This salad traeger grilled is a creamy, spicy delight perfect for dinner. It’s simple to make, packed with flavor, and sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy the smoky, charred taste of grilled corn paired with zesty dressing. It’s a must-try for your next outdoor gathering!
Table of Contents
The Ultimate Traeger Grilled Corn Salad
Why Grill Corn for Salad?
Grilling corn adds a delightful smoky flavor and enhances its natural sweetness. The charred kernels bring a satisfying crunch, elevating your salad to a whole new level. Plus, using a Traeger grill allows you to infuse the corn with an irresistible wood-fired taste.
Key Ingredients for Smoky Flavor
To create this delicious salad, gather fresh ingredients. You’ll need:
- 4 ears of fresh corn, shucked
- 2 jalapeño peppers (optional for heat)
- Avocado oil spray or 1-2 tablespoons of oil
- 3 tablespoons Kewpie mayo (or regular mayo)
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce
- 2 scallions, finely sliced
- 2 handfuls of chopped cilantro
- 2 oz cotija cheese
Preparing Your Corn and Peppers
Traeger Grilled Corn Method
Start by preheating your grill to 450ºF. Coat each corn ear and jalapeño peppers with oil. Place the corn on the grill, turning occasionally, for 20-25 minutes until the kernels are tender and slightly charred. Grill the peppers near the center until they soften. Once done, let the corn cool before cutting the kernels off the cobs and dicing the peppers.
Quick Pan-Roasted Alternative
If you’re pressed for time, you can use a skillet. Remove the corn kernels and dice the peppers. Heat a large skillet over high heat with 2 tablespoons of oil. Add the corn and peppers, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook without stirring for 2 minutes to achieve a nice char, then stir and continue cooking for about 4-5 minutes.
Crafting the Creamy, Spicy Dressing
The Secret to Umami: Kewpie Mayo
This creamy dressing is the heart of your salad. Whisk together Kewpie mayo, lime juice, and chili garlic sauce for a rich, tangy flavor. Kewpie mayo adds a unique umami taste that regular mayo just can’t match.
Balancing Heat with Lime and Chili Garlic Sauce
The lime juice provides a refreshing zing that cuts through the creaminess. Adjust the chili garlic sauce to your preferred spice level. It’s all about finding that perfect balance of flavors!
Assembling Your Delicious Corn Salad
Bringing it All Together
In a large bowl, combine the grilled corn, diced jalapeños, cilantro, and scallions. Pour the creamy dressing over the top and gently mix until everything is well coated. Top with crumbled cotija cheese for an extra burst of flavor.
Flavor Boosters and Garnishes
For added flavor, sprinkle Tajín or chili powder to taste. This gives your salad a delightful kick and enhances its vibrant colors. Serve it alongside tortilla chips for a crunchy treat or pair it with your favorite Mexican or Tex-Mex dishes.
Serving Suggestions for Your Salad
Perfect Pairings with Mexican and Tex-Mex Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, such as grilled chicken, or grilled chicken kabobs. You can also serve it with grilled chili lime chicken thighs or grilled cowboy steak for a satisfying meal. For an easy side, try this grilled chicken pesto pasta salad!
FAQs
What ingredients are needed for Mexican street corn salad?
You will need fresh corn, jalapeño peppers, avocado oil, Kewpie mayo, lime juice, chili garlic sauce, scallions, cilantro, and cotija cheese.
How do you prepare the corn for the salad?
Grill the corn on a Traeger grill or pan-roast it after removing the kernels from the cobs, ensuring it’s well-charred for flavor.
Can I make Mexican street corn salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients and mix them together a few hours before serving. Just add the dressing right before serving for freshness.
What are some variations of Mexican street corn salad?
You can customize it with different spices, add black beans or diced bell peppers, or substitute cotija cheese with feta cheese for a different flavor.
Is Mexican street corn salad served hot or cold?
It can be served either way! Enjoy it warm right off the grill or chilled from the fridge for a refreshing salad.
Related Recipes to try
- Grilled Chicken Avocado Salad
- Grilled Chicken Kabobs
- Grilled Chili Lime Chicken Thighs
- Grilled Cowboy Steak
- Grilled Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad
- Grilled Chicken
Conclusion
Now that you’ve learned how to make this salad traeger grilled, it’s time to gather your ingredients and fire up the grill. Not only is this dish a crowd-pleaser, but it’s also a fantastic way to enjoy fresh summer flavors. For more inspiration, check out great ideas on Pinterest and make your next meal a hit!
Salad Traeger Grilled: A Creamy Delight for Dinner
Equipment
- grill
- large skillet
Ingredients
- 4 ears fresh corn
- jalapeño peppers optional
- 1-2 tablespoons oil Avocado oil spray or other
- 3 tablespoons Kewpie mayo or regular mayo
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce
- 2 scallions finely sliced
- 2 handfuls chopped cilantro
- 2 oz cotija cheese
Seasoning
- Tajín or chili powder to taste
Instructions
- Preheat grill to 450ºF. Coat corn and peppers with oil. Grill corn for 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally, and peppers near the center. Cool corn, remove kernels, and dice peppers.
- Alternatively, remove kernels from corn and dice peppers. Heat a skillet with oil over high heat, add corn and peppers, season with salt and pepper. Cook without stirring for 2 minutes to char, then stir and cook until charred all over (4-5 minutes total).
- Whisk together mayo, lime juice, and chili garlic sauce. Add the corn and peppers to the dressing. Stir in cilantro, scallions, and cotija cheese. Season with Tajín or chili powder to taste.
