Charred Corn Avocado Salad with Roasted Red Onions

This Charred Corn Avocado Salad with Roasted Red Onions is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, perfect for any summer gathering. With its smoky charred corn, creamy avocado, and the sweetness of roasted red onions, this salad shines as a side dish for barbecues, potlucks, or even as a light meal. Its vibrant colors and fresh ingredients make it not only appealing to the taste buds but also visually stunning.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fresh Flavors: The combination of charred corn and creamy avocado creates a refreshing taste that sings of summer.
• Easy to Prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this salad quickly.
• Versatile Side Dish: This salad pairs well with grilled meats, tacos, or can be enjoyed on its own.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with vegetables and healthy fats, this salad is not only tasty but good for you too.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Whether at a family gathering or a picnic with friends, everyone will love this salad.

Tools and Preparation

To create your Charred Corn Avocado Salad with Roasted Red Onions efficiently, having the right tools is essential. These tools will help you prepare the salad quickly while ensuring everything is perfectly cooked and mixed.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Grill or grill pan
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill or grill pan: This tool allows you to achieve that delicious char on the corn, enhancing the flavor profile.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe and stable surface for chopping vegetables and fruits neatly.
• Sharp knife: A good knife makes slicing through vegetables effortless and precise.
• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining all your ingredients without making a mess.

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 Red Onions

1. Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
2. Slice the red onions into thick rounds and brush them lightly with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
3. Place the onions on the grill and cook for about 10 minutes until they are tender and have nice grill marks. Remove from heat.

Step 2: Char the Corn

1. While the onions are grilling, husk the corn and brush it with olive oil as well.
2. Grill the corn for about 15 minutes, turning occasionally until it’s charred in spots.
3. Once done, let it cool slightly before cutting off the kernels.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the grilled corn kernels, grilled onions (chopped), cherry tomatoes (halved), diced avocado, and chopped cilantro.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Make the Dressing

1. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and maple syrup until well combined.

Step 5: Dress Your Salad

1. Pour the dressing over your salad mixture.
2. Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly before serving.

Enjoy your vibrant Charred Corn Avocado Salad with Roasted Red Onions, perfect for sharing at any occasion!

How to Serve Charred Corn Avocado Salad with Roasted Red Onions

Serving your Charred Corn Avocado Salad with Roasted Red Onions can elevate any meal. This vibrant salad not only looks appealing but also bursts with fresh flavors, making it a fantastic addition to various dishes.

As a Standalone Dish

• Enjoy this salad on its own for a light, refreshing meal that highlights the smoky corn and creamy avocado.

Paired with Grilled Meats

• Serve alongside grilled chicken or steak. The salad’s acidity complements the richness of grilled proteins perfectly.

In Tacos

• Use this salad as a topping for tacos. The combination of flavors adds depth and texture to your favorite fillings.

With Grilled Fish

• Pair with grilled fish for a healthy, colorful plate. The smokiness of the corn enhances the fish’s flavor.

How to Perfect Charred Corn Avocado Salad with Roasted Red Onions

To create an unforgettable Charred Corn Avocado Salad with Roasted Red Onions, consider these tips for enhancing flavors and textures.

• Choose ripe avocados – Ensure your avocados are perfectly ripe for creaminess that balances the salad’s other ingredients.
• Grill corn until charred – Charring enhances the sweetness of the corn, giving it a delightful smoky flavor.
• Use fresh herbs – Fresh cilantro adds brightness and freshness, elevating the overall taste of the dish.
• Adjust seasoning – Don’t hesitate to add more salt or pepper according to your preference; personalizing flavors is key.
• Serve chilled – This salad tastes even better after being chilled for a bit in the fridge, allowing flavors to meld together.

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

Pairing side dishes with your Charred Corn Avocado Salad can create a delightful dining experience. Here are some excellent options that complement this salad beautifully.

1. Grilled Chicken Skewers – Juicy chicken marinated in spices pairs well, adding protein to your meal.
2. Stuffed Bell Peppers – Colorful bell peppers stuffed with quinoa and veggies add a hearty element without overshadowing the salad.
3. Roasted Sweet Potatoes – Their sweetness contrasts nicely with the tangy salad, creating a balanced plate.
4. Quinoa Pilaf – Nutty quinoa mixed with vegetables provides additional texture and nutrition.
5. Garlic Bread – Crispy garlic bread serves as a great vehicle for scooping up leftover salad and adds comfort to your meal.
6. Coleslaw – A crunchy coleslaw brings another layer of texture and flavor while keeping things light and fresh.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Charred Corn Avocado Salad with Roasted Red Onions, it’s essential to steer clear of common pitfalls to ensure a delicious dish.

• Overcooking the Corn: If you cook the corn too long, it can become mushy. Aim for a nice char while keeping the kernels crisp.
• Skipping the Seasoning: Not seasoning your salad can result in bland flavors. Be sure to add salt and pepper during preparation for maximum taste.
• Using Unripe Avocados: An unripe avocado will not provide the creamy texture this salad needs. Choose ripe avocados for the best results.
• Neglecting Fresh Ingredients: Using wilted or old vegetables will affect the overall taste. Always opt for fresh tomatoes and cilantro.
• Ignoring Flavor Balance: Too much lemon juice or mustard can overpower the salad. Adjust the dressing ingredients gradually to find the perfect balance.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container.
• The salad will remain fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Charred Corn Avocado Salad with Roasted Red Onions

• This salad is not ideal for freezing due to its avocado content, which may become mushy upon thawing.
• It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.

Reheating Charred Corn Avocado Salad with Roasted Red Onions

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), spread on a baking sheet, and reheat for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish and heat in 30-second intervals until warm.
• Stovetop: Warm gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Charred Corn Avocado Salad with Roasted Red Onions special?

This salad features sweet and smoky flavors from charred corn, combined with creamy avocado and tangy dressing, creating a delightful dish perfect for summer gatherings.

Can I customize this Charred Corn Avocado Salad?

Absolutely! Feel free to add ingredients like black beans, bell peppers, or even feta cheese for added flavor and texture.

How do I know when my avocados are ripe?

A ripe avocado should yield slightly when pressed gently. Look for a dark green color without blemishes for the best selection.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This salad can be prepared ahead of time, but it’s best to keep the dressing separate until ready to serve for optimal freshness.

Final Thoughts

The Charred Corn Avocado Salad with Roasted Red Onions is not only vibrant and flavorful but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite ingredients. Try it at your next gathering—you’ll love how it brightens up any meal!