Description
Summer Caesar Salad with Charred Sweet Corn is a fresh twist on the classic Caesar salad, featuring smoky grilled corn, crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy toppings, and a creamy homemade Caesar dressing. Ready in just 20 minutes, this vibrant salad is perfect for summer lunches, BBQs, picnics, and easy weeknight meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 6 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 2 cups fresh sweet corn kernels
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for grilling corn)
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/3 cup shaved Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup toasted croutons
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 avocado, sliced (optional)
For the Caesar Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
Optional Add-Ins
- Grilled chicken
- Grilled shrimp
- Crispy bacon pieces
- Extra Parmesan
Instructions
Instructions
- Char the corn: Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Toss corn kernels with olive oil and cook for 5–7 minutes until lightly charred. Let cool slightly.
- Make the dressing: Whisk mayonnaise, lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, garlic, Parmesan cheese, Worcestershire sauce, pepper, and salt until creamy and smooth.
- Prepare the salad base: Add chopped romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, basil, and avocado to a large bowl.
- Combine ingredients: Add charred corn, Parmesan cheese, and croutons. Drizzle with Caesar dressing and toss gently until evenly coated.
- Serve: Finish with extra Parmesan and cracked black pepper. Serve immediately as a refreshing summer salad or add grilled protein for a complete meal.
Notes
For the best flavor, char the corn until golden and slightly smoky. Keep croutons separate until serving to maintain their crunch. The dressing can be prepared up to 3 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: summer caesar salad, charred corn salad, sweet corn salad recipe, easy summer salad, homemade caesar dressing, 20 minute salad, BBQ side dish