Chef Mitchell preparing Grilled Corn Brussels Salad
👨‍🍳 Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary School Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I discovered this Grilled Corn Brussels Salad while experimenting with fresh summer ingredients from the local farmer's market. Over time, I've perfected the balance of flavors and textures, creating a salad that is both colorful and satisfying. The combination of smoky grilled corn and crunchy Brussels sprouts captures the essence of Mexican cuisine, making it a go-to recipe for gatherings and family meals. I love sharing this dish with friends, as it always receives rave reviews!"

Chef Mitchell has spent over a decade specializing in Mexican cuisine, focusing on fresh ingredients and bold flavors. With a passion for creating easy and delectable lunch recipes, he aims to inspire others to cook with confidence. His expertise shines through in each dish, making meals enjoyable and accessible for everyone.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Delicious Grilled Corn Brussels Salad served on a plate

Why This Grilled Corn Brussels Salad Recipe Works

This Grilled Corn Brussels Salad stands out for its combination of fresh ingredients and robust flavors. The sweetness of the grilled corn pairs perfectly with the earthy Brussels sprouts, creating a delightful contrast. The addition of creamy avocado and tangy feta cheese enhances the overall taste, making this salad both satisfying and nutritious.

Using high-quality ingredients is key to achieving the best results. Grilling the corn and Brussels sprouts adds a smoky flavor that elevates this simple salad. A light lime dressing ties everything together, balancing the dish with acidity and freshness.

💡 Professional Tip

For the best flavor, use fresh corn when in season. If fresh corn isn't available, frozen corn can be used; just make sure to grill it until it's slightly charred for that smoky taste. Additionally, feel free to add other seasonal vegetables to the salad for variety.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can prepare the salad ahead of time. However, it's best to store the dressing separately and combine it just before serving to keep the ingredients fresh and crisp. The salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, but the texture may change slightly as it sits.

If you can't find Brussels sprouts, you can substitute them with finely shredded cabbage or kale for a similar crunch. Roasted cauliflower also makes a great alternative, adding a unique flavor while still keeping the salad light.

The salad is ready to serve once the corn and Brussels sprouts are grilled to your desired level of char and tenderness. The vegetables should be slightly charred for flavor, while still being firm enough to provide a nice bite. Once combined with the other salad ingredients, taste for seasoning as well.

It's not recommended to freeze the salad once it's been mixed due to the texture of the vegetables. However, you can freeze the grilled corn and Brussels sprouts separately and then combine them with fresh ingredients when you're ready to serve.

This salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats, such as chicken or steak, or can be enjoyed alongside tacos or burritos. It also makes a fantastic standalone dish for a light lunch. A side of tortilla chips and salsa would complement the meal nicely.

When stored in an airtight container, Grilled Corn Brussels Salad will last up to 2 days in the refrigerator. However, for the best flavor and texture, it’s recommended to consume it within a day.

Yes, you can make the components of the salad in advance. Grill the corn and Brussels sprouts a day ahead and store them in the refrigerator. Combine them with the fresh ingredients and dressing just before serving for optimal freshness.

If you choose to reheat the salad, do so gently in a skillet over low heat. Be cautious not to overheat as it can make the vegetables mushy. Alternatively, you can enjoy it cold or at room temperature without reheating.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Too Dry

Problem: If the salad seems too dry or lacks flavor.

Solution: Add more lime juice or olive oil to the salad to enhance the moisture and flavor. You can also incorporate a splash of vegetable broth to bring everything together.

✅

Not Crispy Enough

Problem: If the Brussels sprouts aren’t crispy.

Solution: Ensure you're grilling the Brussels sprouts on high heat and tossing them occasionally. If they are cooked too low, they may steam rather than grill, affecting their crispiness.

✅

Overcooked

Problem: If the vegetables become mushy.

Prevention: Keep a close eye on the grilling time. Removing them from the grill as soon as they’re tender and charred will prevent overcooking.

✅

Undercooked Center

Problem: If the Brussels sprouts are still hard in the center.

Recovery: Cut Brussels sprouts into smaller halves or quarters to ensure they cook through evenly. Consider parboiling them briefly before grilling.

✅

Burnt Exterior

Problem: If the vegetables char too much on the outside.

