Grilled Corn Orzo Salad with Scallion Dill Dressing

If you’re looking for a refreshing dish that captures the essence of summer, you’ve come to the right place! This Grilled Corn Orzo Salad with Scallion Dill Dressing is one of my absolute favorites. It’s light yet filling, making it perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. The sweet char from the grilled corn and the creamy scallion dill dressing will have everyone at the table asking for seconds!

What I love most about this salad is how versatile it is. Whether you’re serving it as a side or as a bright main course, it never disappoints. Plus, it’s straightforward to make—ideal for anyone who wants to whip up something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to prepare: With just 50 minutes from start to finish, you can enjoy a homemade meal in no time.
• Flavor-packed: The combination of grilled corn, fresh herbs, and creamy dressing creates a burst of flavors in every bite.
• Great for meal prep: Make it ahead of time, store it in the fridge, and enjoy throughout the week!
• Family-friendly: Even picky eaters will love this salad—it’s packed with vibrant colors and delicious tastes.
• Plant-based goodness: This recipe is not only healthy but also completely plant-based, making it suitable for various diets.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple and wholesome ingredients! These are easy to find and come together beautifully in this delightful salad.

For the Salad

• Kosher salt
• 1 cup orzo
• 3 ears of corn, husks removed
• 1 bunch green scallions (about 8 scallions)
• 12 oz frozen edamame, thawed or cooked according to package instructions
• 1/3 cup marinated jarred artichoke hearts, roughly chopped
• 3 cups baby arugula

For the Dressing

• 2 tsp avocado oil
• 5 garlic cloves
• Zest and juice of 1 medium lemon
• 1 tbsp white grape juice vinegar
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp yellow or white miso paste
• 1/4 cup fresh dill, thick stems removed
• 1 tbsp fresh oregano leaves
• 1/4-1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Shaved vegan parmesan (optional)

Variations

This Grilled Corn Orzo Salad with Scallion Dill Dressing is wonderfully flexible! Here are some ideas to customize it to your liking:

• Add more veggies: Toss in diced bell peppers, cucumbers, or cherry tomatoes for even more freshness.
• Change up the grains: Swap out orzo for quinoa or farro for a different texture and taste.
• Boost the protein: Add chickpeas or black beans to make this salad even heartier.
• Herb swap: If dill isn’t your favorite, try using basil or parsley instead for a different flavor profile.

How to Make Grilled Corn Orzo Salad with Scallion Dill Dressing

Step 1: Cook the Orzo

Bring a medium pot of water to a boil and generously salt it. Cooking the orzo until al dente adds nice texture to our salad. Drain the pasta once done and transfer it to a large mixing bowl while you prepare the other ingredients.

Step 2: Grill the Corn

Heat a large griddle or grill pan over medium heat. Place the ears of corn directly on the pan and grill them for about 10-12 minutes. Turning them occasionally ensures even charring, which adds that lovely smoky flavor we crave. Let them cool before cutting off the kernels.

Step 3: Sear the Scallions and Garlic

Trim off any roots from the scallions and separate their green parts from the white parts. Sear those white parts on the griddle until they’re nicely charred—this enhances their flavor! Sauté garlic cloves alongside in avocado oil until fragrant; this infusion brings out all their deliciousness.

Step 4: Blend Your Dressing

In a blender cup, combine sautéed garlic, four seared scallions, lemon zest and juice, vinegar, olive oil, miso paste, and salt. Blending these together creates a creamy dressing that perfectly coats our salad ingredients. Add fresh dill last for that bright herbaceous note!

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

Once your corn has cooled enough to handle, cut off those golden kernels! Add them along with sliced scallions, artichoke hearts, edamame, oregano, red pepper flakes (if desired), and arugula into your bowl of orzo. Pour over that luscious dressing and mix everything well so each bite is flavorful.

Step 6: Serve Up!

You can serve this delicious salad immediately—or chill it in the fridge if you prefer! If you’re feeling fancy just before serving, top it with shaved vegan parmesan for an extra touch of umami goodness.

