Omaha-Inspired Grilled Corn and Herb Salad

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

A vibrant salad featuring smoky grilled corn kernels tossed with fresh herbs and a zesty lime dressing, perfect for outdoor gatherings. This american-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs ears fresh corn on the cob, extra virgin olive oil, chopped fresh cilantro leaves 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 120 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: 10 min Serves 4 American cuisine 120 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Brush 4 ears of fresh corn on the cob with 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil and place on the grill, turning every 2 minutes, cooking for about 8 minutes until the kernels are slightly charred and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Remove the corn from the grill and let cool slightly. Using a sharp knife, cut the kernels off the cobs into a large bowl.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1 tsp honey, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until emulsified.
  4. Step 4: Add 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, and 1/4 cup finely diced red onion to the bowl with the corn kernels. Pour the dressing over and toss gently until well combined and the salad is fragrant and vibrant.
  5. Step 5: Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes to meld flavors before serving.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 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 Omaha-Inspired Grilled 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 Omaha-Inspired Grilled 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 Omaha-Inspired Grilled 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 Omaha-Inspired Grilled 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.