Grilled Corn Avocado Salad with Zesty Cilantrolime Dressing
Recipe Introduction
Ever wondered what the Best Sides for Seafood are? I have! It's something I've pondered over countless summer evenings, especially when the BBQ's fired up and the fish is grilling.
And honestly, this Grilled Corn & Avocado Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing is a total game changer, believe me!
Quick Hook: Corn & Avocado Unite!
Looking for the Best Sides for Seafood ? This Grilled Corn & Avocado Salad with its zesty cilantro lime dressing is a vibrant delight that will make your seafood dinner something amazing.
Trust me, the sweet corn and creamy avocado make for the perfect bite!
Brief Overview: Fiesta in Your Mouth
This recipe is like a mini Mexican fiesta, born from those long summer nights I spent experimenting with Seafood Side Dishes Dinners .
This is an easy recipe! It's so simple, that will only take about 35 minutes from start to finish. It serves 6 people, which makes it ideal for family dinners or a chill hangout with friends.
Main Benefits: Healthy & Delicious
Avocado is a good source of healthy fats and fiber. This salad makes a perfect side for grilled fish, shrimp or even tacos! What makes it so special is the combination of smoky grilled corn, creamy avocado, and that zingy dressing.
It makes this salad one of the Best Sides For Seafood .
Let’s talk about those ingredients that make this a star! We're talking fresh corn on the cob, creamy avocados, juicy cherry tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, a jalapeño (if you're feeling brave!), lime juice, olive oil, honey, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
I know, right? A party in your mouth!
This Quick and easy seafood sides recipe is more than just a side dish, it’s an experience. From Grilled corn salad for seafood to Avocado salad with cilantro lime dressing , there's something here for everyone.
It screams Summer seafood sides and those Mexican inspired seafood sides we all crave. What a great way to create perfect Shrimp Pairings !
So, ditch those boring sides and give this salad a go. You'll be wondering What To Serve With Seafood Dinner no more! You know? It might just become your new favorite way to enjoy Best Sides For Seafood , like it did for me!
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Cooking!
Want the Best Sides for Seafood ? Of course, you do! And this Grilled Corn & Avocado Salad is where it's at.
Honestly, it's so easy, even I can't mess it up. It's the perfect Summer seafood side . It also makes some kick ass Shrimp Pairings .
Main Ingredients for a Mexican Fiesta in Your Mouth
Alright, here's the lowdown on what you'll need. I'm all about fresh ingredients, ya know ?
- Corn: 4 ears, husks off. Trust me, fresh corn is a game changer.
- Avocado: 2 ripe ones, diced. They gotta be soft, but not too soft, right?
- Cherry Tomatoes: 1 pint, halved. The sweeter, the better, mate!
- Red Onion: 1/2, finely diced. It's what my granny use to said!
- Cilantro: 1/4 cup, chopped. Some people hate it, but I love it!
- Jalapeño: 1, minced (optional). For that extra kick that makes you go Oof!
- Lime Juice: 1/4 cup (about 2-3 limes). Freshly squeezed, always!
- Olive Oil: 1/4 cup. Good quality stuff, please!
- Garlic: 1 clove, minced. No vampire will come near!
- Honey: 1/2 teaspoon. A little sweetness to balance the tang.
- Chili Powder: 1/2 teaspoon. Adds a bit of warmth, you see?
- Salt & Pepper: To taste. Don't be shy, season it like you mean it!
You can prepare the Best Sides For Seafood right now!
Seasoning Notes: Zesty & Flavorful
This dressing is the bomb! The lime juice is super important for that zesty flavor. If you are feeling a bit spicy, then use a chile pepper
Quick tip: If you don't have honey, maple syrup works in a pinch, ok?
Equipment Needed: Simple & Easy
You don't need a fancy kitchen for this, promise!
- Grill (gas or charcoal). Get that grilled corn salad for seafood ready.
- Mixing bowl. Big enough for all the goodness.
- Small bowl/jar. For the dressing magic.
- Whisk. To get that dressing smooth as silk.
- Tongs. To handle the corn like a pro.
No grill? No worries! You can use a grill pan on your stovetop. It's Quick and easy seafood sides . Seriously. Now let's get grilling, yeah?
Cooking Method: Grilled Corn & Avocado Salad Your Seafood's New BFF
Let's be real. Best sides for seafood can be a minefield. Are you ready to make a splash? I am going to show you the best sides for seafood : Grilled Corn and Avocado Salad.
Trust me; it's a total game changer. This salad is a fiesta in your mouth! So ditch those boring mashed potatoes.
We need something that shouts "summer"!
Prep Steps: Mise en Place Mania
First, get your stuff together. It's called mise en place for a reason. "Everything in its place." Sounds very French, right? Shuck your corn.
Chop your veggies. Measure your lime juice. Honestly, it's half the battle. For safety, watch those knives! Nobody wants a trip to A&E before dinner.
Keep your cutting board dry to avoid slips.
step-by-step: Grillin' and Chillin'
- Heat that grill! Get it to medium high heat . You want a nice sear.
- Grill the corn for 10- 15 minutes , turning now and then. Look for slightly charred kernels.
- Cut the kernels off the cob after they're cool enough to handle. Be careful!
- Chop your veggies . Get those tomatoes halved, onions diced, and cilantro chopped.
- Whisk the dressing . Combine all dressing ingredients. Taste and adjust!
- Assemble the salad . Mix everything in a bowl.
- Dress and serve immediately. This keeps the avocado from browning.
