Grilled Corn Caprese Quinoa Salad
Grilled Corn Caprese Quinoa Salad is a tasty quinoa salad recipe that combines grilled corn and caprese flavors, with a balsamic vinaigrette!
I know it’s not even summer yet, but to me spring is so over. I’m done with the hay fever and the all-over-the-place weather. One day it’s hot as blazes and the next day we’ve got a full-fledged rainy day.
I know we need the rain (being in CA we always need the rain), but a little consistency would be nice. The end of the school year chaos will come to a screeching halt soon, too, and I’ll be so happy when that happens. 🙂
You know why else spring is so over to me? Because summer produce is everywhere I turn. Last week at my farmer’s market cherries were everywhere, right along with peaches, apricots, nectarines…and corn. Corn, glorious corn! I’ve been seeing it everywhere and it makes me so happy. So happy that I did something unexpected.
I combined grilled corn with caprese salad.
Grilled corn caprese quinoa salad
I’m not sure why creating this quinoa salad took me by surprise, because I love grilled corn and almost always have some in the fridge in the summer.
Nobody in my house really cares for it (who are these people??), but that means there’s more for me.
Caprese is another thing that I go overboard on — there’s just something about the magical combination of fresh mozzarella, basil, and sweet, juicy tomatoes that you only get during summertime.
I’ve been known to swap the tomatoes out for strawberries and peaches in caprese too. The options are endless. 🙂
So yes…this salad just kind of happened because I wanted to make something caprese and then I saw my corn and just got grilling. The rest is history. Delicious history.
The quinoa makes this salad hearty and satisfying, and if you’re not into it, swap it out with orzo, farro, couscous, or whatever you like. You can even make this quinoa salad recipe vegan by subbing the mozzarella with avocado — it’s so nice how customizable this salad really is.
Just be sure you toss it with the tangy balsamic vinaigrette, because it just makes these flavors pop.
This Grilled Corn Caprese Quinoa Salad is fresh, sweet, and tangy with charred flavor from that special addition of grilled corn.
It’s plenty hearty to have as a meal, or serve it as a side dish with grilled chicken or steak.
This salad is summer in a bowl, and I’ll definitely be eating it (and serving it) all summer long. 🙂
More corn recipes!
Dairy Free Corn Chowder by Cook Nourish Bliss
Corn Produce Guide
Grilled Mexican Street Corn Salad
Grilled Corn Caprese Quinoa Salad
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup uncooked quinoa
- 2 ears corn husks and silk removed
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes halved
- 2 green onions both white and green parts, thinly sliced
- 4 ounces fresh mozzarella balls halved
- 1/4 cup fresh basil sliced into chiffonade*
- Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing
Instructions
- Cook the quinoa according to package instructions; drain.
- While the quinoa cooks, preheat the grill to medium. Place the corn on the hot grill and grill for about 15-20 minutes, turning about every 4 minutes, or until nicely charred. Remove from heat and let stand until cool enough to handle.
- Place the corn on a cutting board one ear at a time, and place on it's side. Using a sharp knife, cut the kernels from the top down on one side, then turn and continue removing the kernels until all of them have been removed. Place the corn in a large bowl.
- Add the drained quinoa, cherry tomatoes, green onions, mozzarella, and fresh basil to the bowl and set aside.
- Place the balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, maple syrup, mustard, salt, and pepper, to taste in a small bowl and whisk to combine. While whisking, add the olive oil in a steady stream. Taste and add more seasoning if necessary.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until well coated. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- *To slice basil in a chiffonade, place leaves on top of one another and roll up width-wise. Slice into thin slices.
- If you're not a fan of quinoa, this salad would also be delicious with farro, couscous, orzo pasta, or any other of your favorites!
- This salad may be made in advance.
Nutrition
Nutrition is estimated using a food database and is only intended to be used as a guideline for informational purposes.
42 Comments on “Grilled Corn Caprese Quinoa Salad”
Yes! I’m SO over spring, too! This salad looks amazing, Marcie! We are on the same wavelength with out quinoa salads today. I’m ALL about caprese flavors, this salad looks perfect! Such a great idea to add in corn, too. Such a perfect dish for the summer!
I’m glad to hear someone else is done with spring! haha Thanks, Gayle!
This caprese salad looks so delicious! Love the grilled corn- it screams summer 🙂
Yes — nothing screams summer more to me than grilled corn!
