Avocado Corn Salad

If you’re looking for a salad that bursts with flavor and sunshine, you’ve come to the right place! This Avocado Corn Salad is not just any side dish; it’s a celebration of fresh ingredients that will brighten up your table. With creamy avocado, sweet grilled corn, and juicy cherry tomatoes, this salad is perfect for summer barbecues, family gatherings, or even a busy weeknight dinner when you need something quick yet satisfying.

What makes this recipe truly special is how easily it comes together. Within just 28 minutes, you can whip up a vibrant bowl of goodness that everyone will love. It’s one of those recipes that I find myself turning to time and again because it’s so versatile and delicious. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super easy to make: With only a few ingredients and minimal prep, this salad is ready in no time.
• Fresh and flavorful: The combination of lime juice and garlic gives this salad a zesty kick that complements the creamy avocado beautifully.
• Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a picnic, BBQ, or a simple family dinner, this salad fits right in.
• Healthy and nutritious: Packed with vitamins and healthy fats, it’s not just tasty but also good for you!
• Make-ahead friendly: Prep it ahead of time for hassle-free entertaining—just toss before serving!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating this Avocado Corn Salad is simple because it calls for wholesome ingredients that are easy to find. Let’s gather everything you need to make this delightful dish!

For the Salad

• 1 lb cherry tomatoes (halved or quartered)
• 3 ears of corn (cooked, shucked, and cut off the cob)
• 2 avocados (peeled, pitted, and sliced)
• 1/2 red onion (medium) (thinly sliced)
• 1/4 cup cilantro (chopped, about 1/2 small bunch)

For the Dressing

• 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 to 3 Tbsp lime juice (from 1 to 2 limes)
• 2 garlic cloves (pressed or finely minced)
• 1 tsp sea salt (or 3/4 tsp table salt)
• 1/8 tsp black pepper

Variations

One of the best things about this Avocado Corn Salad is its flexibility! Feel free to switch things up based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.

• Add some crunch: Toss in some diced bell peppers or cucumbers for extra texture.
• Make it spicy: Sprinkle some diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes for a kick.
• Include beans: Black beans or chickpeas can add protein and make the salad even heartier.
• Herb swap: If you’re not a fan of cilantro, try swapping it with fresh parsley or basil for a different flavor profile.

How to Make Avocado Corn Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

In a large salad bowl, combine your sliced tomatoes, corn kernels, sliced avocado, thinly sliced red onion, chopped cilantro, and press in those two cloves of garlic. This step forms the base of our salad with all those vibrant colors coming together!

Step 2: Dress It Up

Drizzle the top with 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil and add 2-3 tablespoons of fresh lime juice—adjusting to your taste. Don’t forget the seasoning! Add 1 teaspoon of sea salt and an eighth teaspoon of black pepper. Gently toss everything together until well combined. This dressing not only adds flavor but also brings all these wonderful ingredients together in harmony.

Step 3: Serve and Enjoy

Once everything is mixed well, serve immediately! This salad is best enjoyed fresh when the avocados are perfectly creamy. If you’re making it ahead of time, keep the avocado separate until just before serving to maintain its freshness.

This Avocado Corn Salad is sure to become a favorite at your table. Enjoy each bite filled with summer vibes!

Pro Tips for Making Avocado Corn Salad

Making Avocado Corn Salad is a breeze, and with these tips, you can elevate your dish to perfection!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh tomatoes, ripe avocados, and sweet corn will enhance the flavor of your salad immensely. The freshness brings out the natural sweetness and crunch that makes this salad so enjoyable.

• Adjust lime juice to taste: Lime juice adds brightness to the salad, but the amount can vary depending on your preference. Start with 2 tablespoons and add more if you like a tangier taste that complements the creamy avocado.

• Avoid browning avocados: To keep your avocado looking fresh, add it last when combining your ingredients. You can also sprinkle a bit of extra lime juice over them to minimize browning.

• Make it ahead of time: If you’re prepping for a gathering, you can prepare most of the salad in advance. Just add the avocado and dressing right before serving to maintain freshness.

• Experiment with herbs: While cilantro is delicious, feel free to mix in other herbs like parsley or mint for a different flavor profile. This can give your salad an exciting twist while still keeping it light and refreshing.

How to Serve Avocado Corn Salad

Serving Avocado Corn Salad can be as creative as you want! Whether it’s for a summer picnic or a simple weeknight dinner, here are some fun ideas to present this delightful dish.

Garnishes

• Feta cheese: Crumbled feta adds a salty kick that balances the creaminess of the avocado beautifully.
• Sliced radishes: Thinly sliced radishes not only add a pop of color but also a crunchy texture that enhances each bite.
• Chili flakes: A sprinkle of chili flakes gives your salad an extra kick if you enjoy a little heat.

Side Dishes

• Grilled Chicken Skewers: Marinated chicken skewers grilled to perfection make for a protein-packed partner that complements the flavors of the salad beautifully.

• Quinoa Pilaf: This light and fluffy grain dish flavored with herbs and spices pairs wonderfully with the freshness of the avocado corn salad while adding a hearty element.

• Roasted Sweet Potatoes: The natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes contrasts nicely with the tangy lime dressing in the salad and provides additional fiber.

• Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread serves as a great side with this salad, perfect for scooping up bites and adding some comforting carbs to your meal.

Enjoy making this Avocado Corn Salad, and don’t hesitate to get creative with both presentation and pairing options!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Avocado Corn Salad is not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep. You can make it ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while saving you precious time during busy weekdays.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• The salad should be consumed within 2-3 days for optimal freshness.
• If you anticipate having leftovers, consider storing the dressing separately to keep the avocado from browning.

Freezing

• This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if you must freeze it, separate the components (avocado, corn, tomatoes).
• Corn can be frozen, while avocado does not freeze well due to texture changes upon thawing.
• Consider freezing corn kernels in a zip-top bag for later use in other recipes.

Reheating

• There’s no need to reheat this salad; it’s best served cold or at room temperature.
• If you’ve stored individual ingredients separately, combine them just before serving for maximum freshness.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Avocado Corn Salad that may help you out!

Can I use canned corn instead of fresh corn for Avocado Corn Salad?

Absolutely! Canned corn can be a convenient substitute. Just make sure to drain and rinse it before adding it to your salad for the best flavor.

How long does Avocado Corn Salad last in the fridge?

When stored properly in an airtight container, Avocado Corn Salad will stay fresh for about 2-3 days. Just remember to keep the dressing separate if possible!

Can I add other ingredients to my Avocado Corn Salad?

Certainly! Feel free to customize your salad with ingredients like bell peppers, black beans, or even diced cucumbers for added crunch and flavor.

What can I serve with Avocado Corn Salad?

This refreshing salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, fish tacos, or as a vibrant side dish at barbecues and picnics.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Avocado Corn Salad finds a special place on your table! It’s not just a side dish; it’s a celebration of summer flavors that brings everyone together. Enjoy making this vibrant salad, and don’t hesitate to share your creations. Happy cooking!