Grilled Corn Avocado Salad with Limecilantro Dressing

Q: Can I make this grilled corn and avocado salad ahead of time? I'm prepping for a big summer cookout!

Absolutely! The lime-cilantro dressing can definitely be made a day or two in advance – it actually gets better as the flavors meld. However, for the freshest results, add the avocado just before serving to prevent it from browning. You can grill the corn ahead of time too, just make sure to cool it down before cutting the kernels.

Grilled Corn Avocado Salad Best Summer Cookout Sides

By Amara Vitalis September 22, 2025

5.00 (1 Ratings)

Table of Contents

Get Ready for the Best summer cookout sides!

Craving that perfect dish to wow everyone at your next BBQ? This grilled corn salad is the answer. Honestly, it's a game changer and will leave everyone begging for the recipe.

This is one of those easy summer sides that tastes like it took way longer to make than it actually did.

A Taste of Mexico, Made Easy

Think Mexican street corn salad , but lighter and brighter! This recipe draws inspiration from elote, that delicious grilled corn slathered in creamy goodness.

Instead, we use ripe avocado, juicy tomatoes, and a zesty lime cilantro dressing for a healthier twist. It's the perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and tangy.

This avocado salad recipe is super simple to make and ready in under 40 minutes. It serves 6-8 people, making it ideal for a family gathering or a casual cookout side dishes easy .

Trust me, your friends will think you're a culinary genius.

Why You'll Obsess Over This Salad

This salad isn't just delicious, it's also packed with nutrients. Corn is a good source of fiber, while avocados are loaded with healthy fats.

It's a healthy summer salad that doesn't compromise on flavour. This is my go-to when I need BBQ side dishes that are both impressive and good for you.

This best cookout sides is perfect for pairing with grilled chicken, fish, or even black bean burgers. It's the kind of dish that elevates any summer meal.

It's so easy, I make it all the time! So, let's get started and make this summer the tastiest one yet!

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Started!

This grilled corn salad is all about fresh, simple ingredients. You know, the kind that make you feel good. This summer salad recipe will become a family favourite at your next cookout.

But before we dive in, let’s talk about what you'll need.

Main Ingredients for This Summer Cookout Side Dish

Let’s start with the stars of the show.

Corn: You will need 6 ears of fresh corn. (That's 6 ears for both US and metric!). Look for plump kernels and bright green husks. Honestly, fresh corn makes all the difference!
Avocado: 2 ripe avocados are needed. (Yep, 2 in both measurements). They should be firm, but yield to gentle pressure.
Tomatoes: Grab 1 pint of cherry tomatoes ( 500g if you're measuring that way).
Red Onion: Half a red onion, finely diced. ( 1/2 )
Jalapeño: 1 jalapeño for a bit of kick. Seeded and minced, optional.
Cotija/Feta Cheese: 1/4 cup of crumbled cheese is optional for that salty touch. ( 30g )
Cilantro: Some fresh cilantro, roughly chopped, for garnish.

Zesty Seasoning Notes

The lime cilantro dressing is what really makes this salad pop. It's light, zesty, and adds a total flavour explosion.

We are talking about:

Lime Juice: 1/4 cup . That's about 2-3 limes. (60ml)
Olive Oil: 1/4 cup ( 60ml ).
Cilantro: 1/4 cup (10g)
Honey/Agave: 1 tablespoon ( 15ml ).
Garlic: 1 clove, minced.
Salt: 1/2 teaspoon ( 2.5ml ).
Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon ( 1.25ml ).

You can easily swap the honey for agave if you're vegan or just prefer it. For a richer mexican street corn salad style, consider a pinch of smoked paprika.

These small details elevate the entire BBQ side dishes game.

Essential Equipment

Don't worry, you don't need fancy gadgets for this cookout side dishes easy recipe!

Grill (or a large pot): For the corn, obviously.
Large Mixing Bowl: To combine all the goodness.
Small Bowl/Jar: For that amazing dressing.
Whisk/Fork: To mix the dressing.
Grilling Tongs: To handle the corn like a pro.
Sharp Knife: For cutting everything.

If you don't have a grill, boiling the corn works just fine. Honestly, I've done both! This salad is all about being adaptable and whipping up something healthy summer salad from what you have on hand.

Are you ready for a best cookout sides ever?

Alright, let's dive into the deliciousness of summer cookout sides ! I'm absolutely buzzing to share one of my go-to recipes that will, hopefully, become your next obsession.

I'm talking about a Grilled Corn & Avocado Salad with Lime Cilantro Dressing . Honestly, this is the best way to brighten up any BBQ.

Getting Started: Your Mise en Place

First, the boring but vital bit. Prep is key, innit? Have your ingredients ready. This salad’s about freshness, so good ingredients are a must.

It’s a great way to get those cookout side dishes easy ready. And safety first. Watch those fingers when chopping.

The step-by-step, Piece of Cake Process

Time to create some magic! These easy summer sides will be flying off the table.

