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Fresh Charred Corn Salad Recipe with Zesty Lime Cotija Dressing

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A colorful, smoky, and bright summer salad featuring charred corn and a tangy lime cotija dressing. Easy to prepare and perfect for backyard BBQs and casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 ears fresh corn on the cob, husked and cleaned
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Juice of 2 medium limes
  • ½ cup cotija cheese, crumbled
  • A small handful fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
  • ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
  • 1 small jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (optional)
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional add-ins: diced avocado or cherry tomatoes

Instructions

  1. Heat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush corn with 1 tablespoon olive oil to prevent sticking.
  2. Place corn on grill and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes until kernels are charred in spots. Remove and let cool slightly.
  3. Cut kernels off the cob into a large bowl using a sharp knife.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  5. Add diced red onion, chopped cilantro, and jalapeño to the corn. Pour dressing over and toss gently to coat.
  6. Sprinkle crumbled cotija cheese over salad and fold in carefully to allow it to melt slightly into the warm corn.
  7. Give the salad a final gentle toss. Taste and add extra salt, pepper, or lime juice if needed.
  8. Serve immediately warm or chill in refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to let flavors meld.

Notes

Use high heat and turn corn frequently to avoid burning. Oil corn well for even charring. Adjust salt carefully due to salty cotija cheese. Salad can be served warm or chilled. For dairy-free version, omit cheese and add extra lime juice and smoked paprika. Frozen corn can be used if fresh is unavailable, but thaw and dry before charring.

Nutrition

Keywords: charred corn salad, lime dressing, cotija cheese, summer salad, grilled corn, easy salad, BBQ side dish

Find it online: https://oracooks.com/fresh-charred-corn-salad-recipe-with-zesty-lime-cotija-dressing-easy-and-perfect-for-summer/