Grilled Corn Avocado Salad with Chipotlelime Dressing

Grilled Corn Salad Easy Cookout Side Dishes Youll Love

By Amara Vitalis September 14, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction: Grill Master's Secret Weapon

Ever stared blankly into the fridge wondering what cookout side dishes to bring? Me too! This Grilled Corn and Avocado Salad with Chipotle Lime Dressing is my go-to. It’s seriously addictive.

This salad is a star amongst other summer barbecue sides, with a kick of Southwestern flavor. It's easy to make, totally vibrant, and tastes like sunshine on a plate.

Plus it's naturally gluten-free, so everyone can dig in.

The Story Behind This Amazing Cookout Side Dish

Okay, so this isn't some ancient family recipe. But it feels like one! I first whipped it up years ago for a friend's bbq side dish ideas potluck.

Everyone went nuts. I've tweaked it over the years, making it my ultimate cookout salad recipes .

This easy cookout recipes is a total breeze! Prep takes about 20 minutes, grilling the corn is 15, so you're looking at 35 minutes tops.

It makes 6-8 servings. This is your secret weapon for any summer gathering.

Why You'll Love This Avocado Corn Salad

Honestly, it's all about the flavor. The sweetness of the grilled corn. The creaminess of the avocado. And that smoky chipotle lime dressing ! It's a total party in your mouth.

The avocado also packs a punch of healthy fats. So, it's one of those healthy cookout sides you can actually feel good about eating.

Bring this to any barbecue, and you're instantly the most popular person there.

This recipe is more than just a salad; it's a celebration of summer flavors. So, grab your ingredients, fire up the grill, and let's make some magic happen!

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Started!

Alright, ready to make some magic happen? This Grilled Corn and Avocado Salad with Chipotle Lime Dressing is about to become your new go-to cookout side dish .

It's seriously easy. The best summer barbecue sides are!

Main Ingredients: The Stars of the Show

Fresh Corn: You'll need 6 ears of corn (about 1.4 kg). Look for bright green husks and plump kernels. Avoid dry or discolored corn.
Ripe Avocados: Grab 2 (around 400g). Gently squeeze; it should yield slightly. No one wants rock hard avos in their cookout salad recipes !
Red Onion: 1/2 a red onion (about 75g), finely chopped. Adds a nice bite.
Fresh Cilantro: 1/2 cup (15g), chopped. Cilantro haters, feel free to swap with parsley.
Jalapeño (Optional): 1 (15g), seeded and minced. For those who like a kick!

For the Chipotle Lime Dressing :

Olive Oil: 1/4 cup (60 ml). Extra virgin is best.
Fresh Lime Juice: 2 tablespoons (30 ml). Seriously, fresh is key for that zesty flavour.
Chipotle Pepper in Adobo: 1 tablespoon (15g), minced. This is what brings the smoky heat.
Honey: 1 teaspoon (5ml). Just a touch of sweetness.
Cumin: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml). Adds warmth and depth.
Salt & Pepper: To taste. Don't be shy!

Seasoning Notes: The Flavour Boost

The chipotle lime dressing is where the magic happens. The chipotle peppers bring the smoke. The lime brings the zing.

The honey brings a touch of sweetness. If you don't have chipotles, try a pinch of smoked paprika and cayenne.

Cumin is key! It gives a wonderful earthy flavour.

This is one of the easy cookout recipes that you can adapt according to your taste. Consider different potluck salad recipes .

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

Grill: Gas or charcoal. Whatever you've got!
Mixing Bowls: For prepping and mixing.
Whisk: To make the dressing.
Cutting Board & Knife: Essential for chopping. I feel like this is also good to acommpany your bbq side dish ideas .

Honestly, this avocado corn salad is a game changer. It's one of my favourite cookout side dish recipes . So get grilling, get chopping, and get ready to dig in! For healthy cookout sides , this is a winner!

Let's Grill Up Some Magic: Corn & Avocado Salad

Alright, let's ditch the boring potato salad. It is time for a cookout side dishes upgrade. I'm talking about my Grilled Corn & Avocado Salad with Chipotle Lime Dressing.

Honestly, it's like a party in your mouth. It's bursting with fresh flavors and a little kick. Think sunshine and good vibes! I would use this recipe for summer barbecue sides , as well.

It's easy enough for even the most, shall we say, challenged cook. Trust me, if I can do it, you can!

Prep Steps: Let's Get Organized

This salad is a cinch if you get your ducks in a row first. This is where mise en place shines! First, shuck those 6 ears of corn.

Dice up 2 ripe avocados and 1/2 a red onion. Chop 1/2 cup of cilantro. Mince 1 jalapeño (if you're feeling brave).

Got it? Good! Now, measure out all your dressing ingredients. That way, you’re not scrambling later. Pro tip: Keep those avocados in big chunks to prevent them from getting mashed.

step-by-step: Salad Time!

