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Grilled Corn on the Cob with Kale Pesto

August 19, 2018 By Patricia 62 Comments

Grilled Corn on the Cob with Kale Pesto makes a great side dish for the season! Even though the summer is wrapping up, there’s still time to enjoy some seasonal favorite foods. I love summer corn, and thought it would be fun to serve it grilled with a tasty topping. 

Grilled Corn on the Cob with Kale Pesto makes a fabulous summer side!

Summer lasts an incredibly long time in Phoenix as far as the weather is concerned, no matter what the calendar says. So even though summer is wrapping up for most people, I know a lot of us are still enjoying summer-season foods for as long as we can. A great example: Grilled Corn on the Cob with Kale Pesto.

Get the grill ready for Grilled Corn on the Cob with Kale Pesto!

Mexican Street Corn Salad is another dish you’ve got to make before the summer ends! I made it, literally, seven times in one month this summer. Everyone loves it!

You might also like my Cheesy Jalapeño & Corn Stuffed Sweet Pepper Poppers for a fun appetizer to serve at your next get together. 

I came across some great corn at the market the other day, and I just love grilled corn on the cob! I wanted to add a little something to the corn and thought pesto with a bit of Parmesan cheese would be a great topping.

Since the rabbits decided my herb garden is their favorite fast food spot and devoured my basil, I used some leftover kale to make the pesto for this dish. It was perfect to slather on the corn – what beautiful color and flavor.

Are you a kale lover? Make a big bowl of my Kale and Quinoa Salad with Honey-Dijon Dressing. It’s a delight! 

Grilled Corn on the Cob with Kale Pesto is an easy and delicious side!

If rabbits have made their way to your basil, or there’s another reason you can’t get your hands on any, kale makes a great option for pesto. It definitely has a heartier flavor, but you make it the same way as traditional pesto, and you can use it the same way, too.

Grilled Corn on the Cob with Kale Pesto is a summer side favorite!

This recipe makes about a cup of pesto, so you’ll have more than you need for just the corn. Use it up as a sauce for pasta, a dressing for a sandwich, or as a dip for some crunchy veggies. There are so many ways to enjoy it.

While the corn was grilling, I added some fresh tomatoes to a pan, drizzled them with olive oil, and roasted them on the grill, too. I might want to banish the summer heat, but I still want to enjoy the flavors of the season.

Grilled Corn on the Cob with Kale Pesto is a perfect summer side dish!

Grilled Corn on the Cob with Kale Pesto is a fabulous side dish for the summer season. There’s just no way to go wrong with it!

Nutrition

Calories

151 cal

Fat

15 g

Carbs

2 g

Protein

2 g
Click Here For Full Nutrition, Exchanges, and My Plate Info
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Serves 6

Grilled Corn on the Cob with Kale Pesto

Don't let the summer end without making Grilled Corn on the Cob with Kale Pesto! It's a fabulous side dish!

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5 based on 7 review(s)

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Ingredients

  • 5-6 ears corn, husk and silk removed
  • 2 tablespoons butter, softened
  • 3 big handfuls kale leaves (no stems)
  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra, shredded for garnish
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 3 tablespoons toasted pine nuts
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Add the kale, grated Parmesan cheese, olive oil, garlic, pine nuts, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and paprika to a food processor. Blend until smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
  2. Brush the ears of corn with the softened butter. Grill over medium-high heat for about 10 minutes, turning, until it begins to char.
  3. Remove from the heat, brush the pesto over the tops, and garnish with the shredded Parmesan cheese.
  4. Serve warm.

Notes

This recipe makes more pesto than you'll need for the corn. It will keep for a few days, and you can use it as a spread with sandwiches, or as a sauce for pasta.

7.8.1.2
54
https://www.azgrabaplate.com/grilled-corn-cob-kale-pesto/

Filed Under: Dinner, Gluten Free, Lunch, Recipes, Vegetarian Tagged With: corn, corn on the cob, kale, pesto, side dishes

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Comments

  1. Marye says

    August 19, 2016 at 3:04 pm

    This looks amazing!I love corn on the cob when we're grilling, I can't wait to try this!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      August 20, 2016 at 5:20 am

      Thanks, Marye! Hope you love it!
      Reply
  2. Maria says

    August 19, 2016 at 3:58 pm

    AMAZING summer flavors! Can't wait to try this one!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      August 20, 2016 at 5:19 am

