Grilled Corn and Avocado Salad with Zesty Chipotlelime Dressing

BBQ Bliss Grilled Corn Avocado Salad Easy Summer Side

By Amara Vitalis September 16, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy some vibrant flavours at your next BBQ? This grilled corn salad recipe is a sure fire winner. Honestly, who doesn’t love a good avocado salad , especially when it's got a kick?

Brief Overview

This Mexican street corn salad inspired dish is a summer staple. It’s super easy, ready in under 40 minutes. It yields around 6 servings, making it great for sharing.

Main Benefits

This salad is packed with healthy fats from avocado and fibre from corn. It's the perfect healthy bbq sides dish for a casual get-together.

What makes this recipe special? The amazing chipotle lime dressing !

This recipe is based on this excellent Mediterranean summer sides article .

Grilled Corn Magic

Ever wondered how to make your BBQ stand out? Let me introduce you to this grilled corn and avocado salad.

It’s more than just a salad, it’s a flavour bomb! Grilling the corn brings out its sweetness.

Zesty Chipotle Lime Dressing

This dressing is the secret ingredient. It’s tangy, smoky, and slightly sweet. Adjust the amount of chipotle to your liking.

Easy Summer Sides with Avocado

This salad isn’t just delicious; it’s also incredibly easy. You need less than 10 ingredients. It’s one of the best easy summer sides to impress your friends.

Beyond the Basics

Feel free to add your own twist to this salad. Black beans or cotija cheese work wonders. If you're looking for summer salad recipes , this one needs to be on your list!

Alright, let's dive into what you'll need to whip up this epic grilled corn and avocado salad , perfect as one of your summer side dishes for bbq.

Honestly, it's easier than ordering a takeaway. Promise.

Ingredients & Equipment

Main Ingredients

Okay, so here's the lowdown on what you'll need to get this summer salad recipes party started.

Corn: 4 ears , husks removed (US & Metric). Fresh is best! If it smells sweet and the kernels are plump, you're golden.
Avocado: 2 ripe avocados, pitted and diced (US & Metric). You want them creamy but not mushy. That perfect avocado salad texture is key!
Red Onion: ½ thinly sliced (US & Metric).
Red Bell Pepper: 1 diced (US & Metric).
Cilantro: ¼ cup fresh, chopped (US & Metric). If you're not a fan, a little parsley can sub in, but it won't be the same.
Jalapeño: 1 seeded and minced (optional) (US & Metric). Use your judgement on the heat level, mate!

Seasoning Notes

This is where the magic happens with my summer side dishes for bbq.

Essential Spice Combination: Cumin and chipotle peppers are a match made in heaven. They give that smoky warmth that screams BBQ.
Flavor Enhancers and Aromatics: Fresh lime juice brightens everything up. Don't skimp on it! Honey adds a touch of sweetness to balance the spice.
Quick Substitution Options: No chipotle peppers? A pinch of smoked paprika and a dash of cayenne pepper will do in a pinch. It won't be exactly the same, but it'll still be tasty! I think about other easy summer sides , like my grandmother used to make, and I still get hungry.

Equipment Needed

Don't stress, you don't need fancy gadgets for this!

Essential Tool: A grill or grill pan . You want those charred bits on the corn. If you don't have a grill, roast the corn in the oven at 400° F ( 200° C) .
Common Household Alternatives: A mixing bowl and a whisk. Honestly, you probably already have these, right? We have to think as well that our salad can be considered a healthy bbq sides .

So there you have it! You're all set to make a Mexican street corn salad inspired dish that’s guaranteed to be a hit at your next barbie! It ticks all the boxes: flavorful, easy to make, and perfect for vegetarians too! I hope you liked my take on vegetarian bbq sides and corn and avocado salsa .

Right then, let's talk cooking method for this amazing grilled corn salad ! Honestly, it's simpler than putting the kettle on.

We're aiming for a wow-factor summer salad recipe that's also dead easy.

Prep Steps: Let's Get Organised!

First things first, mise en place . Sounds fancy, right? It just means get everything chopped, diced, and measured before you even turn on the grill.

Get the corn husks off. Dice the avocado. Slice the red onion thinly . You know? Prepping like this saves so much time.

For the chipotle lime dressing , just bung everything in a bowl ready to whisk. Safety reminder : Mind your fingers with that knife, yeah? No one wants a plaster in their avocado salad.

step-by-step: Grilling Goodness

Get your grill smoking hot . Medium high heat , remember.
Brush the corn with a smidge of oil. Just enough.
Grill the corn for 10- 12 minutes . Turn it now and then.
Cool it! Then slice off those juicy kernels.
Whisk the dressing. Olives Oil, Lime Juice, chipotle peppers, honey, cumin, salt, and pepper.
Mix everything together. Taste and adjust .

