This grilled corn salad recipe is perfect for summer! Great for picnics or as a side for a cookout, this summer corn salad is packed full of flavor and is easy and quick to assemble. It can be made ahead of time, so it’s a simple fuss free option!

Close up of grilled corn salad on a blue and white plate

Summer is all about fresh seasonal colorful foods, and it doesn’t get much more tasty than corn! I love how vibrant this dish is, it’s a great addition to any summer party!

How to make this Grilled Corn Salad Recipe

  • Grill the corn until lightly charred on all sides. Transfer to a plate and let cool to the touch. Cut off the corn kernels and place in a large mixing bowl.
  • Add diced jalapeno, most of the mint, cilantro, Parmesan and most of the Cotija cheese to the corn. Mix well.
  • In a small mixing bowl, whisk together lime juice, oil, agave syrup, salt and black pepper. Whisk briskly about 1 minute. Pour the vinaigrette over the corn mixture and toss until all ingredients are coated. *See note about making ahead.
  • Directly before serving, add the peanuts and gently mix to combine.
  • Garnish with the reserved cheese and mint leaves.
  • Enjoy!

Grilled corn salad on a large serving plate with a spoon

Close up of corn salad on a sppon

Mexican Grilled Corn Salad

Although this isn’t an authentic Mexican corn salad, it has elements of cuisine from south of the border. Jalapeños add a mild heat and fresh cilantro lifts the dish. Lime juice and cotija cheese round of this salad which has a sweet edge to it.

Make ahead summer salad

The beauty of this salad, is that it can be made up to 24 hours ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s perfect to take to a party or picnic, or to take a little pressure off if you are planning a large cookout.

Simple Corn Salad Recipe

I love how easy it is to put this delicious grilled salad together – 20 minutes and a handful of fresh and tasty ingredients and you have a real show stopper of a side dish.

Serve it alongside your favorite grilled meats for a delicious meal. It also works amazingly well as a topping for tacos!

Yellow salad on a blue and white plate

Prepared grilled corn salad on a serving plate

Top tips to make this Grilled Corn Salad Recipe

  • Grilled fresh corn is the best option for this recipes, but if you are in a squeeze, you can use canned or thawed frozen corn.
  • Add the peanuts just before you serve the salad.
  • Use the freshest ingredients you can, and organic if possible.
  • Serve on a large plate in the middle of the table, or use to top tacos.

What to serve with this Grilled Corn Salad

Top shot of a grilled corn salad

Be sure to check out these other summer salads for a party!

Recipe Card

Grilled Corn Salad Recipe

4.81 from 21 votes
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
Total: 20 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Author: Becky Hardin
grilled corn salad in a bowl with a spoon
This grilled corn salad recipe is perfect for summer! Great for picnics or as a side for a cookout, this summer corn salad is packed full of flavor and is easy and quick to assemble. It can be made ahead of time, so it's a simple fuss free option!
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Ingredients 

  • 5 ears corn shucked & silks removed
  • 3-4 jalapeno peppers seeds removed, diced
  • ¼ cup fresh mint leaves rough-chopped (1 tablespoon reserved)
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro leaves rough-chopped
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2/3 cup crumbled Cotija or Queso Fresco cheese 1 tablespoon reserved
  • 3 tablespoons freshly-squeezed lime juice
  • 3 tablespoons neutral oil such as canola or a blend
  • 2 teaspoons agave syrup or honey
  • ½ teaspoon kosher or sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ¾ cup dry-roasted peanuts toasted chopped hazelnuts or pistachios
  • Garnish with the reserved mint leaves and Cotija cheese

Instructions 

  • Grill the corn until lightly charred on all sides. Transfer to a plate and let cool to the touch. Cut off the corn kernels and place in a large mixing bowl.
  • Add diced jalapeno, most of the mint, cilantro, Parmesan and most of the Cotija cheese to the corn. Mix well.
  • In a small mixing bowl, whisk together lime juice, oil, agave syrup, salt and black pepper. Whisk briskly about 1 minute. Pour the vinaigrette over the corn mixture and toss until all ingredients are coated. *See note about making ahead.
  • Directly before serving, add the peanuts and gently mix to combine.
  • Garnish with the reserved cheese and mint leaves.
  • Enjoy!

Video

Becky's Tips

*Note: The salad can be made up to 24 hours ahead. Add all ingredients except the nuts, place in an air-tight container and refrigerate until ready to serve. Right before serving, add the nuts and mix to combine. Garnish with mint leaves and Cotija cheese.
Calories: 311kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 11gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 19mgSodium: 583mgPotassium: 373mgFiber: 3gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 445IUVitamin C: 16.4mgCalcium: 143mgIron: 1.1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Did you make this? Leave a comment!

Meet Becky Hardin

Becky Hardin is a wife and mother living in Saint Louis Missouri. She founded The Cookie Rookie in 2012 as a creative way to share recipes. Now, she is a trusted resource for easy cooking around the world, being featured in Taste of Home, The Kitchn, ABC’s Home and Family, and more. Here at The Cookie Rookie she is the editor in chief of all recipes and continues to enjoy sharing her passion for cooking for busy families. She has since founded two additional food blogs, Easy Chicken Recipes and Easy Dessert Recipes.

4.81 from 21 votes (19 ratings without comment)
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Nancy
Nancy
August 5, 2023 1:45 pm

Looks like a great dish, Im going to try it fro pot luck tomorrow.. in the instructions it says vinegrette, but there is no vinegar in the recipe, I assume it is just the lime juice mixture ?5 stars

Samantha Marceau
August 7, 2023 9:33 am
Reply to  Nancy

Yes, the mixture you are making in step 3 is the vinaigrette!

Melissa
Melissa
June 14, 2023 11:46 am

Everyone who I serve this for absolutely raves about it. It is requested on a regular basis whenever the word potluck it uttered. It is also pretty economical for large crowds. The cheese and peanuts being the biggest expense. But, do NOT leave out the peanuts. They really make the dish. Thank you Cookie Rookie for finally giving me my “signature dish” lol.5 stars