The tiny plant started to grow. It was early in the season and a few cold snaps didn’t phase it at all. Each day it grew a little more. A small white flower bloomed signalling all was well. The bloom was followed by more and soon after tiny green peppers took their place. I patiently waited for the right time to harvest. It was with those first peppers I made spicy grilled corn salad.
Waiting for the plant to grow seemed to take forever. It is my very first jalapeño plant. I was amazed at how quickly it grew. It is now full of peppers and making me happy at the thought of all the fresh-picked ones I’ll have this summer. I can see spicing up many recipes and perhaps tackling poppers for the first time too. Meanwhile I have this corn salad to enjoy. The sweet corn, spicy peppers, juicy tomatoes, crumbly feta cheese, and fresh herbs come together with a lime vinaigrette seasoned with the warmth of cumin and chili powder. Grilling the corn gives it an extra smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with grilled meats.
Spicy Grilled Corn Salad is my dish for a virtual BBQ. The Sunday Supper bloggers have come together to share recipes for any summer celebration. There are beverages, desserts, and everything in between. Scroll down to see the list. The recipes are a click away.
What do you enjoy most at a BBQ? It’s hard for me to choose what I like best. It’s a tie between the food and spending time with family and friends. Speaking of food, one other thing I like to make for BBQ’s is Asian Slaw. It’s a hit every time. I’m sure my corn salad will make repeat appearances at events too.

Spicy Grilled Corn Salad
A recipe for a spicy grilled corn salad made with tomatoes, onion, jalapeno, spices, and fresh herbs. It is tossed with a lime vinaigrette dressing.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 3/4 olive oil plus more for brushing
- 8 ears of corn husks and silks removed
- 1 1/2 cups grape tomatoes sliced in half
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1 to 2 fresh jalapeno peppers seeds removed and diced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
- 4 ounces feta cheese crumbles
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
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Whisk together the lime juice, cumin, and chili powder in a small bowl. Continue whisking while slowing pouring in the olive oil in a slow, steady stream to make a vinaigrette.
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Prepare a medium hot grill (about 350 degrees F).
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Brush the corn with olive oil. Place the ears on the grill and cook, turning the ears often, until lightly charred and tender, about 12 minutes.
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Let the corn cool enough to handle. Cut the kernels off the cobs and place kernels in a large bowl.
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Add the tomatoes, onion, jalapeno, cilantro, feta, and vinaigrette. Toss to combine ingredients and coat with the vinaigrette. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Serve immediately or let set for 1 hour for flavors to develop. Alternatively, chill and serve cold or bring to room temperature before serving.
Recipe Notes
A recipe for a spicy grilled corn salad made with tomatoes, onion, jalapeno, spices, and fresh herbs. It is tossed with a lime vinaigrette dressing.
Recipe adapted from one on the Williams-Sonoma website.
Ready for a summer BBQ? Here are more wonderful recipes from Sunday Supper bloggers:
Hot Off the Grill:
- Best Grilled Pork Chops by Hezzi-D’s Books & Cooks
- Bleu Cheese Burgers by Juanita’s Cocina
- Korean Grilled Flank Steak by That Skinny Chick Can Bake
- Swedish Blonde Burgers by Eat, Move, Shine
- Hawaiian Hot Dogs by La Cocina De Leslie
- BBQing the Whole Hog, Cuban Style by Webicurean
- Meat Stuffed Jalapenos by The Urban Mrs
- St. Louis Ribs by Bobbi’s Kozy Kitchen
- Fish Kebabs with Mint Chutney by Soni’s Food
- Jalapeno Bacon Burgers by Cookin’ Mimi
- Cheddar Cheese Stuffed Bacon Burgers by In the Kitchen with KP
- Curried Pork Sliders with Peanut Sauce & Apple Slaw by Foxes Love Lemons
- Grilled Prosciutto Wrapped Chicken Breasts by Sustainable Dad
- Ditch Dogs by Daily Dish Recipes
- Bison Kabobs by Noshing With The Nolands
On the Side:
- Spicy Baked Beans by The Messy Baker
- Wisconsin Roasted Corn by Curious Cuisiniere
- German Potato Salad by The Foodie Army Wife
- Grilled Baby Potatoes With Peppers And Onions by Kudos Kitchen by Renee
- Sausage Potato Salad by girlichef
- Lightened Up Fully Loaded Baked Potato Salad by Peanut Butter and Peppers
- Homemade Mustards by A Stack of Dishes
- Spicy Grilled Corn Salad by Magnolia Days
- Layered California Pasta Salad by The Weekend Gourmet
- Grilled Potato Salad by In Fine Balance
- Spicy Bacon and Corn Salad by Hip Foodie Mom
- Three Corns with Japanese Accents by Ninja Baking
- Cucumber Bruschetta by Healthy. Delicious.
