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Flavorful Grilled Corn Salad Recipe with Easy Zesty Lime Cilantro Butter

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A zesty and smoky grilled corn salad featuring lime cilantro butter that caramelizes on the grill, delivering fresh, vibrant flavors perfect for summer gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 ears fresh corn on the cob, husks removed
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • Juice of 2 medium limes
  • ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
  • ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
  • 1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Lime Cilantro Butter: In a small bowl, combine 4 tablespoons softened unsalted butter, juice of 2 limes, ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro, and 1 minced garlic clove. Add ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Mix thoroughly until smooth and fragrant. Let it sit while you prep the corn.
  2. Preheat Your Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high, around 400°F (200°C). If using a charcoal grill, wait until coals are glowing red with a layer of white ash.
  3. Prepare the Corn: Peel back the corn husks without removing them entirely or remove them completely for direct grilling. Brush each ear generously with the lime cilantro butter, reserving some butter for later.
  4. Grill the Corn: Place the buttered corn directly on the grill grates. Grill for 10-12 minutes total, turning every 2-3 minutes to get nice char marks and caramelize the butter. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
  5. Cool and Cut Off Kernels: Transfer the grilled corn to a plate and let cool for 5 minutes. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the kernels off the cob into a large mixing bowl.
  6. Prepare the Salad Mix: Add 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, ¼ cup finely diced red onion, and 1 minced jalapeño (if using) to the bowl with corn. Drizzle 1 tablespoon olive oil and toss gently to combine.
  7. Final Seasoning: Add the reserved lime cilantro butter to the salad bowl, stirring gently to coat everything evenly. Taste and adjust salt or lime juice as needed.

Notes

Soften butter to room temperature before mixing for best consistency. Turn corn every 2-3 minutes to develop grill marks and avoid burning. Use fresh lime juice and cilantro for vibrant flavor. Jalapeño is optional and can be adjusted for heat preference. For vegan version, substitute butter with coconut oil or plant-based spread.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled corn salad, lime cilantro butter, summer salad, BBQ side dish, easy corn recipe, zesty salad, backyard BBQ, fresh corn salad

Find it online: https://tinastirs.com/flavorful-grilled-corn-salad-recipe-with-easy-zesty-lime-cilantro-butter/