      Hope you do! Thanks!
      Reply
  3. Katerina @ diethood .com says

    August 19, 2016 at 7:40 pm

    I love how you used kale in place of the basil!! Awesome idea!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      August 20, 2016 at 5:19 am

      Thanks a bunch, Katerina!
      Reply
  4. Allison - Celebrating Sweets says

    August 19, 2016 at 8:11 pm

    This looks seriously amazing! Must try ASAP.
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      August 20, 2016 at 5:19 am

      Thanks, Allison!
      Reply
  5. Valerie | From Valerie's Kitchen says

    August 20, 2016 at 2:32 am

    I could easily make a meal out of this! Delicious!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      August 20, 2016 at 5:19 am

      Thanks, Valerie!
      Reply
  6. Maryanne | the little epicurean says

    August 21, 2016 at 5:13 pm

    Summer in LA doesn't seem to end until Thanksgiving. Even then, you can still wear tank tops and flip flops without feeling chilly. Loving the tip on subbing kale for basil in pesto! Great idea :)
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      August 22, 2016 at 5:44 pm

      Right?! Good and bad, I guess ;) Thanks so much, Maryanne!
      Reply
  7. David Crowley says

    August 22, 2016 at 10:48 am

    Sounds delicious! I've used kale pesto a lot but haven't tried it on corn.
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      August 22, 2016 at 5:44 pm

      I really liked it! Added flavor to that yummy grilled corn!
      Reply
  8. Cathy Trochelman says

    August 22, 2016 at 3:20 pm

    I've never wanted corn on the cob as much as I do right now!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      August 22, 2016 at 5:44 pm

      :) Thanks, Cathy!
      Reply
  9. Jen @ The Weary Chef says

    August 22, 2016 at 6:25 pm

    I love grilled corn on the cob! I actually enjoy them anytime of the year! :D
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      August 23, 2016 at 2:14 pm

      So, so good! A great side dish! Thanks, Jen!
      Reply
  10. Angie | Big Bear's Wife says

    August 25, 2016 at 11:49 pm

    I'm not ready to say good bye to the corn or summer! I need them both year round haha. Love that pesto!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      August 26, 2016 at 3:20 am

      I know, neither am I -- although I can do without such high temps still! Thanks, Angie!
      Reply
  11. Marta Rivera Diaz says

    August 20, 2018 at 8:41 am

    I've never thought to put corn with pesto, but this looks so delicious!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      August 27, 2018 at 4:17 pm

      Thanks so much, Marta!
      Reply
  12. Lacy says

    August 20, 2018 at 8:56 am

    I LOVE this recipe! This looks soooo good!!!!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      August 27, 2018 at 4:17 pm

      Thanks a bunch, Lacy!
      Reply
  13. Megan says

    August 20, 2018 at 9:13 am

    This looks so good! Such a unique idea to put pesto on corn on the cob! I love it! Also, you grilled that corn to literal perfection.
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      August 27, 2018 at 4:17 pm

      Thanks so much, Megan! Hope you give it a try soon!
      Reply
  14. Mary says

    August 20, 2018 at 9:27 am

    YES! While we can still get great summer corn! This is on our dinner menu for this week! Thank you for the recipe
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      August 27, 2018 at 4:16 pm

      That's awesome! Thanks, Mary! Hope you enjoy it -- I'm going to miss all the summer corn!
      Reply
  15. kristen says

    August 20, 2018 at 1:41 pm

    i love everything grilled corn. i can only imagine how good this is with pesto on top!
    ★★★★★
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      August 27, 2018 at 4:16 pm

      Thanks so much, Kristen!
      Reply
  16. Evelyn Hernandez says

    August 20, 2018 at 4:18 pm

    Love that you use kale and olive oil for the pesto, very healthy!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      August 27, 2018 at 4:16 pm

      Yes! And don't forget delicious :) Thanks, Evelyn!
      Reply
  17. Jennifer Penas says

    August 20, 2018 at 4:24 pm

    You had me at corn! Ha! I love corn and pesto! Oh I just might have to try this one real soon!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      August 27, 2018 at 4:15 pm

      Thanks, Jennifer! I hope you like it!
      Reply
  18. Bethany says

    August 20, 2018 at 5:10 pm

    My family loves corn on the cob, so I’m sure this would be a huge hit with them! I think it’s so creative that you used kale in place of basil for the pesto. I’ll definitely have to try that out!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      August 27, 2018 at 4:15 pm