Pro Tips: Secret Salad Agent
Want to take this salad to the next level? Try grilling the corn in the husk. Soak the husks for 30 minutes first! This adds steam and incredible flavor.
A common mistake? Overcooking the corn. Aim for a slight char. It should still be juicy.
You can make the dressing a day ahead. However, dress the salad right before serving. Summer seafood sides like this are all about freshness!
And there you have it! Some of the Best Sides For Seafood . Specifically, a killer salad that's going to blow your mind! This avocado salad with cilantro lime dressing has some Mexican inspired seafood sides that are perfect for shrimp pairings or any other seafood side dishes dinners .
It really brings out the best of what to serve with seafood dinner.
This quick and easy seafood side will be on rotation, and might be your Grilled corn salad for seafood .
Alright, let's dive into the nitty gritty! You've got the basic recipe for this Grilled Corn & Avocado Salad with Zesty Cilantro Lime Dressing.
Now, let's talk about how to make it truly your own. We'll cover everything from serving ideas to storage secrets and even some cool variations.
Trust me, it's all easier than it sounds.
Recipe Notes: Making It Your Own
Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro
Okay, so you've made this amazing salad. Now what? Honestly, presentation is key. Picture this: you've grilled some killer shrimp .
Instead of just piling everything on a plate, create a little bed of the salad and artfully arrange the shrimp on top.
A sprinkle of extra cilantro? Chef's kiss! Need Best Sides for Seafood presentation ideas? Try serving in individual mason jars for a picnic vibe.
For Shrimp Pairings beverages? A crisp white wine or a refreshing margarita would be bangin' .
Storage Tips: Keeping It Fresh
Right, let's talk leftovers. Refrigeration guidelines are simple: pop the salad into an airtight container and it'll keep in the fridge for about 2 days.
But here's a pro tip: dress only what you're going to eat immediately. This stops it from going soggy. Freezing options ? Not really recommended, especially with the avocado.
It just gets weird. Reheating instructions ? Just give it a gentle toss and maybe add a tiny bit more lime juice to wake it up.
Variations: Switch It Up, Baby
Honestly, this salad is pretty versatile. Got dietary restrictions? No worries! For a dietary adaptation , want to make it vegan? Swap the honey in the dressing for maple syrup.
Boom! dairy-free and delicious. Another variation? How about adding some black beans for extra protein? For Seasonal ingredient swaps , is it autumn? Try roasting butternut squash instead of corn for a sweet and nutty twist.
Or go full-on Mexican inspired seafood sides with a sprinkle of cotija cheese.
Nutrition Basics: The Good Stuff
Alright, let's get real. This salad isn't just delicious; it's also good for you! You're getting healthy fats from the avocado, antioxidants from the tomatoes, and fiber from the corn.
For Simplified nutrition information , think of it as a guilt free pleasure. And for Key health benefits , the cilantro and lime are packed with vitamins, and the olive oil is good for your heart.
So, you’re basically a health guru, just by enjoying your dinner.
So there you have it. This Grilled Corn & Avocado Salad with Zesty Cilantro Lime Dressing is a winner. It’s colorful, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make Quick and easy seafood sides .
Now go forth and create your own Summer seafood sides . And remember, the best recipes are the ones you make your own.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this Grilled Corn and Avocado Salad one of the best sides for seafood?
This salad is a real winner with seafood because it offers a bright, fresh counterpoint to the richness of many fish dishes. The sweetness of the grilled corn, the creaminess of the avocado, and the zing of the cilantro lime dressing all work together to create a flavor explosion that won't overpower your delicate seafood.
It's like a summer holiday on a plate!
Can I make this salad ahead of time, or is it best served immediately?
While this salad is at its absolute best when served fresh, you can definitely prep some of the components ahead of time to save time. Grill the corn, chop the veggies (except the avocado!), and make the dressing a day in advance.
But hold off on dicing the avocado and dressing the salad until just before serving, otherwise, the avocado will brown, and the salad might get a little soggy. No one wants a sad, soggy salad!
I'm not a huge fan of cilantro. Is there a good substitute I can use?
No worries, not everyone loves cilantro - it's a bit like Marmite, you either love it or hate it! A great alternative is fresh parsley. It will still provide that fresh, green element without the soapy flavour some people experience with cilantro.
You could also try a bit of fresh mint for a slightly different, but equally refreshing, flavour.
How long will leftovers of this Grilled Corn and Avocado Salad last in the fridge?
Leftovers are best enjoyed within 1-2 days. The avocado will start to brown and soften over time, even if stored properly. To help preserve it, store leftovers in an airtight container with a piece of plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface of the salad.
This helps to minimize exposure to air, which is what causes the browning. Don't expect miracles though!
I'm watching my calorie intake. Are there any healthy swaps I can make to this recipe?
Absolutely! You can reduce the amount of olive oil in the dressing and increase the lime juice for a lighter vinaigrette. You could also use a light honey alternative like agave or stevia. Also, don't be shy with your greens.
Adding some chopped lettuce, spinach, or kale is a great way to increase the volume of the salad and get a nutritional boost without adding many calories.
I'm trying to find the best sides for seafood for a dinner party, is this recipe fancy enough?
While this salad is super easy, it's absolutely dinner party worthy! Presentation is key. Serve it in a nice bowl, garnish with extra cilantro and a lime wedge. Consider grilling the corn on the cob and then cutting off the kernels tableside for a bit of theatre!
It's all about those little touches to elevate a simple dish.
Grilled Corn Avocado Salad With Zesty Cilantroli
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 250 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 18g |
| Fiber | 6g |
