Grilled Corn Salad
Introduction
Summertime is synonymous with barbecues, laughter, and good food. A key component of any summer BBQ spread? The perfect salad. Whether you’re hosting a backyard gathering or joining a potluck, salads add freshness and vibrant flavors to balance out hearty grilled dishes. Delish has curated a collection of summer BBQ salads that are sure to become staples in your sunny season feasts.
Recipe and More
With an array of delightful combinations, every salad recipe offers a fusion of complementary flavors and textures. From crunchy veggies to creamy dressings, there’s something for everyone’s palate.
Detailed Ingredients with Measures
For many of the salads available in Delish’s summer BBQ repertoire, you’ll find an assortment of fresh ingredients such as:
Leafy Greens – Choose your base with crisp romaine, iceberg, spinach, or arugula
Fresh Veggies – Tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, and red onions
Fruits – Juicy additions like watermelon, mangoes, or strawberries
Grains – Pasta, quinoa, or farro to make the salads hearty
Cheeses – Favorites such as feta, mozzarella, or blue cheese crumble
Nuts and Seeds – Almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds for a crunchy topping
Dressing Ingredients – Olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, mustard, honey, or creamy options like mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
Feel free to pair these ingredients creatively, following one of the recipes or adapting it to your own taste.
Tips for Customization
Don’t hesitate to add grilled protein such as chicken, shrimp, or beef for a heartier meal. Herbs like cilantro, basil, or dill can also elevate the flavors beautifully.
Prep Time
Preparing these delicious salads is a breeze! The time it takes averages between 10 to 20 minutes, depending on chopping and assembling the chosen ingredients. Some recipes that require marination or chilling may need a bit of advance planning, but they yield incredible results.
Make-Ahead Options
Several of these salads can be prepped in advance to save time. Keep toppings such as nuts or dressings separate and mix them in right before serving to retain freshness and crunch.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Some recipes in this collection may call for light cooking, such as grilling corn or boiling pasta for a pasta salad. On average, any additional cooking will range from 10 to 15 minutes. The total time for most recipes stays under 30 minutes.
Yield sizes vary with each recipe, commonly serving about 4 to 6 people. However, you can easily scale up to cater to larger crowds, making these salads ideal for family reunions or cookouts.
Perfect for Guests
Keep your salads versatile by offering multiple dressing options or serving them as customizable salad bars. This ensures guest satisfaction for all ages, dietary preferences, or restrictions.
Including one or more of these salads in your summer BBQ will not only enhance your menu but also make memorable moments around a table filled with delightful and refreshing dishes. Let Delish inspire your next recipe!
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Detailed Directions and Instructions
Grill Preparation
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Clean the grates thoroughly and oil them lightly to prevent sticking.
Prepare Vegetables
Wash all vegetables thoroughly under running water. Pat dry with a kitchen towel. If the recipe calls for slicing or chopping, use a sharp knife and reasonable uniformity when cutting for even cooking.
Boil Pasta or Cook Grains
For recipes requiring pasta or grains, cook them according to the package instructions. Drain thoroughly and let them cool in a large mixing bowl. Toss with a drizzle of oil to prevent sticking.
Prepare Proteins
If the salad includes meat, poultry, or seafood, marinate them if instructed. Season generously with salt and pepper before grilling, pan-frying, or roasting. Allow them to cool slightly after cooking before slicing or incorporating into the salad.
Mash or Whisk Dressings
Combine all dressing ingredients in a bowl or jar. Use a whisk to emulsify, or secure the lid on the jar and shake vigorously until well combined. Taste and adjust for seasoning with salt, pepper, or sweetness.
Assemble Salad
Add your cooled pasta, grains, or greens to a large bowl. Layer in roasted or grilled vegetables, proteins, and other toppings as directed. Drizzle with the prepared dressing. Gently toss to combine, ensuring all ingredients are lightly coated.
Chill Before Serving
Once assembled, cover the salad with plastic wrap or a tight lid. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve cold or at room temperature, depending on your preference.
