Grilled Corn and Avocado Salad

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Grilled-Corn-3-crop

Grilled Corn and Avocado Salad

 

Makes 6 servings

Free From gluten and all top 8 allergens

With sweet crunchy corn in peak-season, it’s readily available and at the height of its deliciousness. While fantastic simply steamed or boiled on the cob, corn is also wonderful grilled, and can take center stage as a featured ingredient in salads, salsas, and many other sides.  When shopping for fresh corn, look for green moist husks that cling tightly to the corn. To determine if it’s ripe, look for deep brown silk tips or ends — however, the whole silk should not be dried up — if it is, your corn is probably past its prime.  A sure-fire way to make sure your corn is fresh and ripe is to peel back the husk slightly, and check the top row of kernels for plumpness. Dried or shriveled corn is a no-go.  The ultimate test is to pierce a kernel with your fingernail. If it’s milky, your corn is just right.

This flavorful fresh Grilled Corn and Avocado Salad is a perfect accompaniment to any summer meal.  Try it with my Carne Asada, for a flavor-full fiesta!

 

1 garlic clove, crushed

2 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp chili powder

¼ cup + 2 tbsp fresh-squeezed lime juice (3 limes)

¼ cup + 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, plus additional for brushing

salt and black pepper, to taste

6 ears corn, husks and silks removed and halved

½ cup finely diced red onion

1 red bell pepper, diced

⅓ cup chopped, loosely-packed cilantro leaves

2 ripe, firm avocados, diced

 

1. In a small bowl, combine garlic, cumin and chili powder. Whisk in lime juice. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking to emulsify. Add pinch of salt and dash of pepper.

2. Heat grill to high. Liberally brush corn with olive oil and lightly season all sides with salt and pepper. Grill with lid closed 10-12 minutes, turning every few minutes, until slightly charred on all sides.

3. Transfer corn to cutting board. Use a sharp serrated knife to cut off kernels. Place kernels in a large bowl and stir in onion, bell pepper and dressing. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Add cilantro and avocado and toss gently to combine.

4. Serve immediately or cover tightly with plastic wrap and chill in refrigerator until ready to serve.

 

Grilled Corn and Avocado Salad  © 2014 by Cybele Pascal

This recipe first appeared in the Summer 2014 issue of Allergic Living Magazine