This salad is the perfect side to make for your own BBQ or to bring to a friends. Grilling out is a summer staple and this salad will go with anything you throw on the grill - burgers, tuna steaks, sausages, brats, chicken... seriously anything. You can grill the corn but my instructions are geared towards making it on the stove.
I made this salad for myself at home (YUM) and only poured dressing on what I was eating so I could save the rest for the next day.
If you’re looking to add protein, you can keep it simple because this salad has lots of great base flavor! I think blackened shrimp, grilled chicken, black beans, chicken sausage, and grilled salmon would all be great additions. You could even stuff it all into a pita or a wrap for a sandwich feel.
Time: 20 minutes
Serves: 4-6 people, can easily be doubled & depends on how much you think each person would grab.
You’ll need
1/2 bag of arugula
1/2 bag of spring mix
2 ears of corn or 1 cup frozen corn
1 teaspoon butter
Chile powder, garlic powder
1 lime, cut in half
1/3 cup each of the following
diced cucumber (I prefer the small Persian cucumbers)
diced white onion
diced red pepper or tomato
diced jalapeño
1/2 avocado, cubed (optional)
1/4 cup diced cilantro
1 mint leaves, diced
Feta or Cotija cheese (measure with your heart)
Pickled onion (optional but yum!)
dressing:
1/2 cup avocado or olive oil
1/4 cup lime juice
1/2 cup cilantro
1/2 of a jalapeño
2 garlic cloves
1 teaspoon honey
1 tablespoon dijon mustard
1 tablespoon mayo (optional)
salt + pepper to taste
Instructions:
Add all dressing ingredients to a food processor or blender and mix - set aside in the fridge.
Dice the cucumber, onion, jalapeño, avocado, and bell pepper (or tomato) - combine in a bowl with the cilantro, mint, and big squeeze of lime juice (about 1/2 of a lime). Stir it all together and set aside.
Melt the butter in a skillet over high heat, add the corn as soon as it is melted. Sprinkle in chili powder + garlic powder. Squeeze in lime juice - about 1 tablespoon is plenty. Stir the corn every 30-45 seconds so it has time to sit still and start to char. Once it is golden brown in places - remove from heat.
Add both lettuces to a large salad bowl. Top with the diced veggie mix, dressing, cheese, pickled onion, and corn. Toss it all together and enjoy!