Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Grilled Corn Salad with Avocado, Tomato and Lime

Grilled Corn Salad with Avocado, Tomato and Lime

Driving our carpool to dance the other day one of the girls asked, "Mrs. Kelly... if you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live?"  Without hesitation I described a tropical island complete with graceful palm trees swaying in the afternoon breeze, a hammock strung between them and a view of sea turtles and dolphins frolicking in the crystal clear turquoise waters.  Back in the present time, Molly gazed at me, somewhat perplexed, and then asked, "But what about winter?  Don't you want snow and seasons?".  Nope... I'm good without.

I think Molly was a little shocked when I explained that life without snow, temps below 65º and sweaters was indeed my little paradise.  I can't remember a time when I wasn't dreaming about that tropical island and the fresh, summer foods that would come along with it.

My summer garden, or at least the summer garden I shop from at my local Farmer's Markets, providing endless fresh, local and bursting with flavor foods, is indeed my favorite time of year.  All winter (and I really can't complain about cold here in San Diego) I crave the brilliant heirloom tomatoes, freshly picked corn and the plethora of herbs that grow along with them.


Grilled corn cut from the cob

Hence, when my last visit to Trader Joe's provided a crate of fresh corn in early May, I pounced on a bagful of ears and promptly popped them on my grill.  Grilling brings out even more sweetness in the already sweet corn, and tossing my grilled corn with the first of the market's cherry tomatoes and some of the avocado left on my doorstep by a good friend, I had summer in my bowl.

Leaning back in my chair I closed my eyes and my heart soared just a little as the dolphins and turtles smiled back at me.


Grilled Corn Salad with Avocado, Tomato and Lime

Grilled Corn Salad with Avocado, Tomato and Lime
Bursting with the flavors of summer and enhanced with the essence of lime, this salad is sure to enhance your meal.  Perfect for a potluck or a picnic, you can make this salad a day ahead.
Printer friendly

1-2 ears of corn, grilled (or about 1 cup of frozen)**
1 avocado, cubed
Grilled Corn Salad with Avocado, Tomato and Lime
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup chopped red onion
3/4 cup canned garbonzo beans (chickpeas), drained and rinsed
3-4 Tbs cilantro, chopped
3 Tbs lime juice
3 Tbs oil (I usually "splash" in place of measuring - we use either olive or grapeseed)
salt and pepper to taste

Cut the grille and cooled corn from the cob.  Add corn to a medium mixing bowl along with avocado, tomatoes, onion and chickpeas.  Toss gently.  Add the cilantro and squeeze the lime.  Drizzle with oil and toss again, gently.  Season with salt and pepper to taste and chill.  Serve either chilled or at room temp.  Enjoy!

**Liv Life Note:  To grill the corn I simply remove the silks and husks, place the cob directly on the grill over medium heat.  Turn every few minutes until desired doneness is achieved.

11 comments:

  1. Oh my gosh. Can I pull up a hammock and share your salad? It looks fantastic. I am so jealous of those avocados. I saw the photo of the batch and knew there would be good things coming. You sure didn't disappoint!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Beautiful salad! Perfect for summer :)

    Happy Blogging!
    Happy Valley Chow

    ReplyDelete
  3. Light, refreshing.... Beautiful!!!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I love everything about this salad, Kim, it looks so good!

    ReplyDelete
  5. What a gorgeous and fresh salad!! I love all the ingredients in this. So healthy. I would just eat this alone for a meal :-)

    ReplyDelete
  6. My paradise would also be oceanfront but I guess I'm used to the Atlantic. :) We're still a couple of weeks away from sweet Long Island corn but our grill will be going all summer and this salad looks amazing.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I would love to live near the ocean - it's just so relaxing. Can't wait for local corn to be in season around here - your corn salad sounds like the perfect summer barbecue or picnic fare!

    ReplyDelete
  8. I'm with you! I can live without winter and be totally happy under the palm trees with this salad. :)

    ReplyDelete
  9. Fantastic Summer Salad!! Looking forward to make it for a BBQ this weekend. I didn't see a serving size by the recipe. What is it??

    ReplyDelete
  10. you paint a pretty picture of island life, for sure. I'd love to end up in Hawaii later in life. with this salad, please! looks so flavorful!

    ReplyDelete
  11. oooh! Looks like the quintessential summer salad! I can't wait to try!

    ReplyDelete

Your comments make our hearts sing!