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Hello, hello! Lauren here from LaurenKelp.com and guess what? We are whipping up another delicious, easy to make, and perfect for summer dish today! This is for everyone who signed up to bring a dish to the potluck or a side at the BBQ. Trust me when I say it’s easy to make & even easier to eat!
I am notorious for signing up to bring a dish and then swinging by the grocery store 10 minutes before I am supposed to be at the dinner, frantically peeling the sticker off in my car, and pretending I slaaaaved away at this evenly sliced fruit salad/pie/whatever the deli had a bunch of. We are all busy & summer schedules are more hectic than ever. I get it, I am a hard core offender.
BUT! We are changing that habit right here, right now! This charred corn salad is going to save your life this summer for so many reasons. I love it because you can bring all the ingredients to a grill out & make the dish right then and there. Honest! Grilling the corn is the most labor intensive part of this dish and that takes what, 5 minutes!
Wine Pairing Notes: Why It Works with Pinot Gris
Okay, let’s talk about why this salad and Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve Pinot Gris are basically a summer power couple.
First off, you’ve got the sweet, smoky corn—which picks up those gorgeous grilled flavors—and that’s balanced with the brightness of lime juice, a little heat from the Fresno chiles, and the creamy-salty Cotija. So what does a crisp, citrusy white wine like Pinot Gris do? It swoops in and ties everything together.
Kendall-Jackson’s Vintner’s Reserve Pinot Gris is super refreshing, with notes of pear, citrus, and a little minerality that cuts through the richness of the cheese and brings out the sweet notes in the corn. The acidity in the wine mirrors the lime juice in the salad, so every bite-and-sip combo just pops.
Also, this wine is made to be chilled and sipped in the sunshine. Whether you’re grilling poolside, heading to a park picnic, or pulling a last-minute potluck miracle, this bottle is your go-to. It's light enough to keep things casual, but polished enough to make it feel like you really thought it all through.
So yeah—grab that corn, toss that salad, and pour yourself a glass of Pinot Gris. Summer just showed up on your plate and in your glass.
Charred Corn Salad Paired with Vintner's Reserve Pinot Gris
Recipe Type:
Salad
Prep Time:
20 minutes
Cook Time:
15 minutes
Total Time:
35 minutes
Servings:
6
Ingredients
- 8 ears of corn, husked
- 2 large shallots, thinly sliced into rings
- 1-2 fresno chiles, with seeds, thinly sliced into rings
- ¾ cup of cherry tomatoes, diced
- ½ cup fresh lime juice
- Kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper
- 6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 4 oz. fresh Cotija cheese, crumbled
- ½ cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
Instructions
- Prepare grill for medium heat.
- Cut kernels from 2 corn cobs and toss with shallots, chiles, tomatoes, and lime juice in a large mixing bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste and set aside.
- Brush remaining corn cobs with 3 tablespoons olive oil and grill, rotating occasionally. Cook 10-12 minutes until tender and slightly charred.
- Cut kernels from cobs and add to mixture. Add cheese, cilantro, and remaining olive oil. Toss to combine and season with salt, pepper and lime to taste.
Make It Your Own: Ingredient Swaps & Add-Ins
One of the best things about this salad? It’s super forgiving and totally customizable. Don’t have Fresno chiles on hand? Swap them out for thinly sliced jalapeños for a bit more heat, or go milder with red bell peppers if you're feeding spice-sensitive friends.
- Need a dairy-free option? Skip the Cotija and go with a sprinkle of toasted pepitas for some crunch and nutty flavor. Or, if Cotija’s not in the fridge, feta is a perfect stand-in—just as creamy and salty.
- Want to bulk it up a bit? Toss in chunks of avocado (pro tip: add them just before serving so they stay pretty) or even black beans for a heartier salad that could totally hold its own as a main.
- Fresh herbs are your friend too—mint or basil can bring a cool twist if you’re feeling fancy. Basically, once you’ve got the charred corn and the zippy lime dressing, the rest is just your playground. Go wild.
Ready to Impress? Just Add Wine
Whether you’re showing off at a summer BBQ, potluck-ing like a pro, or just craving something fresh and vibrant for dinner, this charred corn salad has you covered. It’s simple, seasonal, and packed with flavor—basically everything we want from summer cooking.
And don’t forget the final (and most delicious) touch: a chilled glass of Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve Pinot Gris. It brings out the best in every bite and makes the whole experience feel a little extra special.
If you’re looking to stock up for sunny days ahead, you can shop our wines online and have your favorites delivered right to your door. Because good wine—and good food—should always be this easy.
For more food and wine pairing ideas, visit the Entertaining section of our website.
