Charred Corn Avocado Salad with Roasted Red Onions

This Charred Corn Avocado Salad with Roasted Red Onions is the perfect dish to celebrate summer. It brings together vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients, making it an ideal side for barbecues, picnics, and potluck gatherings. The combination of sweet, smoky charred corn with creamy avocado and tangy roasted red onions creates a salad that stands out on any table. Enjoy the delightful crunch of fresh tomatoes and the zesty lemon Dijon dressing, making every bite a refreshing experience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fresh Ingredients: Each component is packed with flavor, ensuring a delicious taste in every bite.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect as a side for grilled meats or as a light meal on its own.
• Easy to Prepare: With minimal prep and cook time, this salad is quick and simple to make.
• Nutritious Option: Loaded with vitamins and fiber, it’s a healthy choice for any meal.
• Colorful Presentation: The vibrant colors make it visually appealing, sure to impress guests.

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Tools and Preparation

To create your Charred Corn Avocado Salad with Roasted Red Onions, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Grill or grill pan
• Mixing bowls
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Spoon for mixing

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill or grill pan: This tool is crucial for achieving that smoky char on the corn, enhancing the overall flavor of the salad.
• Mixing bowls: Having multiple bowls helps organize your ingredients, making mixing easy and efficient.
• Sharp knife: A good knife ensures clean cuts for your vegetables, which is important for both presentation and ease of eating.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface to chop your veggies while keeping your kitchen tidy.

Ingredients

For the Salad

• 2 red onion
• 3 corn
• 200 g red grape tomatoes
• 200 g yellow grape tomatoes
• 1 avocado
• ¼ bunch cilantro (coriander)
• salt (to taste)
• pepper (to taste)

For the Dressing

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

How to Make Charred Corn Avocado Salad with Roasted Red Onions

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Start by preparing all your vegetables. Peel and slice the red onions into thick wedges. Cut the cherry tomatoes in half. Dice the avocado just before serving to keep it fresh.

Step 2: Grill the Corn and Onions

1. Heat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
2. Brush the corn with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
3. Place the corn on the grill along with the onion wedges.
4. Grill for about 15 minutes, turning occasionally until charred.

Step 3: Chop and Mix Ingredients

1. Once grilled, remove corn from heat and let it cool slightly before cutting kernels off the cob.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine grilled corn kernels, cherry tomatoes, diced avocado, chopped cilantro, and grilled onions.

Step 4: Prepare Dressing

In a separate bowl:
1. Whisk together remaining olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.

Step 6: Serve

Serve immediately for best freshness or chill in the refrigerator for up to an hour before serving. Enjoy your refreshing Charred Corn Avocado Salad with Roasted Red Onions!

How to Serve Charred Corn Avocado Salad with Roasted Red Onions

Serving your Charred Corn Avocado Salad with Roasted Red Onions can elevate any gathering. This vibrant salad pairs beautifully with various dishes and can be enjoyed in multiple ways.

As a Standalone Dish

• Deliciously refreshing on its own, this salad is perfect for light lunches or as a quick snack.

With Grilled Meats

• Serve alongside grilled chicken or steak to complement the smoky flavors of the charred corn.

As a Topping

• Use it as a topping for tacos or quesadillas, adding freshness and texture to every bite.

In a Wrap

• Wrap it up in a tortilla with some protein for an easy and tasty meal option that’s great on the go.

With Quinoa or Rice

• Mix it into cooked quinoa or rice for a hearty side dish that adds color and nutrition to your plate.

How to Perfect Charred Corn Avocado Salad with Roasted Red Onions

To achieve the best version of your Charred Corn Avocado Salad with Roasted Red Onions, consider these helpful tips for enhancing flavor and texture.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh corn and ripe avocados will enhance the overall taste of the salad.
• Grill the corn: For an extra smoky flavor, grill the corn until charred before adding it to your salad.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste as you go! Adjust salt, pepper, and lemon juice according to your preference.
• Chill before serving: Letting the salad chill in the fridge for 30 minutes helps meld all the flavors together beautifully.
• Add nuts or seeds: Tossing in some toasted pumpkin seeds or walnuts can give an extra crunch and nutrition boost.

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

This salad pairs well with various side dishes, making it versatile for any meal. Here are some excellent options that complement its flavors.

1. Grilled Chicken Skewers: Tender chicken marinated in spices, grilled to perfection.
2. Black Bean Tacos: Flavorful black beans wrapped in soft tortillas, adding protein and texture.
3. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Crispy on the outside and soft inside; their sweetness balances the salad’s acidity.
4. Mexican Street Corn: Creamy, cheesy corn on the cob topped with cilantro and lime—perfect for summer barbecues.
5. Quinoa Salad: A nutritious blend of quinoa, vegetables, and herbs that enhances your meal’s health factor.
6. Stuffed Bell Peppers: Colorful bell peppers filled with grains and veggies make an eye-catching addition to your table.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a Charred Corn Avocado Salad with Roasted Red Onions can be straightforward, but there are common mistakes that can affect your dish’s flavor and texture.

• Skipping the charred flavor: Not charring the corn properly will result in a bland salad. Make sure to grill or roast the corn until it’s nicely browned for that smoky taste.
• Overcooking the onions: Cooking the red onions too long can make them mushy. Roast them just until they’re tender and caramelized, enhancing their sweetness without losing texture.
• Using unripe avocados: An unripe avocado will ruin your salad’s creaminess. Always pick ripe avocados for the best flavor and texture.
• Neglecting seasoning: Forgetting to season with salt and pepper can leave your salad flat. Season well to enhance all the flavors, balancing the sweetness of corn and tomatoes.
• Not letting flavors meld: Serving immediately can miss out on flavor development. Letting the salad sit for a few minutes after mixing allows all ingredients to harmonize beautifully.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Keep avocado separate if possible to avoid browning.

Freezing Charred Corn Avocado Salad with Roasted Red Onions

• This salad is best enjoyed fresh; however, you can freeze charred corn and onions separately for up to 2 months.
• Thaw in the refrigerator before using.

Reheating Charred Corn Avocado Salad with Roasted Red Onions

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out.
• Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds until warmed through, stir occasionally.
• Stovetop: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I serve with Charred Corn Avocado Salad with Roasted Red Onions?

This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. It’s also a great side for tacos or burritos.

How do I customize my Charred Corn Avocado Salad?

You can add black beans for protein, diced jalapeños for heat, or feta cheese for a tangy twist!

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare most components ahead of time but add avocado just before serving to keep it fresh.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! Just store ingredients separately until you’re ready to eat, especially keeping avocado fresh.

Final Thoughts

The Charred Corn Avocado Salad with Roasted Red Onions is not only delightful but also versatile. With its vibrant colors and fresh flavors, it’s perfect for summer gatherings or as a refreshing side dish year-round. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite ingredients!