Grilled Summer Corn Salad (AKA My Favorite Side Dish of the Season)

May 24, 2025

This grilled summer corn salad is packed with juicy tomatoes, creamy avocado, and tossed with lime, honey, and Tajín. Fresh, healthy, and perfect for BBQ season!

There’s just something magical about grilled corn in the summertime. It’s sweet, smoky, juicy, and somehow makes every dish feel like it belongs at a backyard BBQ. This Grilled Summer Corn Salad is one of those recipes I’ll be making on repeat until the end of August—and maybe even sneaking into early fall.

I made this last weekend when we grilled out with friends, and it was the first thing to disappear. It’s everything I love in a summer salad: light, fresh, and filled with flavor. It’s also incredibly easy to throw together but looks super impressive on the table. You can prep everything ahead and just toss it all together when it’s time to eat.

Let’s Break It Down:

Grilled corn gives this dish a sweet charred flavor that’s basically the taste of summer.
Cherry tomatoes add a juicy burst that balances the creaminess of the avocado.
Shallots add a little sharpness without overpowering, and they mellow perfectly with lime juice.
Arugula brings that peppery bite and makes the whole thing feel like a real salad, not just a corn bowl.
The dressing is as simple as it gets—olive oil, honey, lime juice, and Tajín for that sweet-tangy-spicy hit.

It’s super customizable too. Don’t like arugula? Use spinach or chopped romaine. Want it spicier? Add jalapeño or a splash of hot sauce. Craving extra creaminess? Crumbled feta or cotija would be amazing on top.

Why This Recipe Works So Well

I love this salad because it checks so many boxes:

It’s naturally gluten-free.
It feels indulgent thanks to the avocado but stays light.
It works as a side dish or a base for a full meal.
You can prep it in advance—just hold the avocado and arugula until the last minute!

I’ve had it on the side of grilled chicken thighs, fish tacos, and even just scooped it with tortilla chips for lunch.

Perfect For:

BBQs and potlucks
Easy weeknight dinners
Poolside lunches
Meal prep salad base (just add protein!)

Final Thoughts

This is one of those dishes that feels super you-made-that?! but takes minimal effort. The combo of grilled corn, lime, and avocado never misses. And I swear, adding a handful of arugula at the end makes it feel way more intentional than just tossing veggies in a bowl.

So go ahead and bookmark this one—it’s not just a salad, it’s your new summer essential.

Meal Prep Tip

Grill extra corn and keep the kernels in a container in your fridge. Then when it’s time to eat, you’re halfway there.