Grilled Zucchini Corn Salsa with Smoky Paprika Lime Dressing - A delicious recipe by DigiDish

Grilled Zucchini Corn Salsa with Smoky Paprika Lime Dressing

Fire up the grill and get ready for a flavor explosion! This Grilled Zucchini Corn Salsa is the perfect mix of smoky, tangy, and fresh, all topped off with a zesty paprika lime dressing. It's vibrant, crunchy, and ready to steal the spotlight at your next meal—let’s get cooking!

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Fire up the grill, folks, because today we’re diving into a dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat: Grilled Zucchini Corn Salsa with Smoky Paprika Lime Dressing! You know those days when you want something fresh yet a little indulgent? This salsa is the answer to all your crunchy, zesty dreams. I mean, who doesn’t love the smoky char of grilled vegetables paired with a citrusy kick? It’s like a fiesta for your taste buds! You can serve it as a snack with crispy tortilla chips, as a unique taco topper, or hey—let’s go wild—as a side dish to brighten up any dinner plate. This recipe takes everyday salsa to a gourmet level, and I’m so excited to share it with you.

Grilled Zucchini Corn Salsa With Smoky Paprika Lime Dressing Recipe

What makes this salsa special is all in its layered flavors and textures. Grilled zucchini and sweet corn take center stage, and let me tell you, the charred smokiness adds an entirely new dimension you didn’t know you needed. Toss in vibrant red onions, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro to bring in some herby magic. But wait, let’s talk about the real showstopper: the smoky paprika lime dressing! Made with smoked paprika, fresh lime juice, olive oil, and a hint of honey, it’s tangy, slightly sweet, and has just enough spice to tie everything together. It’s like a little dance of Spain and Mexico happening in your bowl. Trust me, you’ll want to drizzle this on everything in your kitchen.

Here’s a fun tip: try not to overcook the zucchini or corn on the grill. You want them to have a bite—soft, but not too mushy—so they hold up in the salsa. If you don’t have a grill, don’t worry! A grill pan or even a hot cast-iron skillet works wonders to get that beautiful char. And feel free to customize! Add diced avocados for creaminess, jalapeños for heat, or even a handful of black beans for a heartier twist. Oh, and pro tip: make the dressing first and let all those flavors mingle while you prep the rest—it’s like giving it its own little flavor spa day.

I can’t wait for you to try this! Whether you’re hosting a backyard gathering, whipping it up for taco Tuesday, or just looking to elevate your snack game, this Grilled Zucchini Corn Salsa will wow your friends, your family, and most importantly, your own taste buds. Serve it with some warm pita chips or alongside grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. And hey, if you stumble upon another fun twist—like maybe tossing in a handful of crumbled feta or adding a touch of hot sauce—don’t hold back! The beauty of this dish is how versatile it is, so make it yours and enjoy every bite.

Keywords: grilled zucchini corn salsa recipe, how to make vegetable salsa, smoky paprika lime dressing recipe, homemade salsa with grilled corn, healthy grilled vegetable salsa, easy summer side dish recipes, fresh salsa for tacos

Prep Time

20 minutes

Cook Time

10 minutes

Servings

4 servings

Cuisine

Mexican

Ingredients

  • 2 medium zucchinis, sliced lengthwise into 1/4-inch thick pieces
  • 2 ears of corn, husked
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
  • 1/4 cup olive oil (for dressing)

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.

  2. 2

    Brush the zucchini slices and corn with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and season with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.

  3. 3

    Grill the zucchini for about 2-3 minutes per side until grill marks form and they are tender.

  4. 4

    Grill the corn, turning occasionally, for about 6–8 minutes until charred in spots.

  5. 5

    Remove the zucchini and corn from the grill and let cool slightly.

  6. 6

    Dice the grilled zucchini and cut the grilled corn kernels off the cob into a large mixing bowl.

  7. 7

    Add the diced red bell pepper, chopped red onion, and fresh cilantro to the bowl.

  8. 8

    In a small bowl, whisk together the smoked paprika, lime juice, honey (if using), and 1/4 cup olive oil. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.

  9. 9

    Pour the dressing over the grilled vegetables and toss well to combine.

  10. 10

    Serve the salsa as a side dish, or use it as a topping for tacos, grilled chicken, or fish.

Nutrition Information

Calories

120 calories per serving

Protein

2g

Carbs

9g

Fat

9g

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use frozen or canned corn instead of fresh corn?

A: Yes, you can use frozen or canned corn as a substitute for fresh corn. If using frozen corn, thaw it completely and pat it dry before grilling or sautéing for a charred flavor. For canned corn, drain and rinse it well, then sauté it briefly in a hot, dry pan to mimic the grilled flavor.

Q: What can I use as a substitute for cilantro?

A: If you don't like or can't find cilantro, you can substitute it with fresh parsley or fresh basil for a different but still flavorful twist. You can also omit it entirely if preferred.

Q: Is there a way to make this recipe ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can prepare the grilled vegetables and dressing separately up to 24 hours ahead. Store the components in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. Toss everything together just before serving for the freshest taste and texture.

Q: How should I store leftovers?

A: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salsa is best enjoyed fresh, but it will still taste good if chilled. Stir well before serving, and you may need to add a fresh squeeze of lime juice to brighten up the flavors again.

Q: Can I make this recipe without a grill?

A: Absolutely! If you don’t have a grill, you can use a stovetop grill pan or roast the zucchini and corn in the oven under the broiler. Brush them with oil and place the zucchini on a baking sheet. Roast at 400°F for about 10 minutes, turning once, and broil the corn until lightly charred, turning occasionally.

Q: What are some serving suggestions for this salsa?

A: This salsa makes a versatile dish! Serve it as a topping for tacos, grilled chicken, or fish. It also pairs wonderfully as a dip with tortilla chips or as a fresh and vibrant salad on its own. You can even use leftovers as a filling for vegetarian wraps or grain bowls.

Q: Can I make this recipe vegan?

A: Yes, this recipe is already vegan as written, but if you're using honey in the dressing, you'll need to replace it with another vegan-friendly sweetener like maple syrup or agave nectar to maintain the vegan status.

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