Summerfest Grilled Corn Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing
This refreshing grilled corn salad combines smoky charred corn with crisp bell peppers and a zesty cilantro lime dressing, perfect for summer gatherings. This american-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes blends ears, husked corn on the cob, medium, diced red bell pepper, medium, diced green bell pepper into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 110 calories and feeds 6, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.
Ingredients
- 4 ears, husked corn on the cob
- 1 medium, diced red bell pepper
- 1 medium, diced green bell pepper
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/3 cup, chopped fresh cilantro leaves
- 3 tbsp, freshly squeezed lime juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp honey
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill 4 husked ears of corn directly on the grate for about 10 minutes, turning frequently until kernels are charred and tender. Remove and let cool.
- Step 2: Once cooled, cut the kernels off each ear and place in a large bowl with 1 diced red bell pepper, 1 diced green bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, and 1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp lime juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp honey, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until emulsified. Pour over the salad and toss gently to combine. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Summerfest Grilled Corn Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Summerfest Grilled Corn Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Summerfest Grilled Corn Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing?
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 Summerfest Grilled Corn Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Summerfest Grilled Corn Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing 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.
