If you are looking for a vibrant, fresh dish that bursts with flavor and color, the Grilled Corn Salad with Lime, Feta, and Spicy Peppers Recipe is an absolute must-try. This salad is the perfect celebration of summer’s best ingredients—sweet corn kissed by the grill, tangy lime, creamy feta, and a kick of spicy peppers all coming together in one beautiful bowl. Whether as a side for your BBQ or a stand-alone light meal, this salad delivers a delightful blend of smoky, zesty, and creamy textures that will have you coming back for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to crafting this delicious Grilled Corn Salad with Lime, Feta, and Spicy Peppers Recipe. Each item plays a vital role, whether it’s the smoky sweetness of the corn, the brightness of the lime, or the creamy crumbly feta that balances those spicy peppers. Simple but impactful, these ingredients make the magic happen.
- 6 ears of corn: Fresh and sweet, perfect for grilling to bring out a smoky flavor.
- 2 tsp lime zest: Adds a lively, fragrant citrus aroma that lifts the salad.
- ¼ cup fresh lime juice: Brings a fresh, tangy punch to balance all the flavors.
- ¼ cup olive oil: Helps marry the ingredients with a smooth, rich touch.
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic: Adds a subtle yet savory depth of flavor.
- 1 Tbsp honey: A hint of sweetness to balance the heat and acidity.
- ¼ tsp cumin: Provides an earthy warmth and slight smokiness.
- 1½ cups sliced mini sweet peppers: Colorful, crunchy, and sweet for contrast.
- ½ cup sliced jalapeños: Offers a spicy kick that wakes up each bite.
- ½ cup crumbled feta: Creamy and salty, the perfect complement to the other ingredients.
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional): Adds a fresh herbal note and color.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and enhancing flavors.
- Cooking spray: To gently coat the corn for perfect grilling.
How to Make Grilled Corn Salad with Lime, Feta, and Spicy Peppers Recipe
Step 1: Grill the Corn for Maximum Flavor
Start by spraying your corn ears with a light layer of cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place them carefully on a hot grill and cook until they develop beautiful char marks, turning every few minutes to ensure even charring. This grilling step invites that smoky aroma and intensifies the corn’s natural sweetness. After about 10 to 15 minutes, transfer the corn to a cutting board and let it cool just enough so you can handle it without burning your fingers. Then, run a knife down the cobs to cut the kernels off, giving you those juicy bites that are the salad’s star.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Zesty Vinaigrette
Next, prepare the dressing by whisking together lime zest, bright fresh lime juice, smooth olive oil, minced garlic, sweet honey, and aromatic cumin. This mixture is the heartbeat of the salad, perfectly balancing citrusy zing, gentle sweetness, and just an earthy touch. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to bring out each flavor’s best.
Step 3: Toss Everything Into a Flavorful Salad
Now, combine those grilled corn kernels with the colorful sliced mini sweet peppers, the fiery jalapeños, creamy crumbled feta, and the optional but highly recommended fresh cilantro for a little green freshness. Pour your vinaigrette over the salad and toss everything gently but thoroughly, ensuring every bite offers a lively explosion of textures and tastes. This is the moment when all those vibrant ingredients harmonize perfectly.
How to Serve Grilled Corn Salad with Lime, Feta, and Spicy Peppers Recipe
Garnishes
For a stunning final touch, sprinkle extra crumbled feta, a few cilantro leaves, or thinly sliced jalapeño rings on top before serving. These simple garnishes not only elevate the salad’s look but also enhance the layered flavors, making every spoonful memorable.
Side Dishes
This grilled corn salad is the ideal partner for grilled meats like chicken, steak, or fish, adding a fresh counterpoint to smoky proteins. It also pairs beautifully with warm tortillas or crusty bread, making it a flexible option for casual gatherings or festive dinners.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, serve the salad in hollowed-out mini bell pepper halves or scooped into small lettuce cups for bite-sized perfection. You can also pile it high on a platter to make a vibrant centerpiece at your next picnic or backyard party—it’s always a conversation starter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, place the salad in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep beautifully for up to 3 days, allowing the flavors to meld even further. Just give it a gentle stir before serving to recombine any dressing that might settle.
Freezing
Because fresh peppers and feta can change texture when frozen, this salad is best enjoyed fresh, so freezing is not recommended. If you do want to preserve the grilled corn separately, consider freezing kernels alone and mixing them fresh with other ingredients later.
Reheating
This salad is designed to be served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not necessary. If you prefer a warmer dish, lightly warm the grilled corn kernels alone before combining with the remaining ingredients to keep textures intact.
FAQs
Can I make this salad without jalapeños?
Absolutely! If you prefer a milder salad, simply omit or reduce the jalapeños. You can substitute with milder peppers for crunch without the heat.
What can I use instead of feta cheese?
If you need a dairy-free or milder option, try crumbled queso fresco or omit cheese altogether. Avocado chunks can also add creaminess.
Is grilling the corn essential?
Grilling the corn adds a wonderful smoky depth, but if you don’t have a grill, you can roast it under a broiler or sauté it in a pan for a similar effect.
Can I prepare the vinaigrette in advance?
Yes! The vinaigrette can be whisked together a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Bring it to room temperature and whisk again before tossing with the salad.
How spicy is this salad?
The jalapeños give the salad a noticeable kick, but it’s balanced by the sweetness and creaminess of other ingredients. Adjust the amount of jalapeños to suit your heat tolerance.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Grilled Corn Salad with Lime, Feta, and Spicy Peppers Recipe enough for anyone craving a dish that’s as vibrant and flavorful as it is easy to make. This salad is a celebration of summer’s best flavors—smoky, spicy, tangy, and creamy—all in one bowl. I hope you give it a try soon and enjoy every delicious bite as much as I do!
Print
Grilled Corn Salad with Lime, Feta, and Spicy Peppers Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Grilled Corn Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish featuring charred corn kernels tossed with a zesty lime and cumin vinaigrette, sweet mini peppers, spicy jalapeños, creamy feta, and fresh cilantro. Perfect as a refreshing side for summer barbecues or light meals, it combines smoky, tangy, sweet, and spicy flavors in a colorful, healthy salad.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 6 ears of corn (husks and silk removed)
- 2 tsp lime zest
- ¼ cup fresh lime juice
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp honey
- ¼ tsp cumin
- 1½ cups sliced mini sweet peppers
- ½ cup sliced jalapeños
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Prepare and Grill Corn: Spray the ears of corn evenly with cooking spray to promote charring. Place the corn directly on a hot grill and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, turning occasionally until the corn is nicely charred on all sides. Remove from the grill and transfer to a cutting board to cool slightly. Once manageable, cut the kernels off the cob using a corn cob kernel remover or a sharp knife.
- Make the Vinaigrette: In a medium bowl, whisk together the lime zest, fresh lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, honey, and cumin. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste, balancing brightness and sweetness with a touch of saltiness and spice.
- Toss the Salad: Combine the grilled corn kernels with the sliced mini sweet peppers, sliced jalapeños, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped cilantro (if using). Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- For added smoky flavor, use a charcoal grill or add wood chips for smoking.
- Adjust jalapeño quantity to control the heat level of the salad.
- If fresh corn is unavailable, frozen corn can be thawed and grilled or sautéed as a substitute.
- Feta cheese adds creaminess and saltiness, but it can be omitted or replaced with a vegan cheese alternative to make it vegan.
- This salad pairs well with grilled meats, tacos, or as a standalone light meal.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, though corn tastes best fresh.
