This salad keeps pretty well. Pop it in the fridge in an airtight container, and it'll be good for about 3 days .

Pro Tip: Don't add the avocado until just before serving , unless you like the brown look, then knock yourself out! Don't recommend freezing it, the texture goes a bit funny.

Reheating isn't really its thing either, best served chilled or at room temperature, perfect for those picnic side dishes !

Tweak it, Baby!

Got allergies? No worries! For a vegan version, swap the honey for maple syrup. Boom! Need it milder? Ditch the jalapeno altogether or use a small amount of finely diced green bell pepper.

Want to load it up? Toss in some black beans for extra protein, making it an even better potluck side dishes contender.

For some, you could add more flavour by adding a crumbled feta cheese on top. Use lemon juice instead of lime if you prefer and flat leaf parsley instead of cilantro.

Quick Nutrition Lowdown

Alright, so this is a fairly healthy number, packed with vitamins from the veggies and antioxidants from the corn. We are talking about 200 calories per serving (without avocado).

It’s got some healthy fats too. It does have natural sugars from the corn and a tablespoon of honey, but hey, it's all about balance, innit? This bbq side dish ideas is a much better choice than some of the other stuff out there!

There you have it! Now go forth and make the most amazing summer cookout recipes . Trust me, everyone will be asking for the recipe!