The Grilled Corn, Zucchini, and Asadero Cheese Salad is a vibrant, flavorful dish that epitomizes summer dining. It is a delightful combination of charred vegetables, creamy cheese, and a zesty vinaigrette, perfect for barbecues, picnics, or as a light yet satisfying main course. The fresh ingredients and simple preparation highlight the natural flavors, creating a wholesome and delicious dish.
The heart of this salad is the fresh, seasonal vegetables and high-quality ingredients. Grilled corn, with its naturally sweet and slightly smoky flavor, forms the base of the dish. Grilling the corn brings out its sweetness and adds a delightful char that enhances its taste. The zucchinis, sliced into strips and grilled, provide a tender yet slightly crisp texture. Their mild flavor absorbs the grill’s smoky essence, complementing the corn’s sweetness.
Asadero cheese, a semi-soft, white cheese originating from Mexico, adds a creamy and slightly tangy element to the salad. Cut into cubes, it provides a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture that contrasts beautifully with the crunchy vegetables. Freshly chopped cilantro adds herbal freshness, tying all the components with its bright and slightly citrusy notes.
The zesty vinaigrette is the perfect dressing for this salad, adding a tangy and slightly sweet finish. Made with extra virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed lime juice, and lime zest, it brings a vibrant citrus flavor that lifts the dish. The red wine vinegar adds a subtle acidity, while the honey balances the tartness with a hint of sweetness. Minced garlic provides an aromatic depth, and salt and ground black pepper round out the seasonings.
Preparing this salad is a breeze, even for those who are new to the kitchen. The corn and zucchini are brushed with extra virgin olive oil, seasoned with salt and ground black pepper, and then grilled until they are nicely charred. Once slightly cooled, the corn kernels are cut off the cob, and the zucchini strips are sliced into pieces, ensuring each bite contains a mix of flavors. This straightforward process ensures that you can create a delicious and impressive dish with ease, boosting your confidence in the kitchen.
The grilled corn and zucchini are combined in a large bowl with the asadero cheese cubes, freshly chopped cilantro, and green onions. The vinaigrette is then drizzled over the top, and the salad is gently tossed to ensure all the ingredients are evenly coated. The result is a harmonious blend of smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors, with various textures from the crisp vegetables, creamy cheese, and zesty dressing.
This Grilled Corn, Zucchini, and Asadero Cheese Salad is a culinary canvas you can paint with your creativity. Serve it at room temperature or chilled; it can adapt to your preferences. Pair it with grilled meats or seafood, or enjoy it as a standalone vegetarian dish. Its vibrant colors and fresh flavors make it a visually appealing and delicious addition to any meal, allowing you to experiment and create your own unique dining experience.
Whether hosting a summer barbecue, planning a picnic, or simply looking for a light and flavorful dish, this salad will surely impress. Its combination of fresh, seasonal ingredients and the tangy lime vinaigrette make it a refreshing and satisfying choice that celebrates the essence of summer dining. Enjoy the Grilled Corn, Zucchini, and Asadero Cheese Salad, a dish that combines the best-grilled flavors, creamy cheese, and zesty dressing in every bite.
The Grilled Corn, Zucchini, and Asadero Cheese Salad pairs beautifully with Mexican-Inspired Honey Lime Drizzled Shrimp Cakes, creating a harmonious and complementary meal. The smoky, charred flavors of the grilled vegetables in the salad perfectly contrast with the sweet and tangy notes of the honey lime drizzle on the shrimp cakes. The creamy asadero cheese and zesty lime vinaigrette enhance the overall freshness and brightness of the meal, making it a delightful combination of textures and flavors that celebrate the best of summer cuisine.
Grilled Corn, Zucchini, and Asadero Cheese Salad
4
servings15
minutes15
minutes30
minutesThe Grilled Corn, Zucchini, and Asadero Cheese Salad is a vibrant summer dish featuring smoky grilled vegetables, creamy asadero cheese, and a zesty lime vinaigrette.
Ingredients
3 ears of corn, husked
2 large zucchinis, sliced into strips
1 cup asadero cheese, cut into cubes
1/2 cup green onions, freshly chopped
1/2 cup cilantro, freshly chopped
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 lime juiced and zested
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
1 clove of garlic, minced
to taste, salt and ground black pepper
Directions
- Grill the Corn and Zucchini:
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Brush the corn stalks and zucchini strips with a bit of the extra virgin olive oil and season with salt and ground black pepper.
Grill the corn stalks for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until charred and tender. Grill the zucchini strips for 3-4 minutes per side until they have nice grill marks and are tender. Remove from the grill and let cool slightly.
Cut the kernels off the corn cobs and place in a large bowl. Slice the grilled zucchini strips into bite-sized pieces and add to the bowl. - Prepare the Vinaigrette:
Whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, red wine vinegar, honey, minced garlic, salt, and ground black pepper until well combined. - Assemble the Salad:
Add the asadero cheese cubes and freshly chopped cilantro and green onions to the bowl with the grilled corn and zucchini. Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine. - Serve:
Serve the salad either at room temperature or chilled. It makes a great side dish for barbecues, picnics, or as a light main course.