Print

Flavorful Grilled Corn Salad with Cotija, Avocado & Tajin

grilled corn salad - featured image

A quick and easy summer salad featuring smoky grilled corn, creamy avocado, salty Cotija cheese, and a tangy kick of Tajin seasoning. Perfect as a fresh side or a crowd-pleasing dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 ears fresh corn on the cob, husked
  • 1 large ripe avocado, diced
  • ½ cup Cotija cheese, crumbled
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons Tajin seasoning
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat the grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (around 400°F). If using a grill pan, heat on stove over medium-high for about 5 minutes.
  2. Husk the corn ears and remove all silk. Lightly brush each ear with olive oil to prevent sticking.
  3. Grill the corn for 10-12 minutes, turning every 3-4 minutes until kernels develop a nice char with some blackened spots but not burnt.
  4. Transfer grilled corn to a plate and let cool for about 5 minutes. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice kernels off the cob, standing the corn upright in a bowl to catch kernels.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine grilled corn kernels, diced avocado, crumbled Cotija cheese, and chopped cilantro if using. Gently toss to mix without mashing the avocado.
  6. Drizzle olive oil and fresh lime juice over the mixture. Sprinkle Tajin seasoning starting with 1 teaspoon and adjust to taste. Season with salt and black pepper.
  7. Carefully toss the salad to distribute flavors evenly. Taste and add more lime juice or Tajin if desired.
  8. Transfer to a serving bowl or platter and serve fresh. Can be chilled up to one hour before serving.

Notes

Add avocado just before serving to prevent browning. Start with 1 teaspoon Tajin and adjust to taste to avoid over-seasoning. Standing corn upright in a bowl while cutting kernels helps catch stray pieces and reduces mess. For a vegan version, substitute Cotija with plant-based feta or toasted pumpkin seeds. If grilling is unavailable, roast corn at 425°F for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled corn salad, cotija cheese, avocado salad, tajin seasoning, summer salad, easy side dish, smoky corn salad