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Fresh Grilled Corn Salad with Zesty Lime-Cilantro Butter

fresh grilled corn salad - featured image

A bright and fresh grilled corn salad featuring smoky charred kernels tossed in a zesty lime-cilantro butter, perfect for summer gatherings and quick meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 45 fresh ears of corn, husked and cleaned
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 fresh limes, juiced and zested
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced (optional)
  • 1 small jalapeño, finely chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (375-450°F). If using charcoal, wait until coals are glowing red with a light layer of ash.
  2. In a small bowl, combine softened unsalted butter with lime zest, lime juice, chopped cilantro, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until evenly incorporated.
  3. Place husked ears of corn directly on the grill grates. Grill for 10-12 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes to achieve an even char and smoky aroma.
  4. Remove corn from grill and let rest for 5 minutes until warm but easier to handle.
  5. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut kernels off the cob into a large mixing bowl, avoiding cutting too deeply into the cob.
  6. Add the lime-cilantro butter to the warm corn kernels and stir until the butter melts and coats every kernel.
  7. If desired, fold in halved cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, and chopped jalapeño. Taste and adjust salt or lime juice as needed.
  8. Serve the salad warm or at room temperature as a side dish or on its own.

Notes

Use softened butter for easy mixing and better melting over warm corn. Hold the cob vertically in a bundt pan or deep bowl when cutting kernels to catch them easily. Do not rush grilling to avoid burning; turn corn often. Lime zest is essential for brightness. For dairy-free option, substitute butter with plant-based margarine or coconut oil.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled corn salad, lime-cilantro butter, summer salad, grilled corn, fresh corn salad, easy side dish, barbecue salad