Charred Corn Avocado Salad with Roasted Red Onions

This Charred Corn Avocado Salad with Roasted Red Onions is a vibrant and delicious dish that captures the essence of summer. It showcases sweet, smoky charred corn combined with creamy avocado, juicy cherry tomatoes, and roasted red onions, all drizzled with a tangy lemon Dijon dressing. This salad is not only visually appealing but also versatile enough to serve at barbecues, picnics, or as a light meal on its own.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fresh Ingredients: Each component bursts with flavor, making every bite a delight.
• Easy Preparation: With simple steps and minimal cooking time, this salad is quick to make.
• Versatile Serving Options: Perfect as a side dish or a light main course; it suits various occasions.
• Nutritious Choice: Packed with vegetables and healthy fats from avocado, it’s both satisfying and good for you.
• Colorful Presentation: The mix of colors makes this salad visually stunning on any table.

Tools and Preparation

To create this delightful salad, having the right tools can make your cooking experience smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Grill or grill pan
• Mixing bowl
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill or grill pan: Creates the perfect char on the corn and onions, enhancing their flavors.
• Mixing bowl: Allows for easy tossing of ingredients without spilling.
• Knife: Essential for chopping vegetables accurately and safely.
• Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for cutting ingredients while protecting your countertops.

Ingredients

This Charred Corn Avocado Salad with Roasted Red Onions combines all the fresh flavours of summer in a salad bowl. Sweet, smoky charred corn mixed with avocado, cherry tomatoes, roasted red onions and a lemon Dijon dressing makes it a perfect side salad for any barbecue or potluck gathering.

For the Charred Corn and Onions

• 2 red onion
• 3 corn

For the Salad Base

• 200 g red grape tomatoes
• 200 g yellow grape tomatoes
• 1 avocado
• ¼ bunch cilantro (coriander)

For the Dressing

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

How to Make Charred Corn Avocado Salad with Roasted Red Onions

Step 1: Prepare the Corn and Onions

1. Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
2. Brush the red onions with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
3. Place the corn and red onions on the grill. Cook until the corn is charred all over and the onions are softened. This should take about 10-15 minutes.

Step 2: Chop the Vegetables

1. Once cooled slightly, remove the corn from the cob using a sharp knife.
2. Dice the grilled onions into bite-sized pieces.
3. Halve the red grape tomatoes and yellow grape tomatoes.
4. Cut the avocado into cubes.

Step 3: Mix Everything Together

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the charred corn, diced onions, halved tomatoes, avocado cubes, and chopped cilantro.
2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, salt, and pepper to create your dressing.

Step 4: Serve Your Salad

1. Drizzle the dressing over your salad mixture.
2. Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
3. Serve immediately or chill before serving for enhanced flavors.

Enjoy this refreshing Charred Corn Avocado Salad with Roasted Red Onions at your next gathering!

How to Serve Charred Corn Avocado Salad with Roasted Red Onions

This Charred Corn Avocado Salad with Roasted Red Onions is a vibrant dish that can elevate any meal. Here are some creative ways to serve this delightful salad.

As a Standalone Dish

• Enjoy the salad on its own for a refreshing light lunch or dinner.

With Grilled Proteins

• Pair it with grilled chicken or turkey for a hearty meal that balances flavors and textures.

In a Wrap

• Use the salad as a filling for wraps or tortillas, adding protein like beans or grilled vegetables for extra nutrition.

As a Topping

• Serve it as a topping over tacos or nachos, enhancing your favorite dishes with fresh tastes.

At Barbecues

• Present it at your next barbecue as a colorful side that complements grilled meats beautifully.

With Tortilla Chips

• Serve alongside crispy tortilla chips for a crunchy contrast that adds excitement to your snack time.

How to Perfect Charred Corn Avocado Salad with Roasted Red Onions

To make your Charred Corn Avocado Salad truly shine, follow these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always choose ripe avocados and fresh produce for the best flavor and texture in your salad.
• Char Corn Properly: Ensure you char the corn until it’s golden brown to bring out its sweet, smoky taste.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste the salad before serving to adjust salt and pepper according to your preference.
• Add Crunch: Consider adding nuts or seeds, like pumpkin seeds, for an extra layer of crunch in your salad.
• Mix Dressing Separately: Whisk together the dressing ingredients before combining them with the salad for even distribution of flavor.
• Chill Before Serving: Letting the salad chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes allows flavors to meld beautifully.

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

This salad pairs wonderfully with various side dishes. Here are some excellent options to consider.

1. Grilled Chicken Skewers: Tender chicken marinated and grilled, perfect alongside the freshness of the salad.
2. Quinoa Pilaf: A nutty quinoa dish mixed with herbs and spices offers protein and fiber while complementing the salad’s flavors.
3. Roasted Vegetable Medley: Seasonal roasted veggies add warmth and depth, enhancing your meal’s overall appeal.
4. Cilantro Lime Rice: Fluffy rice flavored with cilantro and lime provides a zesty contrast that pairs excellently with the savory elements of the salad.
5. Stuffed Peppers: Colorful bell peppers filled with grains, beans, and spices create a wholesome side dish that aligns well with this refreshing salad.
6. Baked Sweet Potato Wedges: Crispy sweet potato wedges offer sweetness and texture, making them an ideal companion to balance the dish’s flavors.
7. Garlic Breadsticks: Warm breadsticks brushed with garlic butter serve as a comforting addition to any summer meal.
8. Cornbread Muffins: Soft cornbread muffins bring out the corn flavor in the salad while adding a delightful sweetness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing the Charred Corn Avocado Salad with Roasted Red Onions, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few tips to ensure your salad is a hit.

• Ignoring ingredient quality: Using subpar ingredients can affect the flavor. Always choose fresh corn, ripe avocados, and vibrant tomatoes for the best results.
• Not seasoning properly: Under-seasoning can lead to blandness. Taste your salad as you go and adjust salt and pepper to bring out the flavors.
• Overcooking the onions: Cooking red onions too long can make them bitter. Roast until they are just tender and slightly caramelized for a sweeter taste.
• Skipping the dressing: The dressing ties all elements together. Don’t skip it or skimp on key ingredients like Dijon mustard and lemon juice for a zesty punch.
• Chilling too long before serving: While chilling is important, letting the salad sit for too long can cause it to lose texture. Serve it fresh for the best experience.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Keep the dressing separate if possible to maintain freshness.

Freezing Charred Corn Avocado Salad with Roasted Red Onions

• Freezing is not recommended due to the avocado’s texture change.
• If you must freeze, consider only freezing the corn and onions separately.

Reheating Charred Corn Avocado Salad with Roasted Red Onions

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm covered for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds, stirring in between until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Gently warm in a skillet over low heat, stirring frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about preparing Charred Corn Avocado Salad with Roasted Red Onions.

How do I enhance the flavor of Charred Corn Avocado Salad with Roasted Red Onions?

Adding additional herbs like basil or mint can elevate flavors. A splash of lime juice also adds brightness!

Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh?

Yes! Frozen corn is a great alternative. Just thaw and drain before using.

What other vegetables can I add to this salad?

Feel free to include bell peppers, cucumber, or radishes for added crunch and flavor.

How can I make this salad vegan-friendly?

This recipe is already plant-based; simply omit any honey-based dressings and use maple syrup as suggested.

Final Thoughts

The Charred Corn Avocado Salad with Roasted Red Onions is not only refreshing but also versatile. You can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or proteins. Perfect for barbecues or potlucks, this salad will surely impress your guests!