I hear ya, I’m thankful for the rain, but SO ready for summer! I’m digging this super pretty + healthful quinoa salad! Definitely the perfect dish to bring to picnics and BBQs!
Thank you, Julia! This is definitely perfect for the picnics and BBQs! 🙂
It was so chilly this morning, I had to turn the fireplace on for a few minutes. What gives? I’m also ready for spring to be over. Consistently warm weather would be a welcome change. This quinoa salad sounds so fresh and filling. You can never go wrong with caprese!
I don’t know what gives with the weather! We’re back to warm for now…it’s pretty sketchy at the moment. We can at least eat like summer right? Thanks, Jen!
What a perfect salad to enjoy all summer long!
Thanks, Matt!
I’ve been seeing summer produce already too and I’m loving it! I bought the most delicious nectarines over the weekend. I haven’t picked up any corn yet but this salad is making me want to run to the store right now! I’m obsessed with grilled corn and this looks like the perfect combination to eat it with. I can’t believe nobody else in your house likes corn. That’s ludicrous!!
I haven’t bought any stone fruit yet and I’m dying to buy some of that — and cherries!! Thanks, Sarah, and yeah…my family’s lack of excitement over corn is ludicrous!
Well I’m super jealous! I’m totally ready for Spring to be over, but summer produce hasn’t popped up here yet. I am DYING for fresh corn!! Like GIMME already! Caprese is one of my favorite salads and clearly I loooove me some corn, so as soon as we get some fresh cobs at the market I am making this beautiful salad… probably on repeat! Looks soooo delicious! Cheers, Marcie!
I’m sorry you’re not seeing summer produce yet, but I’m sure it’s coming! Thanks so much, Cheyanne, and I hope you get that corn soon! 🙂
Summer produce is definitely starting to appear! They juuust starting carrying fresh corn again at my store and I couldn’t be happier!! This is so my kind of salad – I can’t wait to try this summer!!
Thanks, Ashley! All the corn is making me VERY happy! 🙂
Grilled corn is my weakness!!! I love the fun spin on a caprese flavor here, I would have never thought of it!! Bring on Summer!
It’s so my weakness too, Annie! Thanks, and Happy Monday! 🙂
I LOVE seeing all the summer produce! It was the best seeing all the cherries, strawberries, and zucchini at the farmer’s market this weekend. This salad made the beeest use of it all! I’ve got to make this ASAP.
Thank you, Rachel! I have yet to scoop up zucchini and cherries, but it’s happening soon! 🙂
I love the crunch the grilled corn brings to this salad! And caprese is always always welcome!!
Thanks, Zainab, and I agree — Caprese is always welcome!
I’m so with you, I just love all of the summer produce + caprese salads! My husband is weird like your family (ha) and doesn’t like corn in recipes – only on the cob (Boo!) – but it sounds so yummy to grill it and throw it into a caprese salad.
Sometimes my family will eat corn if it’s off the cob but their still not excited about it — I don’t get it! Thanks, Nicole!
Love grilled corns like anything, and this summer-y salad bowl look fantastic. Salad is the best way to combine all the awesome ingredients.
Thank you, Anu, and you’re so right — salads are such a great way to combine ingredients you love!
Spring is absolutely past us and it’s totally time to focus on ALL the summer things! Like this gorgeous salad for instance?? Holy moly, Marcie! This salad is SO pretty—all that grilled corn goodness is making me excited for summer!!
I’m glad you agree, Sarah! Thank you, and this salad has me all excited for summer too!
So healthy and flavorful! What a great summer salad!
Thank you, Laura!
Summer produce is the best! I can’t wait to get my hands on some local corn! This salad looks amazing – I’m sure the flavors are phenomenal 🙂
Thank you, Megan — I’ll be making this salad a lot this summer!
We just got back from Greece and I enjoyed so many amazing salads and I am not ready for that to be over. I am a little obsessed with grilled corn and I love the idea of adding it to a summer salad. This looks beautiful too!
Oh I’m so jealous of your trip to Greece — when I went the salads were the best ever! Thanks, Dannii!
What a perfect summer salad! Can’t wait to give this a try!
Thank you, Jessica!
I am SO ready for summer and all the bright and refreshing salads like this one. It’s gorgeous, Marcie and I’m totally swooning over the grilled corn! Such a creative and delicious twist! <3
Thank you so much, Kelly! ?
Oh my! This sounds like my kind of salad!!
Thanks, Jamie — this salad is one of my favorites!