Roasted corn, bacon, and chili powder make this corn salad a perfect side for any barbeque or as a light snack. This quick and easy salad is sure to please and have you going back for seconds.Â
Ever need a salad you can just throw together quickly that doesn’t seem like the same thing you always make? This corn salad is it. I love how quickly this comes together and bacon makes everything better. Every time I have made this salad people cannot get enough of it. If you like it spicy add a few jalapenos to it.Â
In this recipe
One of the keys to this recipe is to make sure the kernels are left alone to allow them to start to darken. It is ok to not stir them for a couple of minutes to allow this to happen. This recipe can be made with both fresh and frozen corn. If you are going to use frozen make sure and allow it to defrost and drain before you start cooking.Â
Getting whole kernels
There is a way to remove kernels from the cob if you don’t want to cut them off. This however is a bit more time consuming but you will end up with whole kernels instead of sliced ones. To do this cut the cob in half lengthwise. I like to cut between two rows of kernels if possible. Then submerge the half in a bowl of water and by using your thumbs separate the kernels from the cob.
Crispy bacon
This is one of the recipes where you want the bacon to be really crispy. One of the biggest reasons is that it will provide a nice little crunch. The other reason is that when it is in contact with the liquid from the tomatoes, cucumber and lemon juice it will soften a bit. If it isn’t crispy to begin with it will be really soggy. Also the flavor is more enhanced when crispy.
Making the corn salad
Since the corn is a pretty small I like to make sure that all of the other vegetables are cut about the same size. This will ensure that you get all of the flavors in one bite. I like to chop up all of the vegetables while the bacon and the corn is cooking to save time. This is also the time to add any additional flavors you would like. Here are a few ideas:
- Jalapeno, serrano, or Shishito peppers
- Chopped almonds, walnuts, or pecansÂ
- Feta or cubed mozzarella cheese
Looking for other salad ideas?
Pan Roasted Corn Salad with Bacon
Equipment
- Cast iron skillet
- Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
Salad
- 2 cups corn 4 medium ears kernels removed
- ¾ pound bacon chopped
- 1 avocado large, chopped
- ½ cup onion chopped
- 1 cup cucumber chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved or quartered
- ½ cup cilantro chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
Salad Dressing
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp cumin
- 1½ tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- In the cast iron skillet on medium high, cook the bacon about 8 minutes or until crispy. Remove from the pan and allow to cool.
- Remove any bits that have stuck to the pan and add the tablespoon of olive oil. Add the corn, salt, pepper, and cook until it starts to darken and becomes fragrant, about 6-8 minutes. Remove from the pan and allow to cool.
- Combine all of the dressing ingredients together and mix. Set aside until ready to assemble the salad.
- Mix the cucumber, avocado, corn, bacon, onion, cilantro, and tomatoes together. Toss with the dressing and serve.
You know I am a fan of eating salad, and this one is so easy and delicious!
I am going to make this at home.
This corn salad is one of a kind and with avocado, bacon, cucumbers, and tomatoes this is an instant favorite! It looks amazingly delicious and very yummy! Plus the chili lemon dressing will boost the flavor and taste of this! Loved it!
I am glad that you liked it.
this is a wonderful side dish and is perfect for family gatherings and meal prep
This was a great addition to our cottage potluck yesterday! There wasn’t a kernel left by the time everyone had eaten!
Great recipe! I love using roasted corn instead of boiled corn, it adds the perfect smoky flavor!
I’m always looking for side dish recipes, and this looks amazing!
Love love love this recipe! Can’t wait to make it again!
The flavor in this is amazing!
This pan roasted corn salad is so simple to make, packed with so much flavor, and absolutely delicious!
This recipe is packed with all kinds of delicious flavors and I am dying to try this out! Thank you for sharing this recipe, I cant wait to make it!
Oh my goodness this corn salad is fantastic but the bacon takes unit over the top… Love the smokiness.
I love how simple this salad was to make! So much great flavors and everyone at the picnic loved it. Thanks!
This Pan-Roasted Corn Salad with Bacon was a definite game change as a side with all the delicious flavors and textures! I loved it and will be making it again!
This salad was perfect and so easy to make! Loved all of the flavors and it was the easiest to put together!
This corn salad looks amazing! I’m always looking for new fun ways to prepare corn and I can’t wait to make this salad once corn shows up at the farmer’s market here!
There are so many great flavour in one bowl of this salad! I had never thought of pan roasting the corn first but it really brings out the sweetness of the corn. Great tip about the bacon too…no one likes soggy bacon!
Isn’t this the perfect summer salad? I know my guests will love this at my next bbq party. So much flavour in this easy to make recipe.
I can’t wait to make this with fresh Ontario corn this summer. It’s jam packed with ingredients I love!
Perfect t summer salad. I love corn and the flavours!!
The most perfect side dish!
So many delicious flavors! I made with with vegan bacon and I am obsessed!