Name: Grilled Corn Salad with Avocado, Goat Cheese & Hot Honey Vinaigrette
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 ears of corn, husked; 1 avocado, diced; 4 oz goat cheese, crumbled; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; Salt and pepper, to taste; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar; 1 tablespoon honey; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste); Salt and pepper, to taste

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Grill the Corn: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the ears of corn, turning occasionally, until they are charred in spots and cooked through, about 10 minutes. Remove from grill and let cool slightly.
Prepare the Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper until well combined. Set aside.
Assemble the Salad: Once the grilled corn has cooled enough to handle, cut the kernels off the cob into a large bowl. Add diced avocado, crumbled goat cheese, and chopped cilantro to the bowl with the corn kernels.
Pour Vinaigrette: Drizzle the hot honey vinaigrette over the salad ingredients.
Toss and Season: Gently toss the salad until all ingredients are evenly coated with the vinaigrette. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
Serve: Transfer the grilled corn salad to a serving platter or individual plates. Optionally, garnish with extra cilantro leaves or additional crumbled goat cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Yes, you can prepare some components of the salad ahead of time. Grill the corn and make the vinaigrette up to a day in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator. Assemble the salad just before serving to ensure the avocado and goat cheese remain fresh and the salad doesn’t become soggy.

Can I use frozen or canned corn instead of fresh corn?

While fresh corn is recommended for the best flavor and texture, you can use frozen or canned corn in a pinch. If using frozen corn, thaw it and pat it dry before grilling or charring in a skillet. If using canned corn, drain and rinse it before charring in a skillet to add some smoky flavor.

How can I make this salad spicier or milder?

To adjust the spiciness of the hot honey vinaigrette, simply modify the amount of red pepper flakes. For a spicier vinaigrette, add more red pepper flakes. For a milder version, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes altogether. You can also offer red pepper flakes on the side for guests to add according to their taste preferences.

What can I substitute for goat cheese if I don’t like it?

If you’re not a fan of goat cheese, you can substitute it with other types of cheese. Feta cheese is a great alternative, offering a similar tangy flavor and crumbly texture. If you prefer a milder taste, try using crumbled queso fresco or even small cubes of mozzarella.