Fire up the grill to medium high heat .
Grill the corn for 10- 15 minutes , turning often. Aim for lightly charred kernels.
Let the corn cool slightly, then cut the kernels off the cob.
Whisk together 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons lime juice, 1 tablespoon minced chipotle, 1 teaspoon honey, and 1/2 teaspoon cumin.
In a large bowl, mix the corn, avocado, red onion, cilantro, and jalapeño.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently. Serve immediately or chill.

Pro Tips & Tricks

Wanna take this salad to the next level? For extra flavour, soak the corn in water with a little bit of brown sugar, and salt for 30 minutes before grilling.

This helps to keep them juicy and plump while adding a subtle sweetness that complements the corn's flavour. Don't overcook the corn you want it slightly charred but still juicy.

Be gentle when tossing to avoid avocado mush. You can totally make the dressing a day ahead. Store it in the fridge for ultimate convenience.

This also goes well with cookout salad recipes .

Recipe Notes for Your Best Cookout Side Dishes

Right then, let's dive into some extra bits and bobs for this ace grilled corn salad recipe. Honestly, these tips are what'll take it from "good" to "bloody brilliant!" This avocado corn salad is about to become your signature cookout side dish recipes , trust me.

Serving Suggestions: Make It Look the Part

Presentation matters, doesn't it? I love serving this cookout salad recipe in a big, rustic bowl. It looks amazing! Garnish with extra cilantro and a lime wedge.

For individual servings, try using mason jars or small bowls. Looks proper fancy, it does.

This pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish. It also makes a stonking summer barbecue side for veggie burgers. And for scooping? Tortilla chips, all the way!

Storage Tips: Keep It Fresh

You know what it's like, planning those easy cookout recipes and prepping ahead! This salad is best eaten fresh, especially cos of the avocado.

But, leftovers can be kept in the fridge for a day or two. Squeeze a bit of extra lime juice over it to stop the avocado from going brown.

It’s a lifesaver!

I wouldn't recommend freezing this one, mate. The avocado goes a bit funny.

Variations: Mix It Up a Bit!

Fancy a bit of a change? Add a can of black beans. It's great for extra protein. I once chucked in some diced mango sweet and spicy! Sorted.

For a vegan version, swap the honey in the chipotle lime dressing for agave syrup. Easy peasy. You can create loads of amazing potluck salad recipes with this basic idea.

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in a Bowl

This salad is packed with goodness! You're looking at roughly 250 calories per serving. Plus, decent amounts of fiber and healthy fats from the avocado.

It's a tasty way to sneak in some veggies. And that's important, because a recent study showed that people who eat more colorful vegetables are happier, and therefore, more fun at bbq side dish ideas .

Right, go on then! Get stuck in and make some seriously good healthy cookout sides . You've got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best way to grill corn for this Grilled Corn & Avocado Salad? I'm a bit of a novice in the kitchen, you see.

No worries, grilling corn is easier than queuing for Wimbledon tickets! Just preheat your grill to medium high and grill the corn (husks removed) turning occasionally until you get some nice char marks, about 10-15 minutes. The kernels should be tender. Keep an eye on it, you want it charred not burnt to a crisp!

How can I prevent the avocado from turning brown in this cookout side dish? It always seems to happen to me!

Ah, the dreaded avocado browning! The lime juice in the dressing helps slow it down, but a couple of tricks can help. Toss the avocado with some of the lime juice immediately after dicing it. Also, make the salad as close to serving time as possible.

If you must make it ahead, press some plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the salad to minimize air exposure, like cling filming a Victoria Sponge cake to keep it moist!

Can I make this Grilled Corn & Avocado Salad ahead of time, or is it best served fresh?

While it's best served fresh for optimal flavor and texture (especially due to the avocado), you can prep components ahead of time. Grill the corn and make the dressing a day in advance, storing them separately in the fridge. Then, just before serving, dice the avocado, combine everything, and gently toss.

This way you won't be stuck in the kitchen when the barbecue is blazing!

I'm catering for some vegetarians and vegans at my cookout. Is this Grilled Corn & Avocado Salad suitable, and are there any adjustments I need to make?

Great question! This salad is naturally vegetarian. To make it vegan friendly, simply substitute the honey in the chipotle lime dressing with agave nectar, maple syrup, or even a little brown sugar. Easy peasy!

What other ingredients could I add to this cookout side dishes recipe to jazz it up?

Feeling adventurous, are we? Excellent! Black beans add protein and heartiness. Diced mango brings a sweet and spicy tropical vibe, especially if you up the jalapeño content a bit. A sprinkle of crumbled cotija cheese (if not catering for vegans) would also be a tasty addition. Get creative and make it your own!

How long does this Grilled Corn & Avocado Salad last in the fridge?

While it's at its absolute best on the day you make it, leftover salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just be aware that the avocado may brown slightly, but it will still be safe to eat. Give it a good stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.