Columbus-Inspired Grilled Summer Corn and Herb Salad

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A refreshing grilled corn salad bursting with fresh herbs and tangy lemon, inspired by the vibrant local food scene in Columbus. This mediterranean-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 27 minutes pairs ears fresh corn on the cob, extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush 4 ears of fresh corn on the cob with 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil and grill for 10-12 minutes, turning every 3 minutes until lightly charred and tender.
  2. Step 2: Once cool enough to handle, cut the kernels off the cob with a sharp knife into a large bowl.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper. Toss gently to combine.
  4. Step 4: Let the salad rest at room temperature for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving as a light summer side dish.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Columbus-Inspired Grilled Summer Corn and Herb Salad take to make?

Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Columbus-Inspired Grilled Summer Corn and Herb Salad?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ears fresh corn on the cob from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Columbus-Inspired Grilled Summer Corn and Herb Salad?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Columbus-Inspired Grilled Summer Corn and Herb Salad for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Columbus-Inspired Grilled Summer Corn and Herb Salad vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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