- Grilled Zucchini by Supper for a Steal
- Chicken Spinach & Pasta Salad by Family Foodie
Sweet Tooth:
- Red, White & Blue Parfait by Country Girl in the Village
- Root Beer Float Sandwich Cookies by Chocolate Moosey
- Gluten Free Brownies by Blueberries & Blessings
- Grilled Stone Fruit Parfait by Pescetarian Journal
- Blueberry Sorbet by Shockingly Delicious
- Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes by The Girl in the Little Red Kitchen
- Tres Leches Cake by Happy Baking Days
- Beach Cupcakes by The Little Ferraro Kitchen
- Grilled Banana Dessert Bar by Home Cooking Memories
- Berries & Cream Pie by Treats & Trinkets
- Raspberry Lemonade Frozen Yogurt Pops by Runner’s Tales
- More S’mores by Growing Up Gabel
- Blackberry Peach Cobbler by Neighborfood
- Cornbread Cookies by Pies & Plots
- Funfetti Fluff Cheerio Treats by What Smells So Good?
- Pineapple Pudding by Granny’s Down Home Sassy Southern Cooking
In the Cooler:
- Cherry Caipiroska by Vintage Kitchen Notes
- Mint Tea Slushes by Cindy’s Recipes and Writing
- Prickly Pear Margaritas by Ruffles & Truffles
Join the #SundaySupper conversation on twitter each Sunday. We tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm ET and you do not want to miss out on the fun. Follow the #SundaySupper hashtag and remember to include it in your tweets to join in the chat. Check out our #SundaySupper Pinterest board for more fabulous recipes and food photos.
Would you like to join the Sunday Supper Movement? It’s easy. You can sign up by clicking here → Sunday Supper Movement
The Ninja Baker says
I’m betting you were an A student in school, Renee. Everything you touch the garden, the camera, the cooking and Bundt pans all sparkle with excellence!
Congratulations on your sweet (and spicy) Jalapeno plant.
And thank you for yet another yummy recipe =)
Renee says
Thank you so much Kim. You always make me smile with your comments and compliments.
Liz says
Home grown jalapenos???? Lucky you! I make a sour cream corn dip each 4th of July, but I’ll definitely try your corn salad soon! It sounds amazing, Renee!
Renee says
Oh, now I need to look up your sour cream corn dip. It sounds good. Perhaps I could spice it up with the jalapenos too. I hope it is on your blog.
Nicole @ Daily Dish Recipes says
Confession. I know we should never have favorites in our garden, but my jalapeno plants are my favorites. I’m so glad yours are doing so well and this grilled corn salad you used them in… goodness! This just looks heavenly. I love that you grilled the corn first! This salad has so many of my favorite things… cilantro, feta, jalapenos, corn… perfection!
Renee says
I think we all have our garden favorites whether it is flowers, herbs, or veggies. This year I have to admit my jalapeno plant is my fave.
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
I just love grilled corn salad and your sounds incredible! Beautiful recipe!
Renee says
Thanks Jennifer!
Shannon @VillageGirlBlog says
This looks amazing! I love the smokiness of the grilled corn. Yum!
Renee says
Me too. I could eat something grilled every day.
Wendy (TheWeekend Gourmet) says
I love this salad…and I especially love that you used a jalapeno that you grew yourself! This one’s a keeper and could even be used for a nice salsa appetizer as well…
Renee says
Great idea to use it as a salsa. Bring on the chips!
Carla says
My jalapenos are slowly growing. I planted late this year because I was gone quite a bit in May. Last year I had a gazillion jalapenos. If you get red ones, make sweet chili sauce! I will have to try out this corn salad when my peppers are ready.
Renee says
I keep looking for red ones but haven’t seen one yet.
Jen @JuanitasCocina says
I need a jalapeno plant…and this corn salad!
Renee says
What? I’m so surprised you don’t have a jalapeno plant. You must remedy that soon.
Helene D'souza says
food and family are one thing at BBQs. I miss the European summers and our sunday bbqs. A corn salad was always there served together with a sausage and potato salad. I would love to know what your salad tastes like with your homegrown jalapeno.
Renee says
The homegrown jalapeno made it so special to me. Perhaps one day you will again be able to enjoy another European summer and family Sunday BBQ.
Courtney @ Neighborfood says
I made something very similar to this week. It’s amazing what a few garden ingredients tossed together can do! Especially when the corn is grilled. Yumm!
Renee says
What’s great about a salad is how easy it is to change up the ingredients using fresh garden ingredients.
Susan says
I love making corn salad in the summer. Sweet corn, tomatoes, feta, onions. It’s all good and not as messy as corn on the cob!
Renee says
I agree how corn on the cob can get messy. I usually wind up cutting the kernels off anyway.
Heather @girlichef says
This is definitely one of those side dishes that I could make into a meal – I love every single component of it separately, but together – perfection! Seriously, this alongside my Sausage Potato salad…I’m all set ;).
Renee says
Thanks Heather and I would love to have it alongside your sausage potato salad too.
