Description
A vibrant and fresh Tomato, Mozzarella, and Grilled Corn Salad featuring a zesty cilantro-lime dressing. This salad combines the sweetness of grilled corn with juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and ripe avocados for a perfect summer dish that’s easy to prepare and full of bright flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Dressing
- 1 ½ cups packed fresh cilantro
- ½ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- Kosher salt, up to 2 teaspoons
Salad
- 5 teaspoons olive oil (for grilling corn)
- 5 large ears of corn, silks and husks removed
- 1 ½ pounds grape or cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered depending on size
- 1 pound fresh mozzarella, diced
- 2 large avocados, diced
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: Combine cilantro, olive oil, lime juice, and kosher salt in a blender. Blend until the dressing is smooth and salt is fully incorporated. Refrigerate the dressing until it’s time to use.
- Grill the Corn: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Coat each ear of corn with olive oil to prevent sticking and help charring. Grill the corn until it reaches your desired doneness, turning occasionally to get even grill marks and a slightly smoky flavor.
- Cut the Corn Kernels: Once the corn has cooled enough to handle, carefully cut the kernels off the cobs using a sharp knife. Set the kernels aside in a large bowl.
- Assemble the Salad: Add the halved or quartered tomatoes, diced mozzarella, and diced avocado to the bowl with the corn kernels. Drizzle enough dressing over the ingredients to coat them evenly.
- Toss and Serve: Gently stir the salad so that all components are well coated with the dressing. Serve the salad immediately for best texture and freshness, or refrigerate for up to 8 hours for flavors to meld.
Notes
- Use fresh, ripe tomatoes and mozzarella for the best flavor contrast.
- Adjust the amount of salt in the dressing to taste, especially if your mozzarella is salty.
- This salad can be prepared a few hours ahead; keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to maintain freshness.
- For a vegan variation, substitute mozzarella with firm tofu or a plant-based cheese alternative.
- Grilling corn adds a delicious smoky element, but you can also roast it if a grill is unavailable.