Pro Tips: Ace Your Salad

Want a bit of extra flavour? Soak the corn for 30 minutes before grilling. Stops it drying out. Also, toss the avocado with a squeeze of lime juice to prevent browning.

Trust me on this one. Avoid a soggy salad by not over dressing it. Make the dressing ahead of time! The chipotle lime dressing is fantastic even the next day, so you can save time by making it up to 1 day in advance and storing it in the refrigerator.

Perfect for those easy summer sides you can prep in advance!

This is a great dish if you are looking for summer side dishes for bbq . We can call this a Mexican street corn salad but with Avocado! It's a healthy bbq sides option that even your vegetarian bbq sides friends can enjoy.

Alright, my friend! Let's chat about some extra bits for our Grilled Corn and Avocado Salad . I'm excited for you to try this because honestly, it's a game changer for summer side dishes for bbq .

It's just so fresh, vibrant, and easy.

Recipe Notes: Elevating Your Salad Game

Serving Suggestions: Making it Look and Taste Amazing

Presentation matters, right? I like to pile this avocado salad high in a pretty bowl. Think colour! Some chopped extra cilantro on top, a wedge of lime.

.. chef's kiss . This salad is begging to be served with grilled anything. I reckon it would taste fantastic with some jerk chicken.

A crisp, cold beer is the perfect beverage pairing. You know, something light to cut through the richness of the chipotle lime dressing .

Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, honestly. But if you have leftovers, pop them in an airtight container in the fridge.

It'll keep for a day or two. The avocado salad might brown a bit, but it'll still taste great. I don't recommend freezing it, the avocado will go mushy.

Nobody wants mushy avocado! When reheating, don't. It is best to eat this cold.

Variations: Let's Get Creative!

Got dietary restrictions? No worries! This salad is easily adaptable. For a vegan version, just swap out the honey in the dressing for maple syrup.

Easy peasy! You can also add black beans for extra protein. Or try grilled peaches or nectarines. If you are looking for summer salad recipes , this is it! The best part is that this can also be considered one of the best vegetarian bbq sides .

Nutrition Basics: Feel Good Food

This salad is packed with goodness. We're talking healthy fats from the avocado , vitamins from the corn and bell pepper, and antioxidants from the cilantro.

It's a great source of fibre, too, which will keep you feeling full and satisfied. It’s a healthy bbq sides dish that everyone will love.

Even the Mexican street corn salad lovers!

So there you have it! I hope these notes help you create the perfect grilled corn salad . Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own.

It's truly one of the easy summer sides I enjoy to make! Happy grilling, and enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this Grilled Corn and Avocado Salad ahead of time for my BBQ? I'm a bit of a stress head, you see!

You can definitely prep some of the ingredients in advance! The chipotle lime dressing can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. However, it's best to add the avocado just before serving to prevent it from browning.

Toss the diced avocado with a squeeze of lime juice to help it keep its lovely green colour for longer a little trick I picked up from my nan!

I'm not a massive fan of spicy food. How can I reduce the heat in this summer side dishes for bbq recipe?

No worries, spice isn't for everyone! The chipotle peppers are the main source of heat, so start by using half the amount or even just a teaspoon. You can also remove the seeds from the jalapeño (if you're using it) as that's where most of the heat is concentrated.

If you accidentally make it too spicy, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yoghurt can help cool things down it's a lifesaver!

What are some good variations I can try to mix up this summer side dish recipe?

Fancy a bit of a twist? Adding some black beans gives the salad extra protein and a lovely earthy flavour. You could also try grilling some halloumi cheese and crumbling it over the top for a vegetarian option that's a bit special.

And if you're feeling really adventurous, a sprinkle of toasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds) adds a satisfying crunch!

How long will the leftover Grilled Corn and Avocado Salad last in the fridge? I always make too much!

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The avocado will likely brown a bit, but it's still perfectly safe to eat.

A little tip is to press cling film directly onto the surface of the salad before sealing the container to help prevent browning.

I'm catering for a vegan BBQ. How can I adapt this recipe to make it suitable for everyone?

Making this salad vegan is a doddle! The only ingredient you need to swap is the honey in the dressing just use agave nectar or maple syrup instead. Ensure that any other optional additions (like cheese, for example) are also plant based.

You could even add some grilled tofu cubes for an extra protein boost; it's a win-win!

What kind of nutritional benefits does this summer side dishes for bbq recipe offer? Is it actually healthy?

Absolutely! This salad is packed with goodness. The corn provides fiber and vitamins, while avocados are a great source of healthy fats and potassium. The chipotle lime dressing adds flavour without being too heavy on the calories, especially if you're mindful of the amount of olive oil you use.

As with any recipe, moderation is key, but this salad is a delicious and nutritious addition to any BBQ. It's certainly better than another bag of crisps!