Grilled Corn Salad with Avocado, Goat Cheese & Hot Honey Vinaigrette

Wonderful grilled corn salad with avocado, goat cheese, and hot honey vinaigrette is a refreshing dish perfect for summer gatherings. This Grilled Corn Salad with Avocado, Goat Cheese & Hot Honey Vinaigrette is not only easy to prepare but also bursting with flavor. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or seeking a light lunch, this salad fits the bill. Its unique combination of sweet corn, creamy avocado, and tangy goat cheese makes it stand out from typical salads.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fresh Ingredients: The use of grilled corn and ripe avocados ensures vibrant flavors.
• Quick Preparation: This salad can be ready in just 35 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight option.
• Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as a side dish or add protein for a satisfying main course.
• Balanced Flavors: The sweet honey vinaigrette perfectly complements the savory goat cheese and fresh veggies.
• Healthy Choice: Packed with nutrients and healthy fats, this salad is both delicious and nutritious.

Tools and Preparation

To make your preparation seamless, having the right tools on hand is essential. This will help you create the best Grilled Corn Salad with Avocado, Goat Cheese & Hot Honey Vinaigrette.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Grill
• Mixing bowl
• Mason jar or small bowl (for vinaigrette)
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill: Provides that perfect charred flavor on the corn.
• Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining all your fresh ingredients easily.
• Mason Jar: Ideal for shaking up your vinaigrette without mess.

Ingredients

For the Grilled Corn

• 4 ears of corn
• 1 tablespoon avocado oil
• Freshly ground salt and pepper

For the Salad

• 1 ½ cups halved cherry tomatoes (I love heirloom cherry or grape tomatoes!)
• 1 avocado, diced
• ⅓ cup goat cheese, crumbled
• ¼ cup diced red onion or sub green onion
• 6 large leaves basil, julienned

Hot Honey Vinaigrette

• 2 tablespoons avocado oil or olive oil
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Pinch of cayenne pepper OR 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce of choice
• 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar (or sub fresh lime juice)
• ¼ teaspoon dijon mustard
• ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
• Freshly ground salt and pepper, to taste

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Grilled Corn Salad with Avocado, Goat Cheese & Hot Honey Vinaigrette

Step 1: Preheat the Grill

Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This ensures that the corn gets beautifully charred.

Step 2: Prepare the Corn

• Drizzle the corn with avocado oil and rub it all over.
• Season generously with salt and pepper.
• Place the corn directly on the grill. Turn occasionally until it’s charred and cooked through; this should take about 20 minutes.

Step 3: Combine the Salad Ingredients

Once the corn has cooled:
1. Cut the corn off the cob into a large mixing bowl.
2. Add in halved cherry tomatoes, diced avocado, crumbled goat cheese, diced red onion, and julienned basil.
3. Toss gently to combine all ingredients.

Step 4: Whisk Together Your Hot Honey Vinaigrette

In a mason jar or small bowl:
1. Combine honey and cayenne (or hot sauce).
2. Microwave for about 10–15 seconds until warm.
3. Add olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Shake well to mix or whisk together if using a bowl.
5. Taste and adjust spice level if desired.

Step 5: Dress Your Salad

Pour the hot honey vinaigrette over your salad mixture. Toss everything together until well combined. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 6: Serve Immediately

Enjoy your delicious grilled corn salad right away! If preparing ahead of time, keep avocado and goat cheese separate until serving to maintain freshness.

How to Serve Grilled Corn Salad with Avocado, Goat Cheese & Hot Honey Vinaigrette

Grilled Corn Salad with Avocado, Goat Cheese & Hot Honey Vinaigrette is a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with many meals. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to complement this fresh and vibrant salad.

Fresh Summer Picnic

• Pair with grilled chicken: The smoky flavor of grilled chicken enhances the sweet corn and tangy goat cheese.
• Serve alongside burgers: This salad makes a refreshing side for juicy beef or veggie burgers.
• Accompany with crusty bread: A slice of artisanal bread is perfect for scooping up the salad.

Light Lunch Option

• Enjoy solo: This salad is nutritious enough to serve as a light lunch on its own.
• Wrap it in lettuce: For a fun twist, wrap the salad in large lettuce leaves for a refreshing bite.
• Top with shrimp or tofu: Add some protein like grilled shrimp or tofu for an energizing meal.

