Grilled Corn Salad

Grilled corn salad is quick and simple to make, but oh so flavorful and impressive for a crowd. The corn and basil play together divinely, and the sweetness of both comes through in each bite.

Grilling the corn in this recipe also brings out a delightful char that’s visually appealing—and equally delicious. Fresh bell pepper and zucchini add color and crunch to the dish. And the overall effect is pure summer vibes, ideal for cookouts, potlucks, picnics—or even just a satisfying side with al fresco Sunday dinners at home.

Learn how to make grilled corn salad, and plan to make it the next time you heat up the grill for dinner.

Ingredients for Grilled Corn Salad

This dish is all about fresh flavors and simple ingredients. Here's what you'll need to make grilled corn salad:

• Fresh corn: Ideally local and very recently picked corn is what you'll use. It's still plump and juicy, which will pair perfectly with the rest of the dish.
• Red bell pepper: You can use any color of bell pepper really, but we like the visual appeal of the red pepper against the yellow corn and green zucchini.
• Zucchini: Look for smaller ones that are more tender when raw.
• Shallot: Still provides onion flavor without as much bite as a red or white onion. You can use sweet Vidalia onion if you like.
• Garlic: Helps deepen the flavor of the corn salad.
• Fresh basil: Practically a mandatory summer side dish star. If you aren't a fan of basil, use cilantro or parsley instead.
• Olive oil: You'll use it to brush the corn and make a quick dressing. Canola or vegetable oil works, too.
• White balsamic vinegar: Still tart and tangy but without the dark coloring of traditional balsamic.
• Kosher salt and pepper: For seasoning.

How To Make Grilled Corn Salad

This grilled corn salad recipe comes together quickly. Here's a brief recap of the process before you get started. The full recipe is further below.

• Step 1. Grill the corn: First, preheat the grill to medium-high. Coat the corn with olive oil and place it on oiled grates. Grill uncovered for about 10 minutes, turning as you go until grill marks form all over.
• Step 2. Remove kernels: Transfer the corn to a cutting board, and let it cool. Cut kernels from the corn, and place them in a large bowl.
• Step 3. Mix salad: Add bell pepper, zucchini, shallot, garlic, basil, vinegar, salt, pepper, and the rest of the olive oil. Toss to combine.

Can You Make Grilled Corn Salad Ahead?

You can easily make this recipe ahead to keep prep simple. To make it ahead, just add everything except for the salt and zucchini. Add these ingredients on the day of serving to make sure the salad stays crisp and doesn't water out.

How Long Will Grilled Corn Salad Last in the Fridge?

Covered tightly, grilled corn salad should last several days in the refrigerator. It’s a generally hearty salad that makes excellent leftovers.

Should I Boil Corn Before Grilling It?

In this recipe, there is no need to boil the corn before coating it with olive oil and placing it on the oiled grates of the grill. Skipping the boiling in favor of grilling alone imparts that smoky, charred flavor and texture, and it'll help avoid drying out the corn.

Variations for Grilled Corn Salad

Looking for inspiration to make this grilled corn salad a little more to your liking? We have a few ideas straight from the Southern Living Test Kitchen:

• Say cheese: You could add some cotija cheese for a creamy punch that's tangy and salty.
• Add protein: Stir in some canned black beans for an additional dose of protein and texture. 
• Cook elsewhere: While the flavor of the grilled corn makes this salad distinct—perfect as a barbecue side dish—you could alternatively prepare the corn on the stovetop or roasted in the oven if needed. The flavor will vary, but the result will still be a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

What To Serve With Grilled Corn Salad

Grilled corn salad is an excellent side dish to make when you've got the grill hot, but you'll need something to serve with it. Consider serving with classic Grilled BBQ Chicken or Spicy Grilled Chicken Breasts. This corn salad would also be great with Grilled Shrimp or Grilled Pork Chops, all of which will cook on the grill alongside the corn for this side.

Editorial contributions by Alesandra Dubin.