Prevention: Lower the grill temperature or move the vegetables to a cooler part of the grill to avoid burning. Keep turning them frequently to ensure even cooking.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If the salad is too sweet, add more lime juice or a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.

Too Salty: If the salad is too salty, add more chopped vegetables or greens to dilute the saltiness.

Bland: If the salad tastes bland, add more seasoning, such as cumin or fresh herbs, to enhance the overall flavor.

Fresh ingredients for Grilled Corn Brussels Salad

Essential Ingredients for Grilled Corn Brussels Salad

The stars of this salad are the grilled corn and Brussels sprouts. Fresh corn adds sweetness and a smoky flavor when grilled, while Brussels sprouts provide a hearty texture and nutritional benefits. The combination of fresh vegetables such as bell peppers and tomatoes adds color and crunch.

Using high-quality, seasonal produce ensures the best flavor in your salad. Opt for organic vegetables when possible to enhance taste and texture. Fresh herbs like cilantro brighten the dish, while creamy avocado adds richness.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Corn: Use fresh corn on the cob when in season for the best flavor. Grilling enhances its sweetness and adds a smoky aroma. If using frozen corn, grill it until it's charred for a similar effect.
  • Brussels Sprouts: Choose bright green Brussels sprouts that are firm and compact. To ensure even cooking, cut them in half before grilling. This will also help them absorb more flavor from the seasoning.
  • Avocado: Select ripe avocados for creaminess in your salad. To check for ripeness, gently squeeze the avocado; it should yield slightly. Add the avocado just before serving to prevent browning.
Cooking process for Grilled Corn Brussels Salad

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

The cooking process for this salad is straightforward and enjoyable. Start by grilling the corn and Brussels sprouts, allowing the natural flavors to develop through high heat cooking. Tossing the ingredients together with a zesty dressing brings everything to life.

Achieving perfect results involves keeping a close eye on the grilling time and ensuring that the vegetables are cooked through yet still have a nice crunch. The combination of textures and flavors makes this salad a crowd-pleaser.

Key Technique for Perfect Grilled Corn Brussels Salad

The key technique to remember is to grill the vegetables at the right temperature for the right amount of time. This ensures that they char beautifully while retaining their crunch. Turning them frequently prevents burning and promotes even cooking.

Grilled Corn Brussels Salad

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup olive oil
    Cold-pressed
  • Juice of 3 limes
    Freshly squeezed
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
    Ground
  • Salt
    To taste
  • Black pepper
    To taste

For the Sauce

  • 4 ears of corn
    Husked
  • 1 lb Brussels sprouts
    Trimmed and halved
  • 1 red bell pepper
    Diced
  • 1 avocado
    Diced
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes
    Halved
  • 1/4 cup red onion
    Finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup cilantro
    Chopped
  • 1/4 cup feta cheese
    Crumbled
  • 1/4 cup roasted pumpkin seeds
    Optional

Instructions

  1. Grill Corn

    Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the husked corn on the grill and cook for about 10-15 minutes, turning frequently until charred. Remove from heat and let cool.

  2. Prepare Brussels Sprouts

    In a large bowl, toss the halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Grill for 15-20 minutes until tender and slightly charred, stirring occasionally.

  3. Chop Grilled Corn

    Once the corn has cooled, cut the kernels off the cob and place them in a large mixing bowl.

  4. Mix Ingredients

    Add the grilled Brussels sprouts, diced red bell pepper, diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro to the bowl with the corn.

  5. Make Dressing

    In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, cumin, salt, and pepper until combined.

  6. Combine Salad

    Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to combine.

  7. Add Toppings

    Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and roasted pumpkin seeds on top of the salad.

  8. Serve

    Serve the Grilled Corn Brussels Salad warm or at room temperature, garnished with extra cilantro if desired.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It’s best to keep the dressing separate to maintain freshness. If the salad becomes a bit soggy, you can toss in a bit more fresh greens or nuts before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, fish, or tofu for a complete meal. You can also serve it alongside tacos or burritos for a flavorful lunch. For a picnic, pack it in individual containers for easy serving.

Recipe Variations

Feel free to customize this salad by adding other grilled vegetables like zucchini or eggplant. You can also swap out the feta cheese for a vegan alternative or omit it altogether for a dairy-free version. Experiment with different nuts or seeds for added crunch.