Elegant Dinner Presentation

• Garnish with microgreens: Elevate the dish by adding microgreens on top for a sophisticated touch.
• Drizzle extra vinaigrette: A little extra hot honey vinaigrette adds that final burst of flavor before serving.

How to Perfect Grilled Corn Salad with Avocado, Goat Cheese & Hot Honey Vinaigrette

To create the best Grilled Corn Salad with Avocado, Goat Cheese & Hot Honey Vinaigrette, consider these helpful tips that will enhance your dish.

• Use fresh corn: Freshly picked corn has the best sweetness and crunch. Try to grill it as soon as possible after purchasing.
• Char your corn well: Aim for nice char marks; this adds depth of flavor that complements the salad beautifully.
• Choose ripe avocados: Make sure your avocados are perfectly ripe for a creamy texture and rich taste.
• Adjust spiciness to taste: Feel free to modify the amount of cayenne pepper or hot sauce in the vinaigrette based on your heat preference.
• Let it chill briefly: Allowing the salad to sit for about 10 minutes after mixing helps flavors meld together nicely.
• Add variety with seasonal veggies: Feel free to include other vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers for added color and crunch.

Best Side Dishes for Grilled Corn Salad with Avocado, Goat Cheese & Hot Honey Vinaigrette

This Grilled Corn Salad pairs well with various side dishes that can round out your meal. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Garlic Bread – Warm, buttery garlic bread is a classic accompaniment that complements many main courses.
2. Coleslaw – A crunchy coleslaw adds texture and contrasts nicely with the creamy elements of the salad.
3. Quinoa Pilaf – A flavorful quinoa pilaf can enhance your meal while keeping it healthy and satisfying.
4. Caprese Skewers – Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil on skewers make an easy-to-eat appetizer that matches well with this salad.
5. Stuffed Peppers – Colorful stuffed peppers filled with grains and vegetables provide a hearty option that pairs well.
6. Grilled Asparagus – Lightly charred asparagus spears add an elegant touch and maintain the summer theme of fresh produce.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Grilled Corn Salad with Avocado, Goat Cheese & Hot Honey Vinaigrette, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Overcooking the corn: If you leave the corn on the grill for too long, it can become tough. Aim for about 20 minutes, turning occasionally for even cooking.
• Ignoring seasoning: Under-seasoning your ingredients can lead to a bland salad. Be sure to season both the corn and the salad mixture well with salt and pepper.
• Using unripe avocados: An unripe avocado can ruin the salad’s creamy texture. Make sure your avocado is ripe and soft to the touch before using it.
• Skipping the vinaigrette: The hot honey vinaigrette is essential for flavor. Don’t skip it; it ties all the ingredients together beautifully.
• Making ahead without precautions: If you prepare this salad in advance, add the avocado and goat cheese right before serving to prevent them from browning or becoming mushy.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Best consumed within 2-3 days for optimal freshness.
• Keep dressing separate until ready to serve.

Freezing Grilled Corn Salad with Avocado, Goat Cheese & Hot Honey Vinaigrette

• Not recommended to freeze as avocado and goat cheese do not thaw well.
• You can freeze just the grilled corn if desired, but consume within 1-2 months.

Reheating Grilled Corn Salad with Avocado, Goat Cheese & Hot Honey Vinaigrette

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place salad on a baking sheet and warm for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish and heat in short bursts of 30 seconds, stirring in between until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium-low heat for a few minutes, stirring gently until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different cheeses in this Grilled Corn Salad?

You can definitely substitute goat cheese with feta or cotija cheese for a different flavor profile!

What are some good protein options to add?

Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas make great additions to this Grilled Corn Salad with Avocado, Goat Cheese & Hot Honey Vinaigrette.

How can I make this salad spicier?

Add more cayenne pepper or your favorite hot sauce when making the vinaigrette for an extra kick!

Can I make this salad vegan?

Yes! Simply omit goat cheese and use maple syrup instead of honey in the vinaigrette.

Final Thoughts

This Grilled Corn Salad with Avocado, Goat Cheese & Hot Honey Vinaigrette is not only delicious but also versatile. It works wonderfully as a side dish at summer barbecues or as a light lunch on its own. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients or proteins! Try it out and enjoy all its fresh flavors.