Pan Roasted Corn Salad with Bacon

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. 

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. 

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. 

ingredients for corn salad
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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.

corn salad ingredients in a bowl ready to mix
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mixed and dressed corn salad in a glass bowl
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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.

close up of corn salad in a white bowl
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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 pecans 
  • Feta or cubed mozzarella cheese
a bowl of corn salad with a wooden spoon in it
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Looking for other salad ideas?

Corn salad in a white bowl with a wooden spoon
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Pan Roasted Corn Salad with Bacon

Sean
A corn salad with avocado, bacon, cucumbers and tomatoes with the chili lemon dressing.
4.92 from 25 votes
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings
Calories 329 kcal

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.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 329kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 8gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 28mgSodium: 368mgPotassium: 389mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 374IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 17mgIron: 1mg
Nutrition Disclaimer*
Keyword Avocado, Bacon, Corn Salad
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
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22 thoughts on “Pan Roasted Corn Salad with Bacon”

  1. 5 stars
    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.

  2. 5 stars
    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!

  3. 5 stars
    This was a great addition to our cottage potluck yesterday! There wasn’t a kernel left by the time everyone had eaten!

  4. 5 stars
    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!

  5. Chandice probst

    5 stars
    Oh my goodness this corn salad is fantastic but the bacon takes unit over the top… Love the smokiness.

  6. 5 stars
    I love how simple this salad was to make! So much great flavors and everyone at the picnic loved it. Thanks!

  7. 5 stars
    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!

  8. 5 stars
    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!

  9. 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!

  10. 5 stars
    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.

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