      Thanks so much, Bethany! I had to use kale out of necessity -- the rabbits ate all my basil! LOL! But just as well, because it turned out great! Hope you get a chance to try it!
      Reply
  19. Leslie says

    August 20, 2018 at 6:15 pm

    This photo is making my mouth water! I need to try using pesto on the corn! It looks delicious!
    ★★★★★
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      August 27, 2018 at 4:12 pm

      Thanks, Leslie! I hope you get a chance to try it!
      Reply
  20. Ruthie Ridley says

    August 20, 2018 at 6:19 pm

    omg this looks incredible... never thought to add pesto!!
    ★★★★★
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      August 27, 2018 at 4:11 pm

      Thanks, Ruthie! Hope you try it soon!
      Reply
  21. Denay DeGuzman says

    August 20, 2018 at 7:56 pm

    Oooo...how I love grilled corn and homemade pesto! Your scrumptious recipe has me inspired to fire up the grill tomorrow evening. Corn on the cob is a flavorful side dish for chicken, steak or shrimp!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      August 20, 2018 at 8:59 pm

      Thanks so much, Denay! I hope you love this as much as I do! Enjoy!
      Reply
  22. Marissa says

    August 20, 2018 at 8:49 pm

    What a creative recipe! I need to make this now.
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      August 27, 2018 at 4:11 pm

      I hope you love it, Marissa!
      Reply
  23. Farrah says

    August 20, 2018 at 10:25 pm

    I love love love pesto and this looks like the perfect summer recipe! :D Can't wait to try it!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      August 27, 2018 at 4:11 pm

      Thanks, Farrah! I hope you try it soon - enjoy!
      Reply
  24. Holly says

    August 21, 2018 at 5:56 am

    Wow, I never thought to put pesto on corn...now that I see this though, I totally want to try! Such a unique idea!
    ★★★★★
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      August 27, 2018 at 4:10 pm

      Make it! Make it! I bet you'll like it :) Thanks, Holly!
      Reply
  25. Diana Tidswell says

    August 21, 2018 at 8:45 am

    Wow, that looks like a delicious dish to make and the procedure looks so easy to prepare. I will definitely try this at home.
    ★★★★★
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      August 27, 2018 at 4:09 pm

      Thank you, Diana! It's definitely easy to make! Enjoy!
      Reply
  26. Raina says

    August 21, 2018 at 9:00 am

    This looks delicious! And you take amazing food photos!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      August 27, 2018 at 4:09 pm

      Thanks, Raina! And thanks so much for your kind words!
      Reply
  27. Rosemary Arbogast says

    August 21, 2018 at 9:29 am

    I love this with the tomatoes for sweetness! I've always felt like corn is a fall food, so I'll likely get a chance to try this!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      August 27, 2018 at 4:08 pm

      Thanks so much, Rosemary! I hope you enjoy it, whatever the season!
      Reply
  28. Renee @ The Good Hearted Woman says

    August 21, 2018 at 10:23 am

    Grilled corn (along with fresh tomatoes) is one of my greatest summer food pleasures. I can't wait to hit the farmers market this weekend and try your recipe!
    ★★★★★
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      August 27, 2018 at 4:08 pm

      Thanks, Renee! I hope you get a chance to try this soon!
      Reply
  29. Cassie says

    August 21, 2018 at 10:36 am

    This sounds so good. Looking forward to making the kale pesto for the first time :)
    ★★★★★
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      August 27, 2018 at 4:08 pm

      Thanks so much, Cassie! Hope you enjoy it!
      Reply
  30. Clair says

    August 21, 2018 at 1:16 pm

    This corn on the cob looks and sounds so delicious! I have never heard of kale pesto, mainly use basil pesto. I will have to give it a try!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      August 27, 2018 at 4:07 pm

      Thanks so much, Clair! The rabbits got my basil, so I had to wing it! I'm glad I did, because it turned out great!
      Reply
  31. Chelsea Pearl says

    August 21, 2018 at 1:45 pm

    You had me at pesto! Kale in pesto is like the perfect way to sneak in extra greens. Dishes like this are pure summer nomz!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      August 27, 2018 at 4:07 pm

      For sure! Thanks so much, Chelsea!
      Reply

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I'm Patricia

Welcome to Grab a Plate!

Growing up surrounded by my Italian family it was always, "grab a plate" whenever anyone came to visit. Food was always a celebration, even everyday meals, and I like it that way. I try to make each meal memorable with my recipes for mainly meatless, mostly healthy, and easy-to-make dishes (with sweet treats in between).

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