Charred Corn Avocado Salad with Roasted Red Onions

This Charred Corn Avocado Salad with Roasted Red Onions is a vibrant and delicious dish that celebrates the best of summer produce. Perfect for barbecues, potlucks, or just a light lunch, this salad features sweet, smoky charred corn combined with creamy avocado, juicy tomatoes, and caramelized roasted red onions. Tossed in a zesty lemon Dijon dressing, it’s not only refreshing but also packed with flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes of cooking, you can whip up this salad in no time.
• Bursting with Flavor: The combination of charred corn and roasted onions adds a delightful smokiness that elevates the dish.
• Versatile Side Dish: This salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats, making it an ideal addition to any summer gathering.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with vitamins and healthy fats from fresh vegetables and avocado, this salad is as good for you as it is tasty.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite ingredients or swap out elements to suit your taste preferences.

Tools and Preparation

To make the Charred Corn Avocado Salad with Roasted Red Onions, having the right tools can streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Grill or grill pan
• Baking sheet
• Mixing bowl
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill or grill pan: Essential for achieving that smoky charred flavor on the corn.
• Baking sheet: Useful for roasting the onions evenly in the oven.
• Mixing bowl: Ideal for combining all the fresh ingredients together without 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 Vegetables

1. Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
2. Peel and slice the red onions into thick rings.
3. Husk the corn and cut off any damaged kernels.

Step 2: Grill the Corn and Onions

1. Brush the corn and onion rings with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
2. Place them on the grill. Cook for about 10–15 minutes until they are nicely charred, turning occasionally.
3. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Step 3: Chop Other Ingredients

1. While the corn and onions cool, halve the red grape tomatoes and yellow grape tomatoes.
2. Dice the avocado into bite-sized pieces.
3. Chop cilantro roughly.

Step 4: Combine Everything

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine charred corn (cut off the cob), roasted onion rings (chopped), tomatoes, diced avocado, and cilantro.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Make the Dressing

1. In a small bowl, whisk together remaining olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and maple syrup until smooth.

Step 6: Dress the Salad

1. Pour dressing over salad ingredients in the mixing bowl.
2. Gently toss everything together until well coated.

Step 7: Serve

1. Transfer to a serving dish or serve directly from the mixing bowl.
2. Enjoy your fresh Charred Corn Avocado Salad at your next gathering!

How to Serve Charred Corn Avocado Salad with Roasted Red Onions

This Charred Corn Avocado Salad with Roasted Red Onions is a vibrant dish that can be served in various ways. Its fresh ingredients and delightful flavors make it a versatile addition to any meal or gathering.

As a Side Dish

• Complements grilled meats: This salad pairs wonderfully with barbecued chicken or steak, adding a refreshing contrast.
• Perfect for potlucks: It’s an easy dish to transport and share, making it ideal for gatherings and parties.

In a Wrap

• Create a delicious wrap: Use large lettuce leaves or tortillas to wrap the salad for a healthy lunch option.
• Add protein: Consider adding grilled chicken or beans for extra substance.

Topped on Tacos

• Enhance your tacos: Use this salad as a topping for fish or veggie tacos, providing added texture and flavor.
• Go spicy: A sprinkle of jalapeños can give your tacos an extra kick.

How to Perfect Charred Corn Avocado Salad with Roasted Red Onions

To make this salad even better, consider these simple tips. They will enhance the flavors and presentation of your dish.

• Use fresh ingredients: Always opt for the freshest corn and ripe avocados for the best flavor and texture.
• Grill the corn: For more smokiness, grill the corn on the cob instead of boiling. This adds depth to your salad.
• Chill before serving: Letting the salad sit in the fridge for 30 minutes allows flavors to meld beautifully.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste before serving and adjust salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed for balance.

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

Pairing this salad with complementary side dishes can elevate your meal. Here are some great options:

1. Grilled Chicken Skewers: Juicy chicken skewers seasoned simply allow the salad’s flavors to shine.
2. Quinoa Pilaf: A light quinoa pilaf adds protein while keeping the meal healthy and balanced.
3. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: The sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes pairs well with the smoky corn in the salad.
4. Black Bean Tacos: These hearty tacos complement the freshness of the salad, creating a satisfying combination.
5. Cilantro Lime Rice: The zesty rice enhances the overall flavor profile and is easy to prepare.
6. Caprese Salad: A classic combination of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil adds another layer of freshness to your table.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a salad may seem simple, but some common pitfalls can affect the final dish. Here’s what to watch out for when preparing your Charred Corn Avocado Salad with Roasted Red Onions.

• Using unripe avocados: Choose ripe avocados for a creamy texture. Unripe ones can be hard and lack flavor.
• Overcooking the corn: When charring corn, cook it just until it’s slightly charred. Overcooked corn can become tough and lose its sweetness.
• Skipping the seasoning: Don’t forget to season your salad! Salt and pepper enhance the flavors of all ingredients, making your salad vibrant.
• Not letting the onions cool: After roasting, allow the red onions to cool before adding them to the salad. This helps maintain the avocado’s freshness.
• Ignoring dressing balance: The right balance of acidity and sweetness in your dressing is key. Adjust lemon juice and maple syrup according to taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• item Store in an airtight container.
• item Keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• item Avoid storing with added dressing to prevent sogginess.

Freezing Charred Corn Avocado Salad with Roasted Red Onions

• item Freezing is not recommended due to avocado texture changes upon thawing.
• item If you must freeze, store components separately (corn, onions, etc.).

Reheating Charred Corn Avocado Salad with Roasted Red Onions

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), place salad on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat for 1-2 minutes in short intervals.
• Stovetop: Heat on medium in a pan for about 5 minutes or until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this Charred Corn Avocado Salad with Roasted Red Onions unique?

This salad stands out due to its combination of smoky charred corn and creamy avocado, enhanced by roasted red onions and a zesty dressing.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the ingredients ahead of time but mix them just before serving for optimal freshness.

What are some variations of this Charred Corn Avocado Salad?

Feel free to add black beans or different veggies like bell peppers or cucumbers for extra flavor and texture.

How do I serve this salad?

Serve it chilled or at room temperature as a side dish at barbecues or potlucks. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats.

Final Thoughts

This Charred Corn Avocado Salad with Roasted Red Onions is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it with your favorite ingredients or dressings. It’s perfect for summer gatherings or as a refreshing side dish any time of year. Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!