If you’re craving something bright, fresh, and packed with bold flavors, this Grilled Corn Salad with Avocado, Goat Cheese & Hot Honey Vinaigrette Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine perfectly charred corn kernels bursting with smoky sweetness, creamy avocado adding luscious texture, tangy goat cheese melting slightly with every bite, and a zingy hot honey vinaigrette tying everything together in the most delightful way. It’s a vibrant salad that screams summer on your plate yet is surprisingly simple to make, combining fresh ingredients that complement each other beautifully. This recipe will quickly become your go-to for easy entertaining or a satisfying weeknight meal that feels special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Grilled Corn Salad with Avocado, Goat Cheese & Hot Honey Vinaigrette Recipe is handpicked for maximum flavor and texture contrast, making the salad come alive in every bite. The list is straightforward, but each element plays an essential role from the smoky grilled corn to the creamy goat cheese and the spicy-sweet vinaigrette that finishes it all off perfectly.
- 4 ears of fresh corn (husks removed): The star of the dish, providing juicy sweetness and a satisfying crunch once grilled.
- 1 ripe avocado (diced): Adds creamy richness and a buttery mouthfeel to balance the grilled corn.
- 1/3 cup crumbled goat cheese: Brings tangy, creamy notes that contrast beautifully with the sweetness and spice.
- 1/4 cup red onion (finely chopped): Offers a sharp crunch and mild pungency to brighten the salad.
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (chopped): Delivers fresh herbal lifts for a burst of green flavor and color.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used to brush the corn before grilling, enhancing caramelization and adding a silky finish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to bring out the natural flavors of all ingredients.
For the Hot Honey Vinaigrette:
- 2 tablespoons hot honey: Sweet with a spicy kick, it’s the heart of the vinaigrette’s bold flavor.
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar: Adds acidity that balances the sweetness and enriches the dressing.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Creates a smooth, luscious texture for the vinaigrette.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Provides depth and helps emulsify the dressing for perfect consistency.
- Pinch of salt: Brings all the vinaigrette flavors together harmoniously.
How to Make Grilled Corn Salad with Avocado, Goat Cheese & Hot Honey Vinaigrette Recipe
Step 1: Grill the Corn
Start by preheating your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat to get those beautiful char marks that add smoky aroma and complexity. Brush each ear of fresh corn with olive oil, which helps the kernels caramelize without sticking or drying out. Grill the corn for 10 to 12 minutes, turning every few minutes to ensure every side gets those appealing charred spots. The corn should be tender and have a lovely smoky flavor when done.
Step 2: Prepare the Salad Base
Once the grilled corn has cooled just enough to handle, use a sharp knife to carefully cut the kernels off each cob, catching them in a large mixing bowl. The juicy, charred corn is now ready to marry with the fresh ingredients. Add the diced ripe avocado, finely chopped red onion, and chopped cilantro to the bowl for bright pops of texture and herbal freshness that will balance the sweetness.
Step 3: Whisk the Hot Honey Vinaigrette
In a small bowl or jar, combine the hot honey, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt. Whisk everything vigorously or shake until the vinaigrette is emulsified and smooth, with the spicy sweetness perfectly balanced by the tangy and savory elements. This homemade dressing is what elevates this salad from simple to sensational.
Step 4: Toss and Garnish
Pour the hot honey vinaigrette over the prepared salad and toss gently to coat every kernel and cube of avocado lightly without mashing. The dressing clings beautifully to each ingredient, making each bite flavorful and juicy. Just before serving, sprinkle the salad generously with crumbled goat cheese — its creamy tang brings all the flavors full circle.
How to Serve Grilled Corn Salad with Avocado, Goat Cheese & Hot Honey Vinaigrette Recipe
Garnishes
To take your salad presentation to the next level, consider adding a handful of toasted pepitas for extra crunch or a sprinkle of chopped fresh mint for a cool contrast. A few chili flakes on top can also amplify the heat for spice lovers, and an extra drizzle of hot honey adds a shiny glaze and sweet spark.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish for a light summer meal, or alongside a hearty grain bowl featuring quinoa or farro. It also complements barbecue fare superbly, cutting through smoky meats with its refreshing, vibrant flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this salad in hollowed-out avocado halves for a fun and Instagram-worthy presentation, or make it a layer in a mason jar salad for picnics and lunches. You can even stuff it into warm tortillas with some grilled shrimp or beans for a quick taco twist that’s bursting with flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Grilled Corn Salad with Avocado, Goat Cheese & Hot Honey Vinaigrette Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Note that avocado may darken slightly; a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before storing can help maintain its vibrant color.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh as freezing can alter the texture of avocado and soften the tender ingredients. Therefore, freezing is not recommended for this particular recipe.