Notes
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don’t have one of the ingredients listed, similar items can often be used as substitutes. For example, spinach can replace kale or arugula, and quinoa is a great alternative to couscous or farro.
Advance Preparation
Many of these salads can be made ahead of time. For freshness, assemble ingredients except for the dressing and store separately. Toss with the dressing immediately before serving.
Serving Suggestions
These BBQ salads pair wonderfully with grilled meats, seafood, or plant-based proteins. Consider serving them alongside burgers, hot dogs, or pulled pork.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Avoid freezing, as fresh vegetables often lose texture when thawed.
Seasoning Levels
Taste the salad at multiple stages of assembly, especially after adding the dressing. Adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.
Dressing Quantity
For lighter salads, start with half the dressing amount and add more as necessary, ensuring not to overdress and make the salad soggy.
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Cook Techniques
Grilling Vegetables
Grill fresh summer vegetables like corn, zucchini, or bell peppers to incorporate smoky flavor into your BBQ salads. Slice them into bite-sized pieces before tossing into the salad.
Marinating Proteins
Marinate proteins such as chicken, shrimp, or tofu in tangy, flavorful dressings before grilling. This enhances the taste and makes them an excellent topping for your summer salads.
Chilling Ingredients
Keep leafy greens and dressings chilled before assembly to ensure the salad remains refreshing, especially on hot summer days.
Prepping Dressings
Prepare dressings ahead of time for more depth in flavor. Shake or whisk thoroughly before serving to maintain consistency.
Layering for Presentation
When assembling your salad, layer ingredients like greens, toppings, and proteins for a visually appealing look, especially if serving for guests.
Adding Crunch
Incorporate crunchy elements such as roasted nuts, croutons, or crispy onions for texture variation.
Using Fresh Herbs
Chop fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley, or basil to add an aromatic and refreshing kick to your summer BBQ salads.
Balancing Flavors
Balance sweet, salty, tangy, and spicy elements in your salad using ingredients like fruit, cheese, pickles, and spices.
Cooking Grains
Cook grains like quinoa or farro to add a hearty base to your salad. Let them cool before mixing with fresh ingredients.
Assembling Shortly Before Serving
Combine all salad ingredients right before serving to ensure they stay crisp and fresh.
FAQ
What types of salads are good for summer BBQs?
Summer BBQ salads often include fresh, crisp vegetable-based salads, grain salads, or protein-rich options topped with grilled meats or seafood.
How do I keep my salad fresh at a BBQ?
Keep the base ingredients like greens and dressings separate until ready to serve. Store them in a cooler to ensure they remain cold.
What proteins work best for BBQ salads?
Grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, or even steak work wonderfully. Marinated and grilled proteins add a flavorful touch.
How can I make my salad more filling?
Add heartier ingredients like grains (quinoa or farro), beans, or roasted vegetables to make salads more substantial.
What are some dressings ideas for a summer BBQ salad?
Try light vinaigrettes, creamy avocado-based dressings, or citrus-forward options using lemon or lime juice.
How can I add sweetness to my salad?
Incorporate fresh fruits such as strawberries, mango, or peaches to add a naturally sweet element to the salad.
Can I prepare BBQ salads ahead of time?
You can prep ingredients in advance, but combine them and add dressing just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
What are good alternatives for greens in salads?
Instead of traditional greens, try using kale, spinach, arugula, or shredded cabbage for a variation in taste and texture.
How do I ensure the salad has enough flavor?
Use a combination of fresh herbs, a well-balanced dressing, and flavorful toppings like nuts, seeds, or cheeses.
What is a good salad for vegetarians at a BBQ?
Grilled vegetable salads, grain salads with chickpeas, or a mix of greens with fruits and nuts are great vegetarian options.
Conclusion
Summer barbecues are the perfect opportunity to serve up an array of colorful, vibrant salads. These dishes not only complement the grilled mains but also add freshness and seasonal flair to your plate. With so many creative possibilities, there’s a summer BBQ salad for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re seeking a healthy, tangy, or creamy dish, these recipes are sure to elevate your outdoor dining experience.
