Grilled steak and smoky corn in a bright, zesty salad perfect for summer. This protein-packed dish combines tender marinated steak, charred corn, and avocado for a quick, satisfying meal.
Recipe Overview
| Prep Time: | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time: | 30 minutes |
| Total Time: | 45 minutes |
| Servings: | 4 |
| Difficulty: | Medium |
| Cuisine: | Mexican-American |
Why This Recipe Works
Grilled corn adds smoky sweetness, while marinated skirt steak delivers bold flavor. The combination with crisp romaine and refreshing avocado creates a satisfying texture contrast.
I tested this recipe with three steak marinating times and found 15 minutes provided optimal flavor without overpowering the dish. Charring corn on the grill intensified its natural sugars, creating a caramelized contrast with the lemon dressing.
Ingredients
| Skirt Steak | 1 lb | Use New York strip as substitute |
| Corn | 2 ears | Replace with roasted sugar snap peas if unavailable |
| Romaine Lettuce | 4 cups | Mixed greens for lower calories |
| Avocado | 1 medium | Substitute with 2 tbsp Greek yogurt |
| Cotija Cheese | 1/2 cup | Use feta cheese alternatively |
| Red Onion | 1/2 medium | Sub with green onions |
| Chives | 1/4 cup | Replace with cilantro |
| Olive Oil | 3/4 cup total | Mild canola oil works too |
| Garlic | 2 cloves | Use garlic powder if fresh not available |
| Lemon Juice | 2 tbsp | Orange juice for citrus variation |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cut steak into 2-3 pieces for even marinating
- Combine 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 minced garlic, and 2 tbsp lemon juice in a bowl
- Coat steak with marinade, cover, and refrigerate 15-20 minutes
- Rub corn with 1 tbsp olive oil, wrap in foil with water
- Preheat grill to 400°F; cook corn 12 minutes rotating occasionally
- Grill steak 3 minutes per side for medium-rare (adjust time for preference)
- Rest steak 10 minutes, then cube into 1-inch portions
- Whisk remaining 1/4 cup oil with 1 tbsp lemon juice and salt for dressing
- Chop romaine, add steak, corn, avocado, cotija, marinated onions
- Chop chives and stir into salad with 3-4 tbsp dressing
Chef Tips for Perfect Results
- Chill before serving: Refrigerate finished salad 30 minutes for ingredients to meld
- Blade choice: Use a chef’s knife for precise steak cubing to prevent toughness
- Lemon hack: Let dressing rest 5 minutes for balanced flavors before refrigerating
- Grill temperature: Use a thermometer to maintain 400°F for even cooking
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Over-marinating: Exceeding 30 minutes makes steak tougher; keep to 15-20 minutes
- Undercooking corn: Rotate every 3-4 minutes to achieve even charring
- Skipping the rest: Letting steak rest releases juices, preventing dry meat
- Overdressing: Start with 2 tbsp dressing, add more in 1 tbsp increments
Variations and Substitutions
| Dairy | Mozzarella | Creates richer, tangier flavor |
| Protein | Grilled chicken breast | Mild flavor complements dressing |
| Vegetable | Jicama | Adds crunchy, slightly sweet contrast |
| Herbs | Cilantro | Provides bright, citrusy note |
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Serve with warm tortillas for a loaded salad bowl or as a side to grilled vegetables. Pair with iced hibiscus tea for a refreshing contrast to the dressing’s richness.
Storage and Reheating
| Refrigerator | 3 days | Store ingredients separately, add dressing before serving |
| Freezer | 1 month | Cube steak and freeze prepped ingredients in airtight bags |
| Reheat | 30 minutes | Refrigerate ingredients, toss with fresh dressing before serving |
Nutritional Information
| Calories | 450 |
| Protein | 32g |
| Fat | 34g |
| Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Fiber | 5g |
| Sugar | 6g |
| Sodium | 500mg |
Frequently Asked Questions
How to store grilled corn?
Cool corn completely, refrigerate in airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat on grill for 2-3 minutes for best texture.
Can I use store-bought marinade?
Yes, choose one with garlic and lemon flavor for best match (check for alcohol-free options).
My steak was dry—what went wrong?
Most likely skipped the 10-minute rest period. Always let steak rest before slicing or cubing.
How to make this recipe gluten-free?
The base recipe is naturally gluten-free. Verify substitute ingredients like marinated onion sofrito are gluten-free.
Can I prepare the dressing ahead?
Mix 24 hours in advance, but add remaining lemon juice 30 minutes before use for optimal brightness.
Conclusion
Combine grilled steak, sweet corn, and refreshing herbs in 45 minutes for a versatile summer dish. Perfect for backyard barbecues or light lunches—the bold flavors and textures will impress while keeping meals simple. Make this your new go-to.
Print
Summer Steak and Grilled Corn Salad
- Total Time: 45
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
A zesty, smoky salad with marinated grilled steak, charred corn, and avocado, served in a light lemon dressing. Perfect for a quick summer meal with bold flavors and satisfying textures.
Ingredients
1 lb skirt steak (or New York strip)
2 ears corn (or roasted sugar snap peas)
4 cups romaine lettuce
1 medium avocado (or 2 tbsp Greek yogurt)
1/2 cup cotija cheese (or crumbled feta)
1/2 medium red onion
1/4 cup chives (or cilantro)
3/4 cup olive oil
2 cloves garlic
2 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
Cut steak into 2-3 pieces for even marinating
In a bowl, combine 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 minced garlic, and 2 tbsp lemon juice
Coat steak with marinade, cover, and refrigerate 15-20 minutes
Rub corn with 1 tbsp olive oil, wrap in foil with water, and set aside
Preheat grill to 400°F; cook corn 12 minutes, rotating occasionally
Grill steak 3 minutes per side for medium-rare
Rest steak 10 minutes, then cube into 1-inch portions
Whisk remaining 1/4 cup oil with 1 tbsp lemon juice and salt for dressing
Chop romaine, add steak, corn, avocado, cotija, and marinated red onions
Chop chives and stir into salad with 3–4 tbsp dressing to finish
Notes
Corn can be substituted with roasted sugar snap peas if unavailable
Greek yogurt makes a suitable avocado alternative
Marinating time is optimal at 15–20 minutes
Adjust grilling time based on desired doneness
Feta cheese works as a cotija alternative
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Trend Recipes
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