Reheating
If you prefer your salad warm or at room temperature, simply take it out of the fridge and let it sit for about 15-20 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as this will soften the avocado and melt the goat cheese undesirably.
FAQs
Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh?
Fresh corn provides the best texture and flavor for this salad, especially when grilled. However, if fresh corn is unavailable, thawed frozen corn can be grilled or sautéed for a quick alternative, though the taste will be slightly different.
What types of hot honey work best?
Any hot honey with a balanced spice level will work, whether store-bought or homemade by warming regular honey with chili flakes. Adjust the amount according to your heat preference.
Can I substitute goat cheese with another cheese?
Yes, feta cheese makes a wonderful substitute if you prefer a less creamy but similarly tangy flavor. Blue cheese can also be interesting if you’re looking for a stronger note, but it will change the salad’s character.
Is this salad gluten-free and vegetarian?
Absolutely! All ingredients in this Grilled Corn Salad with Avocado, Goat Cheese & Hot Honey Vinaigrette Recipe are naturally gluten-free and vegetarian-friendly, making it accessible for many dietary needs.
How spicy is the hot honey vinaigrette?
The vinaigrette has a mild to moderate kick depending on the hot honey used. You can always adjust by adding more or less hot honey and by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want to control the heat to your liking.
Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say that the Grilled Corn Salad with Avocado, Goat Cheese & Hot Honey Vinaigrette Recipe is a dazzling celebration of fresh flavors and textures that’s both comforting and exciting to your palate. It’s incredibly easy to make yet impressive enough to serve to guests or savor on a sunny afternoon. Once you try this salad, it will become one of your treasured recipes that you’ll return to again and again, especially when corn is in season. Give it a go—you’re going to love every forkful!
Print
Grilled Corn Salad with Avocado, Goat Cheese & Hot Honey Vinaigrette Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten Free
Description
This vibrant Grilled Corn Salad with Avocado, Goat Cheese & Hot Honey Vinaigrette combines smoky grilled corn kernels with creamy avocado and tangy goat cheese, all tossed in a sweet and spicy honey-based vinaigrette. Perfect as a refreshing side or light meal, this salad highlights fresh summer flavors with a delightful balance of textures and tastes.
Ingredients
Salad
- 4 ears of fresh corn (husks removed)
- 1 ripe avocado (diced)
- 1/3 cup crumbled goat cheese
- 1/4 cup red onion (finely chopped)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Hot Honey Vinaigrette
- 2 tablespoons hot honey
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the grill: Start by heating your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat to ensure it’s hot and ready for grilling the corn.
- Grill the corn: Brush the ears of corn with olive oil to prevent sticking and place them on the grill. Cook for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally until the corn is tender and has charred spots for that smoky flavor.
- Cool and cut the corn kernels: Remove the grilled corn from heat and let it cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle, carefully cut the kernels off the cobs and transfer them to a large mixing bowl.
- Combine salad ingredients: Add the diced avocado, finely chopped red onion, and chopped cilantro to the bowl with the grilled corn. Toss gently to mix evenly.
- Prepare the hot honey vinaigrette: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the hot honey, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt until the mixture emulsifies and thickens slightly.
- Toss the salad with vinaigrette: Pour the prepared hot honey vinaigrette over the salad mixture and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly without mashing the avocado.
- Add goat cheese: Just before serving, sprinkle the crumbled goat cheese over the top for a creamy, tangy finish.
- Serve: Enjoy this salad warm or at room temperature for the best flavor combination and freshness.
Notes
- For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the vinaigrette.
- You can use store-bought hot honey or prepare your own by warming honey with chili flakes.
- This salad is best enjoyed the same day it’s made to maintain freshness and texture.
