The sun is shining, and the grill is fired up. Picture this: juicy, sweet corn kissed by smoke, mingling with vibrant tomatoes bursting with flavor. You can almost hear them sing as they dance together in a salad that screams summer. sweet coleslaw for summer meals Grilled Corn and Tomato Salad is the perfect sidekick for any barbecue or picnic, bringing both color and zing to your plate.

Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- How long should I grill the corn?
- Can I make this salad ahead of time?
- What type of tomatoes work best?
- 📖 Recipe Card
Now let’s get real for a moment. Who doesn’t love a dish that tastes as good as it looks? I remember the first time I made this salad; my friends couldn’t stop raving about how fresh and delicious it was. It became an instant favorite at our summer gatherings, and honestly, it’s hard to resist that delightful combination of flavors and textures. For more inspiration, check out this Cucumber Salad Delight recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Grilled Corn and Tomato Salad is incredibly easy to whip up, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings
- The burst of flavors will impress everyone at the table while adding vibrant colors to your spread
- You can swap ingredients based on what’s in season or what you have on hand for endless versatility
- Ideal for barbecues or picnics, this salad will be a hit any time of year!
I once served this salad at a family reunion, and my cousin claimed it had “magical powers” because everyone kept going back for seconds!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Fresh Corn on the Cob: Look for bright yellow kernels that are plump and firm; they should smell sweet and earthy.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Choose a mix of colors for visual appeal; they should be glossy and firm to the touch. marinated cherry tomatoes recipe.
- Red Onion: A small amount adds great flavor; choose one that feels heavy with tight skin for freshness.
- Fresh Basil: Opt for fragrant leaves; their aroma should remind you of warm summer days.
- Olive Oil: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil; it’ll enhance the flavors significantly.
- Balsamic Vinegar: A drizzle adds tanginess; opt for aged balsamic for deeper flavor notes.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out all the other flavors in this dish.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Grill the Corn: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the corn directly on the grill grates, turning occasionally until charred (about 10-15 minutes). Enjoy that smoky aroma wafting through the air.
Chop Your Veggies: Once the corn cools down enough to handle, cut the kernels off the cob into a large bowl. Add halved cherry tomatoes and finely diced red onion to create a colorful mix.
Add Fresh Herbs and Dressing: Chop fresh basil leaves and sprinkle them over your veggies. fresh lemon vinaigrette dressing In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper before drizzling it on top.
Toss It All Together: Gently toss everything together using two forks or your hands until well combined but not mushy. Let those flavors mingle for five minutes — patience pays off!
Serve It Up!: Transfer your vibrant salad to a serving bowl or platter. Optionally garnish with additional basil leaves or even some crumbled feta cheese if you’re feeling fancy.
This Grilled Corn and Tomato Salad combines simplicity with explosive flavor making it ideal not just for summer barbecues but also as a refreshing side year-round! crunchy quinoa salad option.
You Must Know
- Grilled corn and tomato salad is a vibrant dish full of summer flavors
- Using fresh seasonal ingredients enhances taste and nutrition
- The smoky corn pairs perfectly with juicy tomatoes, creating a refreshing salad that’s perfect for barbecues or light meals
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Begin by grilling the corn until charred, then let it cool while chopping tomatoes. Mix everything together for an even distribution of flavors.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out tomatoes for avocados or add feta cheese for extra creaminess. Experiment with herbs like basil or cilantro to elevate the freshness.
Storing & Reheating
Store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. For best results, enjoy it cold without reheating.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- This grilled corn and tomato salad is best served fresh, but can also be prepped ahead of time
- Make sure to grill the corn just right; it’s all about that smoky flavor!
- Use ripe tomatoes for maximum juiciness and sweetness
I remember the first time I made this salad for a family barbecue. Everyone raved about it, and my cousin even asked for seconds—now I make it every summer!
FAQ
How long should I grill the corn?
Grill the corn for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally until charred.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a few hours in advance; just add dressing before serving.
What type of tomatoes work best?
Use ripe heirloom or cherry tomatoes for their sweetness and vibrant color.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Grilled Corn and Tomato Salad
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Grilled Corn and Tomato Salad is a vibrant, refreshing dish that captures the essence of summer in every bite. This easy-to-make salad combines smoky grilled corn with juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp red onion, and fragrant basil, all tossed in a light balsamic dressing. Perfect as a side for barbecues or a quick weeknight meal, this recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Enjoy the burst of flavors that make this salad an instant crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
Ingredients
- 2 ears of Fresh Corn on the Cob
- 2 cups Cherry Tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup Red Onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup Fresh Basil, chopped
- 3 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 2 tablespoons Balsamic Vinegar
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill corn for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally until charred. Remove from grill and let cool.
- Once cooled, cut kernels off the corn cob and place in a large bowl. Add halved cherry tomatoes and diced red onion.
- Sprinkle freshly chopped basil over the mixture.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper; drizzle over salad ingredients.
- Toss gently until combined without mashing the ingredients. Let sit for 5 minutes for flavors to meld.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature, garnished with extra basil or crumbled feta if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg