Charred Corn & Poblano Salad
The perfect complement to any Mexican entrée, or potluck, Charred Corn and Poblano Salad has all the flavors you crave: a little sweet, little spicy, tangy, salty, smoky – what more could you want? Oh and it’s healthy, too!
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Is corn unhealthy?
Isn’t corn bad for you? I hear that a lot actually. The short answer is no, it’s not unhealthy. But of course everything comes with caveats. Corn itself isn’t unhealthy, but because it’s so cheap, it tends to show up in many many processed products (I’m looking at you, high fructose corn syrup).
Corn contains a good variety of vitamins and minerals, along with being high in fiber. Most notably, corn is high in lutein and zeaxanthin (1). These are two important carotenoid pigments that contribute to the yellow or orange color in a variety of foods like cantaloupe, carrots, salmon, and eggs. These pigments also make up the yellow spots in the human retina, and help protect it from damage by blue light. They also help protect against age related macular degeneration and cataracts (2). I can tell you from years as a long term care dietitian, these two conditions affect a large percentage of older people, so any protection we can get is good!
What about GMO (genetically modified organism) corn? There are actually not as many GMO crops on the market as most people think. Corn is one, along with soybeans, cotton, potatoes, papaya, summer squash, canola, alfalfa, apples, and sugar beets (3). As of the writing of this article, no other GMO foods are available for consumer purchase, though a GMO salmon has been approved (not available). GMO foods are highly regulated by several government agencies, and are considered to be as safe and healthy as non-GMO foods (4). GMO foods are highly controversial, and for a variety of reasons. If you are looking to avoid GMO products for whatever reason, look for organic foods. By federal definition, organic foods cannot contain GMOs.
Tips and Substitutions
Instead of using your broiler, you can use your grill if you have corn on the cob. Simply preheat your grill, brush the corn with oil, and place both the corn cobs and peppers on the grill. Turn every few minutes until charred on all sides. Slice the corn off the cob. Continue with the recipe as written by placing the peppers in a bowl covered with plastic wrap to steam.
In this case, use any onion you have: white, yellow, green, or even shallots. I love the flavor red onions bring to this salad, but any will work.
Yep! If you have lime juice that comes in those little plastic “limes” just use that instead of going out of your way for fresh limes.
If you can’t find poblano peppers, you can use a jalapeno, but they are spicier than poblanos. Start with only one jalapeno, and see how you like it. Alternatively, if you don’t want spice, you can use green bell peppers.
If you make Charred Corn and Poblano Salad, tell me about it!
And if you need some ideas about what to serve this salad with, consider my Black Bean Sweet Potato Enchiladas, Quick Plant Based Tacos, or Brussels Sprouts, Sweet Potato & Black Bean Tostadas. Don’t forget the guacamole!
Charred Corn and Poblano Salad
The perfect complement to any Mexican entrée, or potluck, Charred Corn and Poblano Salad has all the flavors you crave: a little sweet, little spicy, tangy, salty, smoky – what more could you want? Oh and it's healthy, too!
Ingredients
- 4 cups Frozen Corn, thawed (or 4 Fresh Corn on the Cob, corn cut off)
- 2 Poblano Peppers
- 2 tsp Olive Oil
- ½ cup chopped Cilantro
- ¼ cup finely chopped Red Onion
- ¼ cup crumbled Cotija or Feta Cheese
- 1 Lime, juiced (about ¼ cup juice)
- Ground pepper to taste
- Pinch of salt, if needed
Instructions
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Adjust oven rack to 3 inches or so below broiler, and preheat broiler on high.
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Pat corn dry with paper towels, and toss with oil on a large, lined baking sheet.
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Place whole peppers (do not oil) beside the corn, and place under broiler.
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Turn peppers, and toss corn every few minutes as they begin to char, for a total of 15 minutes.
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Place peppers in a bowl, and cover with plastic wrap and allow to cool.
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Once cool, the skins will be loose. Remove as much of the skin as possible, cut off the tops and remove the seeds. Chop the peppers to a size similar to the corn.
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Add the peppers, corn, and all the remaining ingredients to a large bowl and toss.
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Taste and add ground pepper, and a little salt, if needed.
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Eat at room temperature, or chill to serve later.