Enjoy your Grilled Corn Orzo Salad with Scallion Dill Dressing! It’s sure to be a hit at any gathering or quiet dinner at home.

Pro Tips for Making Grilled Corn Orzo Salad with Scallion Dill Dressing

Creating the perfect Grilled Corn Orzo Salad is all about attention to detail and flavor balance! Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out beautifully.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh corn, scallions, and herbs enhance the flavors significantly. They bring brightness and vibrancy that frozen or canned alternatives simply can’t match.
• Don’t skip the salting step: Salting the water for cooking orzo not only seasons the pasta but also helps it absorb flavor as it cooks. This makes every bite deliciously seasoned!
• Grill until charred: Achieving a nice char on the corn and scallions adds a smoky depth of flavor to your salad. The grill marks are a visual treat too!
• Let the dressing marinate: Preparing the dressing ahead of time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Consider making it a few hours in advance or even the day before!
• Taste as you go: Adjusting salt, acidity, and seasoning during preparation ensures that your salad is balanced and suits your palate perfectly. Don’t hesitate to tweak it to your liking!

How to Serve Grilled Corn Orzo Salad with Scallion Dill Dressing

Presentation can elevate any dish, and this Grilled Corn Orzo Salad is no exception! Here are some ideas on how to serve this refreshing summer salad.

Garnishes

• Microgreens: Sprinkling a handful of microgreens over the salad adds a pop of color and an extra layer of freshness.
• Lemon wedges: Serving lemon wedges on the side allows guests to squeeze fresh juice over their servings for an additional burst of citrusy goodness.
• Toasted nuts: A sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds will provide delightful crunch and nutty flavor.

Side Dishes

• Grilled Vegetable Skewers: Colorful skewers of zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms drizzled with olive oil make for a perfect complement. The grill’s smokiness pairs well with the salad’s flavors.
• Chickpea Salad: A refreshing chickpea salad tossed in a lemon-tahini dressing offers protein-packed goodness while balancing out the lighter elements of your main dish.
• Quinoa Pilaf: Fluffy quinoa mixed with herbs, nuts, and dried fruit provides a hearty side that complements the textures and flavors in your salad.
• Cucumber Mint Raita: This cool, yogurt-based dip (using plant-based yogurt) brings a creamy contrast that pairs nicely with the grilled notes in the salad.

Now you’re ready to enjoy this deliciously vibrant Grilled Corn Orzo Salad! It’s not just food; it’s an experience waiting to happen at your table.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Grilled Corn Orzo Salad is perfect for meal prep, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or gatherings. You can whip up a large batch and enjoy it throughout the week!

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• The salad will keep well for up to 3-4 days.
• Mix the salad before serving to redistribute the dressing.

Freezing

• It’s best not to freeze this salad, as the texture of the orzo and vegetables can become mushy upon thawing.
• If you do want to freeze components, consider freezing only the dressing separately.

Reheating

• For best results, enjoy the salad cold straight from the fridge.
• If you prefer it warm, gently reheat in a skillet over low heat until warmed through, but be cautious not to overcook.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this recipe that might help you out!

Can I use other grains instead of orzo for this salad?

Absolutely! While orzo adds a lovely texture, you can substitute with quinoa, farro, or even brown rice for a different spin on this dish.

How can I enhance the flavors of Grilled Corn Orzo Salad with Scallion Dill Dressing?

To elevate your Grilled Corn Orzo Salad with Scallion Dill Dressing, consider adding roasted red peppers or diced cucumbers for extra crunch. Fresh herbs can also boost flavor!

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This salad is fantastic for meal prep and can be made ahead of time. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy it over several days.

Can I make this salad in advance for a gathering?

Indeed! This salad is a great make-ahead option and will taste even better after allowing the flavors to meld together overnight.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Grilled Corn Orzo Salad with Scallion Dill Dressing! It’s a delightful combination of fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors that truly capture the essence of summer. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or enjoying it as a light main course, it’s sure to impress. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait for you to try this refreshing recipe!