Paula @ Vintage Kitchen Notes says
You´re making me hungry for the corn salad and my own jalapeño plant! I can only imagine all your plans for it. The feta is the perfect finish Renee! Have a good day my friend!
Renee says
I think I get inspired about a new recipe every time I look at the plant.
Conni @FoodieArmyWife says
This looks so good, and I love the pepper plants! I have missed gardening. Just growing some herbs this year, but next year I’ll have a real garden!
Renee says
You can grow the peppers in a pot – it’s what I’m doing.
[email protected] & Trinkets says
Ah, I’m jealous of your perfect pepper plant. I have such a black thumb. But this corn salad is making me hungry!
Renee says
The way this plant is growing I think anyone would be successful with it. I can’t believe I haven’t grown one before.
Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom says
Renee,
I love your spicy grilled corn salad! and LOVE that you grew your peppers!! how awesome is that? Looks very refreshing and I could totally eat this with a great burger . . yum!!! Looks fabulous! For me, I love the grilling part. . the smell, the food and like you, the company! 🙂
Renee says
Oh yes, I can totally see this as a side for a burger – and one topped with jalapenos.
Soni says
Ooh I’d love to serve this at our next BBQ party!The spices and that pepper sound delicious in your salad and I love the beautiful colors 🙂 Delish!!
Renee says
Thanks Soni. It is a very colorful salad. So cheery to look at.
Tara says
I love this salad and have made it many times but not with the feta cheese. I will have to try that next time I make, love feta!! Thanks for sharing!!
Renee says
Feta rules! I thought it added the right about of salty bite and then I didn’t have to add more salt to season. It’s a great balance with the sweet corn.
Katy says
Beautiful photos! That sense of accomplishment of growing your own food from scratch, then turning it into a dish this wonderful – you must have enjoyed every mouthful!
Renee says
I sure did enjoy every mouthful. What I really liked besides using my jalapeno is the spiced lime vinaigrette. It’s so fresh and the citrus gives the salad a special flavor pop.
Micha @ Cookin' Mimi says
I’ve never had corn salad but my mom loves it. I think she’d really love this recipe with the jalapenos and grilled corn so I’ll have to make it for her.
Renee says
I hope you do make it for your mom. Try it for yourself too. You may find a new love for corn salads.
Jennie @themessybakerblog says
It’s like watching water boil. I’ve been staring at my veggies for a few weeks now, urging them to hurry up. This salad looks wonderful. Thank you so much for all of your help today.
Renee says
So true of how it is like watching water boil. Glad to help you because I know it is difficult when you lose an internet connection.
Diana @EatMoveShine says
What a delicious salad! And such a fun post. As I read it, I was reminded of one of my favorite Frog and Toad stories growing up. Poor Toad got so impatient waiting for those seeds to grow! Glad your peppers finally made their way, and into this awesome dish! 🙂
Renee says
Thanks Diana. Now you have me curious of Frog and Toad stories. I’ve never heard of them.
Anita at Hungry Couple says
I love corn salad and how satisfying to know you grew the pepper!!
Renee says
Yes, it is very satisfying to know I’m eating something I grew from a tiny plant. The joys of gardening.
Katie says
Hooray for fresh peppers!!! I am currently waiting impatiently for my bell peppers, cayenne peppers, and poblanos to finish growing…I can’t wait for the harvest!
Anyway, I am loving this corn salad…right up my alley!
Renee says
Oh what a pepper harvest you will have! I can’t wait to see what recipes you share with them.
Sarah | Curious Cuisiniere says
I love the addition of feta in this salad!
Renee says
Thanks Sarah. It really seemed like the right cheese for the salad.
Lori @ Foxes Love Lemons says
A perfect side dish for a summer get-together! I’ve made something very similar, but I added walnuts. Also, I didn’t grill the corn first, but what a great idea. Next time, I’ll definitely be trying it the grilled way 🙂
Renee says
Oh, walnuts – what a great idea. Or pine nuts. Nice added crunch too.
Family Foodie says
I am so jealous of all of the plants and vegetables you grow! It really is so neat! This corn salad looks and sounds delicious. I would love some of it right now.
Renee says
Thank you Isabel!
Sarah Reid, RHNC (@jo_jo_ba) says
Grilled corn is awesome, the only way to do it IMHO
Alaiyo Kiasi-Barnes says
I didn’t grow jalapenos this year, and I regret that I didn’t. I suppose it’s not too late to get a plant in the ground, because corn and jalapenos are a natural together. Your recipe looks great! It’s one I’m planning to try.
Renee says
It’s not too late to plant jalapenos. Perhaps you can find some already with a good start at a nursery. I agree on how jalapenos and corn go well together. It’s the sweet/spicy combo.
Hezzi-D says
Yummy! I love grilled corn and this grilled corn salad sounds wonderful.
Renee says
Thank you Heather!
Cindys Recipes and Writings says
Homegrown peppers just taste better! I can’t wait “till I can pick mine!
Renee says
I totally agree! I can’t wait to see what you make with your peppers too.