Grill your corn. Medium high heat for about 10- 15 minutes , turning often. Aim for a slight char!
Let it cool! Patience, young Padawan.
Cut the kernels off the cob. Be careful, sharp knives!
Whisk together your lime cilantro dressing . Lime juice, olive oil, cilantro, honey, garlic, salt, and pepper. Boom.
Combine everything in a bowl. Grilled corn, avocado, tomatoes, red onion, and jalapeño (if you're brave).
Dress it up! Pour that dressing over.
Garnish with cheese and cilantro. Serve it up. You did it.

My Top Tips

Seriously, don't overcook the corn. It gets sad and rubbery. Make the dressing ahead of time to allow the flavour develop.

It tastes even better the next day. Speaking of which, avoid soggy avocado by adding it just before serving. Don't forget to taste and adjust the seasoning.

That's it.

Turn Up the Heat! Spice it Up

Want to kick it up a notch? Add a pinch of cayenne to the dressing. Or for a mexican street corn salad vibe, sprinkle on some chili powder.

Summer salad recipes do not have to be dull. We want the best cookout sides . Avocado salad recipe could be your new favourite healthy summer salad .

This grilled corn salad is your ticket to winning at BBQ side dishes . Enjoy the summer cookout sides , sunshine, and good company! You deserve it.

Recipe Notes

Alright, so you're gonna make this grilled corn salad . Awesome! Before you dive in, here are a few notes to make sure it's a total success.

Think of it as friendly advice from your mate who's already been there, done that. Honestly, this avocado salad recipe is so easy, you'll be wondering why you haven't made it before.

Serving Suggestions

Want to wow your guests? For plating, try layering the salad in a clear bowl. Show off those vibrant colors.

A scattering of extra cilantro and a lime wedge adds a posh touch. As for sides, this salad is banging with anything grilled.

Think BBQ side dishes like chicken or fish. It also works well with black bean burgers. A crisp glass of Pinot Grigio? Yes, please!

Storage Tips

Got leftovers? (Highly unlikely, but hey!). This healthy summer salad keeps in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container, mate.

The avocado might brown a tad. Just give it a quick stir before serving. I wouldn't freeze it, though. Freezing ruins the texture of the avocado.

Reheating isn't really an issue, it's best cookout sides and should be eaten cold.

Variations

Fancy a tweak? To make it vegan, simply swap the honey in the lime cilantro dressing for agave. If you're not feeling the avocado (madness, I know!), use cucumber instead.

For a seasonal switch-up, try adding grilled peaches in the summer or roasted butternut squash in the autumn. These cookout side dishes are easy to adapt.

Nutrition Basics

Let's break it down. This mexican street corn salad inspired dish is packed with goodness. You get fibre from the corn.

Healthy fats from the avocado. Vitamins from the tomatoes. It's relatively low in calories and high in flavor. What's not to love? It's one of those easy summer sides you can feel good about.

So there you have it! Everything you need to know to nail this summer salad recipes . Now get in the kitchen and give it a go. You've got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this grilled corn and avocado salad ahead of time? I'm prepping for a big summer cookout!

Absolutely! The lime cilantro dressing can definitely be made a day or two in advance it actually gets better as the flavors meld. However, for the freshest results, add the avocado just before serving to prevent it from browning.

You can grill the corn ahead of time too, just make sure to cool it down before cutting the kernels.

I'm not a huge fan of cilantro. What's a good substitute for the lime cilantro dressing in these summer cookout sides?

No worries, cilantro isn't for everyone! A great alternative is fresh flat leaf parsley. It provides a similar fresh, herbaceous flavor without the polarizing "soapy" taste some people experience with cilantro.

You could also experiment with mint or even a bit of basil for a slightly different, but still delicious, summer vibe. It’s your BBQ, you make the rules!

How do I store leftover corn and avocado salad? Will the avocado turn brown?

Leftovers are great! To minimize browning, store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also try pressing a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the salad to reduce air exposure.

It's best consumed within 1-2 days, as the avocado will continue to soften and may brown slightly, but it will still be perfectly safe (and tasty!) to eat don't let the colour put you off!

Is this salad healthy? What's the nutritional breakdown of these summer cookout sides?

This grilled corn and avocado salad is definitely a healthy and flavorful option! It's packed with vitamins, healthy fats from the avocado, and fiber from the corn and vegetables. A serving (based on 8 servings, without cheese) has approximately 220 calories, 4g of protein, 15g of fat, 22g of carbohydrates, 6g of fiber, 8g of sugar, and 200mg of sodium.

It's a much better option than a massive plate of potato salad, that's for sure!

Can I add protein to this salad to make it a full meal? What are some tasty options?

Adding protein is a brilliant idea! Grilled chicken or shrimp would be fantastic additions, mirroring the smoky flavor of the corn. Black beans are another great option for a vegetarian boost.

You could even crumble some cooked chorizo for a spicy kick that complements the sweetness of the corn and the creaminess of the avocado. Think of it as a salad base that's ripe for your own twists!

I don't have a grill. Can I still make this? What's the best way to cook the corn without a grill for these summer cookout sides?

Absolutely! You can easily boil the corn. Simply bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the shucked corn. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, until the kernels are tender. You can also roast the corn in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes.

While you won't get the same smoky flavor, it will still be delicious. If you have a gas hob you could even try charring the corn directly over the flames carefully of course!