Grilled Corn & Avocado Pasta Salad

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by Sarah Connor

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There’s something magical about summer nights, isn’t there? The scent of grilled corn wafting through the air, mingling with laughter and the distant sounds of a family gathering. Imagine tossing that sweet, smoky corn into a vibrant Grilled Corn & Avocado Pasta Salad, a dish that not only bursts with flavor but also brings people together around the table. delicious tortellini pasta salad It’s like a party in your mouth, and everyone’s invited!

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Now, picture this: you’ve just whipped up this delightful dish for a backyard barbecue. Friends gather around, and as they take their first bite, their eyes light up like kids at a candy store. This pasta salad is not just a meal; it’s an experience that makes every occasion feel special—a perfect companion for sunny afternoons or cozy family dinners.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • This Grilled Corn & Avocado Pasta Salad is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings
  • Its vibrant colors and flavors are guaranteed to impress your guests
  • You can customize it by adding proteins or other veggies based on your preferences
  • Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up any leftover corn from your summer picnics!

I remember the first time I made this dish—everyone raved about it! My friend even asked if I’d secretly trained as a gourmet chef.

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • Pasta: Use your favorite type of pasta; I prefer fusilli for its ability to hold onto the dressing beautifully.
  • Fresh Corn: Choose sweet corn on the cob for grilling; it’s sweeter and adds that smoky flavor. savory sweet chili halloumi wraps.
  • Avocados: Look for ripe avocados that yield slightly when pressed; they add creaminess to the salad.
  • Cherry Tomatoes: These provide juicy bursts of flavor; opt for assorted colors for visual appeal.
  • Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion adds a lovely crunch and a sharpness that balances the creaminess.
  • Cilantro: Fresh cilantro brightens up the flavors; if you’re not a fan, parsley works too!
  • Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice enhances the overall taste; avoid bottled juice if possible—fresh is always best.
  • Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil enhances richness while tying all flavors together beautifully.
  • Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings to elevate all flavors in this vibrant salad.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.

Grill the Corn: While pasta cooks, heat your grill over medium-high heat. Grill corn on all sides until charred and tender, about 10 minutes. Let cool before cutting off kernels.

Prepare Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine chopped avocados, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and fresh cilantro. fresh chicken tzatziki bowl The more colorful, the better!

Mix Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper until emulsified. It should have a rich aroma that’ll whet your appetite.

Toss Everything Together: In your large bowl with vegetables, add cooked pasta and grilled corn kernels. Drizzle dressing over everything and gently toss to combine.

Chill and Serve!: Allow salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This lets all those wonderful flavors meld together beautifully!

This Grilled Corn & Avocado Pasta Salad is not just another side dish; it’s an experience packed with flavor that will have everyone coming back for seconds (and thirds)! So fire up that grill and get ready for some culinary magic! zesty lemony lentil soup.

You Must Know

  • Grilled Corn & Avocado Pasta Salad is a delightful dish with fresh flavors
  • The creamy avocado and sweet corn complement each other perfectly, ensuring a vibrant meal
  • This salad is not only visually appealing but also satisfying, making it perfect for any occasion

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Cook the pasta al dente while grilling your corn to build layers of flavor. Combine them quickly to keep everything fresh.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out corn for roasted bell peppers or add feta cheese for extra creaminess and tang.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Enjoy it cold or at room temperature.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • For perfect grilled corn, soak ears in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning
  • Choose ripe avocados; they should gently yield to pressure
  • Toss everything together just before serving to maintain freshness and texture

The first time I made this salad, my friends devoured it like it was the last meal on Earth! Their smiles and compliments truly made my day.

FAQs

FAQ

Can I use frozen corn for Grilled Corn & Avocado Pasta Salad?

For more inspiration, check out this Chicken Sausages with Zucchini recipe.

Yes, but fresh corn adds a sweeter flavor and better texture to the dish.

What type of pasta works best for this salad?

Short pasta varieties like fusilli or penne hold onto the dressing beautifully.

How can I make this dish vegan?

Simply omit any cheese and double the amount of avocado for creaminess without dairy.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Grilled Corn & Avocado Pasta Salad


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  • Author: Gordon Calloway
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: Serves approximately 6

Description

Experience the burst of summer flavors in this Grilled Corn & Avocado Pasta Salad. Perfect for backyard gatherings or family dinners, this vibrant dish combines sweet grilled corn, creamy avocado, and colorful veggies tossed in a zesty lime dressing. It’s not just a meal; it’s an invitation to celebrate togetherness and enjoy the magic of summer nights.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz fusilli pasta
  • 2 ears fresh corn on the cob
  • 2 ripe avocados, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. 1. Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot. Add fusilli and cook until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. 2. Grill the Corn: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill corn for about 10 minutes until charred. Let cool and cut kernels off the cob.
  3. 3. Prepare Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine diced avocados, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, and chopped cilantro.
  4. 4. Mix Dressing: Whisk together lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until emulsified.
  5. 5. Combine: Add cooked pasta and grilled corn to the vegetable mixture. Drizzle with dressing and gently toss to combine.
  6. 6. Chill: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Fiber: 8g
  • Protein: 7g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

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