Charred Corn Avocado Salad with Roasted Red Onions

This Charred Corn Avocado Salad with Roasted Red Onions is a delightful blend of flavors that embodies the essence of summer. With its sweet and smoky charred corn paired with creamy avocado, juicy cherry tomatoes, and the tangy zing of roasted red onions, this salad is not just a dish—it’s an experience! Perfect for barbecues, picnics, or any gathering, it stands out with its vibrant colors and fresh ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fresh Flavors: The combination of charred corn and ripe avocado creates a refreshing taste that is hard to resist.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this salad comes together quickly, ideal for busy cooks.
• Versatile Side Dish: Works beautifully alongside grilled meats or as a light lunch on its own.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with vitamins and minerals, this salad supports a healthy lifestyle without sacrificing flavor.
• Crowd-Pleasing: It’s always a hit at gatherings, adding color and excitement to any table setting.

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Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the preparation, gather your tools to make the cooking process smooth and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Grill or grill pan
• Mixing bowl
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Serving dish

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill or grill pan: Essential for achieving that lovely char on the corn and onions.
• Mixing bowl: Helps combine all ingredients easily while ensuring even distribution of flavors.
• Knife: A sharp knife makes cutting vegetables quicker and safer.
• Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for chopping ingredients efficiently.

Ingredients

For the Salad

• 2 red onion
• 3 corn
• 200 g red grape tomatoes
• 200 g yellow grape tomatoes
• 1 avocado
• ¼ bunch cilantro (coriander)
• salt (to taste)
• pepper (to taste)

For the Dressing

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

How to Make Charred Corn Avocado Salad with Roasted Red Onions

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

• Peel the red onions, cut them into thick slices, and set aside.
• Husk the corn. If using fresh corn on the cob, cut the kernels off after grilling.

Step 2: Grill the Corn and Onions

• Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
• Brush the onion slices with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, season with salt and pepper, then place them on the grill.
• Grill for about 5–7 minutes until they are charred. Flip halfway through for even cooking.
• Place the corn on the grill; cook for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally until evenly charred.

Step 3: Chop Fresh Ingredients

• Once cooled slightly, chop the grilled onions into bite-sized pieces.
• Cut the grilled corn kernels from their cobs if you used whole corn.

Step 4: Combine Salad Ingredients

• In a mixing bowl, combine chopped grilled onions, charred corn kernels, halved red grape tomatoes, halved yellow grape tomatoes, diced avocado, and chopped cilantro.

Step 5: Make the Dressing

• In a small bowl, whisk together remaining olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Step 6: Dress Your Salad

• Pour dressing over the salad mixture. Gently toss everything together until well coated.

Step 7: Serve Immediately

• Transfer your Charred Corn Avocado Salad with Roasted Red Onions to a serving dish. Enjoy fresh as a side dish or light meal!

How to Serve Charred Corn Avocado Salad with Roasted Red Onions

This Charred Corn Avocado Salad with Roasted Red Onions is versatile and can be served in many delightful ways. Here are some serving suggestions that elevate this refreshing salad.

As a Standalone Dish

• Enjoy it chilled as a light lunch or dinner option. The combination of flavors is satisfying on its own.

With Grilled Meats

• Pair the salad with grilled chicken, steak, or fish. The smoky elements of the salad complement the charred flavors of grilled meats beautifully.

On Tacos

• Use the salad as a topping for tacos. It adds a fresh crunch and vibrant flavor, perfect for enhancing any taco filling.

Inside Lettuce Wraps

• Spoon the salad into large lettuce leaves for a quick appetizer or snack. This keeps things light and makes for easy eating.

As a Potluck Contribution

• Bring this salad to your next gathering. Its colorful presentation and delicious taste make it a crowd-pleaser at potlucks.

How to Perfect Charred Corn Avocado Salad with Roasted Red Onions

To ensure your Charred Corn Avocado Salad is perfect every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh corn and ripe avocados enhance the flavor and texture of the salad.
• Char the Corn Well – Aim for good char on the corn for that smoky flavor. Grilling gives it an extra dimension.
• Adjust Seasoning – Taste before serving and adjust salt, pepper, or lemon juice to suit your palate.
• Chill Before Serving – Letting the salad chill allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making each bite more flavorful.
• Add Extra Crunch – Consider adding nuts or seeds for added texture and nutrition.

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

This Charred Corn Avocado Salad pairs well with various side dishes that complement its fresh ingredients. Here are some great options:

1. Grilled Chicken Skewers – Juicy pieces of chicken seasoned with spices bring protein to your meal.
2. Quinoa Pilaf – A light quinoa dish cooked with herbs adds heartiness without overpowering the main flavors.
3. Roasted Vegetable Medley – Seasonal vegetables roasted until tender provide a warm contrast to the cool salad.
4. Black Bean Tacos – Flavorful black beans wrapped in tortillas make for a fulfilling vegetarian option alongside this salad.
5. Garlic Breadsticks – Crispy breadsticks brushed with garlic butter serve as a delightful side for scooping up salad.
6. Cilantro Lime Rice – This zesty rice dish complements the fresh notes of cilantro in your salad perfectly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Charred Corn Avocado Salad with Roasted Red Onions, it’s easy to overlook some key details. Here are common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Overcooking the Corn: Cooking corn too long can make it tough. Grill or sauté just until it’s charred for optimal flavor.
• Ignoring Seasoning: Under-seasoning can lead to blandness. Always taste and adjust salt and pepper before serving.
• Using Unripe Avocados: Unripe avocados won’t provide the creamy texture you desire. Choose ripe avocados that yield slightly when pressed.
• Skipping the Dressing: A good dressing is essential. Don’t skip this step; it ties all the flavors together beautifully.
• Improper Storage: Storing salad improperly can lead to sogginess. Keep ingredients separate until ready to serve for freshness.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Consume within 2–3 days for best quality.

Freezing Charred Corn Avocado Salad with Roasted Red Onions

• Not recommended, as avocados do not freeze well.
• If necessary, freeze only the corn and onions, then add fresh ingredients later.

Reheating Charred Corn Avocado Salad with Roasted Red Onions

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat until warm, about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals of 30 seconds, stirring in between, until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Warm on low heat in a skillet for a few minutes while stirring gently.

Frequently Asked Questions

What pairs well with Charred Corn Avocado Salad with Roasted Red Onions?

This salad complements grilled meats, fish tacos, or can be enjoyed alone as a light meal.

Can I prepare Charred Corn Avocado Salad in advance?

Yes! You can prep components ahead of time but mix them right before serving for freshness.

How can I customize this salad?

Add black beans or feta cheese for extra protein and flavor variations.

Is Charred Corn Avocado Salad suitable for vegans?

Absolutely! This recipe is naturally vegan-friendly and packed with nutrients.

Final Thoughts

Charred Corn Avocado Salad with Roasted Red Onions is a delightful dish bursting with summer flavors. Its refreshing taste makes it perfect for any gathering or as a light meal on its own. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or proteins!