Grilled Corn Pico de Gallo

This grilled corn pico de gallo is delicious when paired with everything from tacos to burritos––to being enjoyed on its own as a corn salad.

close up of grilled corn salad in a bowl

When summer arrives, I get excited to eat seasonal finds that I pick up at farmers’ markets. That fresh summer corn, green and red peppers, and more are always calling my name. 

I love using the best of summer’s offerings to make delicious salad recipes, and I have this easy corn pico de gallo recipe to share with you today. 

top down view of colorful grilled corn salad with tomatoes, onions, peppers in a bowl

Ingredients

To make corn pico de gallo, you’ll need a few ingredients:

top down view of ingredients needed to make grilled corn salad including tomatoes, corn, red onions, green peppers

Corn, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and green bell pepper: I love this corn pico de gallo recipe because it’s bursting with antioxidant-rich veggies!

If you can get your hands on farmers’ market fresh corn, this grilled salad will taste all that much more scrumptious!

Grapeseed oil: This oil boasts heart-healthy fat.

Red wine vinegar, lime juice, and honey: You’ll use these ingredients to make the dressing. If you’re vegan, you can swap in maple syrup for honey.

top down view of grilled corn salad in a bowl

Helpful kitchen tools

These kitchen items will make it easier to whip up a batch of corn pico de gallo!

top down view of corn salad with a spoon in a bowl

Step-by-step instructions

To make corn pico de gallo, first rub corn with 1 Tablespoon grapeseed oil and salt and pepper to taste.

Grill until ears are slightly browned, about 7 minutes; remove, and cool. Remove corn kernels and place in a large bowl

grilled corn niblets in a bowl

with tomatoes, onion, and bell pepper.

chopped tomatoes, onions, peppers added to bowl with corn

Stir to combine.

ingredients are stirred to combine in a large bowl

In a small bowl, mix honey

a small bowl of honey

with remaining oil, vinegar, lime juice, and honey. Add to the corn pico de gallo.

a small bowl of honey and oil is poured over grilled corn salad

Stir to combine.

close up of grilled corn salad with salad dressing

FAQ

What does pico de gallo literally mean?

In Spanish, pico de gallo means “beak of rooster.” It is believed that the name came from the way it was originally eaten: by pinching the ingredients between the thumb and finger, which resembles the shape of a rooster’s beak.

However, pico de gallo really has nothing to do with roosters. It is often referred to as “salsa fresca” in Mexico. 

What is the difference between salsa and pico de gallo?

The main difference between salsa and pico de gallo is the consistency of each. Salsa is typically made with a combination of tomatoes, onions, herbs, and chiles, and contains more liquid compared to pico de gallo.

Some salsa recipes use diced ingredients as is or process them together into a puree.

The ingredients in pico de gallo are similar to that of pico de gallo, however pico de gallo recipes are always fresh and diced ingredients are never blended together. This makes it chunkier than salsa. 

Is eating pico de gallo healthy?

Pico de gallo is a combination of healthy ingredients like tomatoes, onions, herbs, chiles, lime juice, and salt. It is a nutritious condiment and can enhance the flavor of just about anything. This corn pico de gallo contains corn.

If you make it at home, all the better, because store-bought versions can be high in sodium.

What you pair pico de gallo with can really make or break its healthfulness. If you’re eating it with chips or something similar, a rule of thumb is “everything in moderation” so you don’t overdo it on the sodium, calories, fat, etc.

What do you use pico de gallo for?

There are so many ways you can use pico de gallo. One of the most common pairings for pico de gallo is tortilla chips. Pico de gallo is often served as a dip, along with guacamole.

Pico de galllo is delicious with tacos, burritos, nachos, and quesadillas.

You can mix it in with rice, roasted or grilled vegetables, or egg-based dishes like omelets. It makes a great topping for burgers, grilled meats, or baked potatoes. The sky’s the limit!

close up of grilled corn salad

More plant-based veggie recipes

If you enjoy this corn pico de gallo, you’ll also like:

Grilled Corn Pico de Gallo

This grilled corn pico de gallo is delicious when paired with everything from tacos to burritos––to being enjoyed on its own as a corn salad.
Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 10 mins
Total Time 15 mins
Course Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine American, Mexican
Servings 4
Calories 154 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 3 ears of corn, husked with silks removed
  • 2 tbsp + 1 teaspoon grapeseed oil, divided
  • Ground black pepper and salt to taste
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ½ red onion, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 tsp red wine vinegar
  • 2 tsp lime juice
  • 1 tsp honey or maple syrup

Instructions
 

  • Rub corn with 1 Tablespoon grapeseed oil and salt and pepper to taste.
  • Grill until ears are slightly browned, about 7 minutes; remove, and cool.
  • Remove corn kernels and place in a large bowl with tomatoes, onion, and bell pepper.
  • In a small bowl, mix remaining oil, vinegar, lime juice, and honey. Toss with the salad.

Nutrition

Calories: 154kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 3gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 1gSodium: 26mgPotassium: 340mgFiber: 2gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 420IUVitamin C: 39mgCalcium: 12mgIron: 1mg
Keyword Grilled corn, Summertime
Did you make this recipe?Mention @amydgorin and tag #plantbasedwithamy
This grilled corn pico de gallo is delicious when paired with everything from tacos to burritos––to being enjoyed on its own as a corn salad.

I’d love to hear from you! Let me know if you make this summer corn recipe with honey lime salad dressing. What are your favorite salad recipes with summer fruits and vegetables? Are you a summer squash fan?

Appetizer | Dairy Free | Fast / Easy | Gluten Free | Grill | Holiday | Low Carb | Low Sodium | Nut Free | Pescatarian | Plant-Based Eating | Recipes (Organizational) | Side Dish | Vegan | Vegetarian |

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  1. Will need a few months before tomatoes and corn are available locally freshand that’s the only way I buy corn and tomatoes. Saving the recipe though.