There’s something magical about summer, isn’t there? The longer days invite us outside, the grills fire up, and the fresh, sweet smells of summer produce perfuming the air are enough to make any food lover swoon. One of my favorite memories is the joyous times spent with friends and family, all gathered around a backyard BBQ, laughing, nibbling, and enjoying good food. Among the giggles and sizzling sounds, there’s always a dish that steals the show: the delightful Grilled Corn Orzo Salad with Scallion Dill Dressing.

This dish has a refreshing and vibrant profile that perfectly balances the cozy flavors of grilled corn with the herbaceous notes of dill. It’s a salad that feels like summer in a bowl—perfect for potlucks, dinner parties, or just a simple weeknight meal. Plus, it’s easy to put together, making it a go-to recipe that I always come back to! So roll up your sleeves, and let’s dive into this delicious journey together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to prepare: This salad comes together quickly! Perfect for a busy weeknight.
Seasonal goodness: Bursting with fresh summer flavors, it’s a great way to use up that corn from the farmers’ market.
Versatile: Pair it with grilled chicken, fish, or enjoy it on its own as a light meal.
Budget-friendly: Packed with fresh ingredients, it won’t break the bank!
Visually stunning: The colorful mix of ingredients makes it a showstopper on any table.

Ingredients

Before we get our hands dirty, here’s what you need to make this scrumptious Grilled Corn Orzo Salad:

1 cup orzo pasta
4 ears of fresh corn, husked
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cucumber, diced
¼ red onion, finely chopped
½ cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional for a dairy-free option)
½ cup fresh dill, chopped
¼ cup scallions, sliced (green parts only)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt and pepper, to taste

Helpful tips: Opt for fresh corn if you can—nothing beats the sweetness of freshly grilled corn! And if you’re short on time, feel free to use frozen corn; just make sure to thaw and drain it well.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s get this kitchen party started!

Cook the Orzo: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. When done, drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.
Grill the Corn: While the orzo is cooking, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the husked corn directly on the grill. Grill for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the kernels are tender and lightly charred. Tip: The smell of grilled corn is intoxicating!
Prep Your Veggies: While the corn is on the grill, chop up the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. Have your feta, dill, and scallions ready for later.
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Get it nice and mixed; it should smell fresh and zesty!
Combine Everything: Once the corn has cooled slightly, carefully cut the kernels off the cob. In a large bowl, combine the cooked orzo, grilled corn, diced tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, feta cheese (if using), dill, and scallions. Pour the dressing over and toss well to combine. Watch out: Overmixing can turn it into mush!
Chill and Serve: Let the salad sit for at least 15 minutes before serving to let those flavors mingle. You can serve it warm or refrigerate it for later—it’s terrific either way!

Pro Tips & Variations

Now, here’s where the fun comes in—feel free to get creative!

Protein boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for extra protein.
Herbal twist: Substituting parsley or cilantro for dill can give the salad a completely different flavor profile.
Texture change: For some crunch, toss in some toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds.
Spice it up: A sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce can add a nice kick.
Vegetarian/Vegan option: Just skip the feta for a dairy-free delight—trust me; you won’t miss it!

Serving Suggestions

Ah, the joy of sharing food! This Grilled Corn Orzo Salad is a beautiful standalone dish, but you can elevate your meal by pairing it with warm, crusty bread and perhaps a chilled glass of white wine. Imagine serving this vibrant salad on a wide platter, like a centerpiece on your picnic table, with laughter and conversations flowing like the sunlight. It’s the perfect dish for summer get-togethers, barbecues, or a cozy dinner on your patio. Plus, it’s a delightful complement to grilled meats or fish!

Storage Tips

Leftovers? Don’t worry; this salad does well in the fridge for up to 2-3 days! Just store it in an airtight container. If you want to get ahead of the game, you can prepare the salad without the dressing and keep everything separate. This way, when you’re ready to serve it, just drizzle on the dressing for the freshest flavors! If you want to keep it longer, it freezes well for about a month. Just remember to thaw it in the fridge overnight before enjoying again.

FAQs

Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen corn is a fantastic alternative. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the salad to prevent sogginess.

How can I make this salad gluten-free?

Swap out the orzo for a gluten-free pasta; there are so many options available now! Just read the package instructions to ensure you’re cooking it to perfection.

Is this salad good for meal prep?

Yes! The Grilled Corn Orzo Salad is excellent for meal prep. Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat to keep everything fresh and vibrant.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

You can definitely prepare it a few hours ahead of serving. However, I recommend adding the dressing right before serving to keep the orzo and veggies from getting too soggy.

What can I replace the dill with?

If you’re not a fan of dill, fresh parsley or cilantro makes for a lovely alternative. Each will offer a fresh taste that complements the salad beautifully!

Conclusion

So there you have it—a delightful, colorful, and refreshing Grilled Corn Orzo Salad with Scallion Dill Dressing that’s perfect for any occasion! As you take your first bite, imagine the joy of sunny days spent with loved ones sharing food and laughter. I can’t wait to hear how you enjoyed this recipe! Please feel free to drop a comment or share your own twists and variations. Here’s to good food and great company—happy cooking!