If you’re looking to brighten up your meal with something fresh, flavorful, and utterly irresistible, this Grilled Corn Salad with Cherry Tomatoes, Feta, and Basil Recipe is exactly what you need. The smoky sweetness of grilled corn plays beautifully with juicy cherry tomatoes, tangy feta, and fragrant basil, creating a vibrant mix that’s both refreshing and satisfying. Whether it’s for a quick weekday lunch or a festive gathering, this salad bursts with color and flavor in every bite, making it a true crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the secret to nailing this salad every time. Each component brings its own magic—sweetness, creaminess, crunch, and herbal brightness—all working together to create a harmonious dish.
- 6 ears of corn: Fresh corn is essential here; grilling enhances its natural sweetness and adds a lovely smoky edge.
- 2 cups grape tomatoes, cut into thirds or fourths: These provide juicy bursts of freshness and gorgeous color.
- ½ medium red onion, diced: Adds subtle sharpness and a bit of crunch to balance the sweetness.
- 6-7 fresh basil leaves, chopped: Basil infuses the salad with an herbal aroma and a pop of green.
- 1 cup feta crumbles: The creamy, salty feta creates a beautiful contrast that brings depth to every forkful.
- 1½ tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: A drizzle of good olive oil rounds out the salad with richness and smoothness.
- ½ tablespoon white wine vinegar: Adds just the right tang to brighten up the flavors.
- ¾ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors without overpowering.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild kick that ties everything together.
How to Make Grilled Corn Salad with Cherry Tomatoes, Feta, and Basil Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Grill the Corn
Start by preheating your grill to a medium-high heat. Husk the corn by removing the outer leaves and silk, then place the ears directly on the grill. Turn occasionally for about 10-12 minutes until they develop those lovely grill marks and the kernels are slightly charred. Grilling the corn first is what gives this salad its incredible smoky flavor that sets it apart from your everyday corn salad.
Step 2: Cut the Kernels Off the Cob
Once grilled and slightly cooled, hold each ear of corn vertically and carefully slice the kernels off with a sharp knife. The kernels should come off in neat rows, full of smoky sweetness ready to mingle with the other salad ingredients.
Step 3: Combine the Fresh Ingredients
In a large bowl, toss together the grilled corn kernels, grape tomatoes, diced red onion, and chopped basil leaves. This fresh mix creates the vibrant base of the salad, blending juicy, crisp, and herbaceous notes.
Step 4: Add Feta, Oil, Vinegar, and Seasoning
Sprinkle the crumbled feta over the combined veggies, then drizzle the extra virgin olive oil and white wine vinegar on top. Season with salt and black pepper. Gently toss everything together to make sure the dressing coats every ingredient evenly without breaking up the delicate feta too much.
How to Serve Grilled Corn Salad with Cherry Tomatoes, Feta, and Basil Recipe
Garnishes
For an eye-catching finish, sprinkle some extra fresh basil leaves or a few more crumbles of feta on top right before serving. A quick grind of fresh black pepper can also add a subtle lift.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats like chicken or steak, but it’s just as delicious alongside crusty bread, creamy avocado toasts, or even as a refreshing side for a summer barbecue feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving this salad in small mason jars for individual portions at a picnic or party. You can also pile it onto toasted baguette slices for instant bruschetta, turning it into a delightful appetizer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 1 to 2 days, though the tomatoes might release some juice over time. Give it a gentle stir before serving to redistribute the flavors.
Freezing
This Grilled Corn Salad with Cherry Tomatoes, Feta, and Basil Recipe is best enjoyed fresh, so freezing is not recommended. The texture of the fresh veggies and feta would be compromised after thawing.
Reheating
Since this is a fresh salad, reheating isn’t necessary. However, if you love that warm, smoky corn flavor, you can reheat the grilled corn separately and then toss it back into the salad when warm.
FAQs
Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh ears?
While fresh corn gives the best flavor and texture, you can use thawed frozen corn. Sauté it in a grill pan or roast it briefly to impart a smoky flavor before adding to the salad.
How do I keep the salad from becoming soggy?
To prevent sogginess, dress the salad just before serving, and avoid chopping tomatoes too far in advance. Also, make sure to drain any excess liquid that accumulates.
Can I substitute the feta with another cheese?
Absolutely! Crumbled goat cheese or cotija cheese are excellent alternatives that bring their own unique creaminess and tang.
Is this salad suitable for vegans?
If you want to make this vegan, simply omit the feta or replace it with a plant-based cheese substitute or toasted nuts for added texture.
What can I add to make it more of a meal?
Adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas can easily turn this salad into a hearty main course packed with protein and flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Corn Salad with Cherry Tomatoes, Feta, and Basil Recipe is a vibrant celebration of summer flavors that’s surprisingly easy to whip up. Its balance of smoky, sweet, tangy, and fresh notes will quickly earn a spot in your recipe rotation. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover just how irresistible this simple salad can be!
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Grilled Corn Salad with Cherry Tomatoes, Feta, and Basil Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This vibrant Grilled Corn Salad combines the sweet, smoky flavor of charred corn with juicy grape tomatoes, tangy feta cheese, and fresh basil. Perfect for a light lunch or a flavorful side dish, this salad is quick to prepare, refreshing, and packed with texture and taste.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Herbs
- 6 ears of corn
- 2 cups grape tomatoes, cut into thirds or fourths
- ½ medium red onion, diced
- 6–7 fresh basil leaves, chopped
Dressing and Cheese
- 1 cup feta crumbles
- 1½ tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- ½ tablespoon white wine vinegar
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the grill: Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the corn.
- Grill the corn: Place the ears of corn directly on the grill and cook, turning occasionally, until the kernels are lightly charred and juicy all over, about 10-12 minutes.
- Cool and cut the corn: Remove the grilled corn from the heat and allow it to cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle, cut the kernels off the cobs using a sharp knife.
- Prepare the salad base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the grilled corn kernels, grape tomatoes, diced red onion, and chopped fresh basil leaves.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, white wine vinegar, salt, and black pepper until emulsified.
- Toss salad: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to evenly coat all the components with the tangy dressing.
- Add feta cheese: Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top of the salad and give it a final light toss just to distribute the cheese without breaking it down too much.
- Serve: Transfer the salad to a serving dish and enjoy it immediately, or chill for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully before serving.
Notes
- For extra smoky flavor, allow the corn to char a bit more on the grill but avoid burning.
- This salad can be served warm or cold depending on your preference.
- Substitute fresh basil with cilantro or parsley for a different herbaceous note.
- Can easily be made vegetarian by ensuring the feta cheese is vegetarian-friendly.
- To make it vegan, substitute feta with your favorite plant-based cheese alternative or omit entirely.
