If you’re craving a fresh, vibrant dish that bursts with color and flavor, this Avocado Corn Salad Recipe is an absolute must-try. It brilliantly combines creamy avocado with sweet corn and zesty lime dressing, delivering a refreshing salad that satisfies your taste buds and brightens up any meal. Perfect for summer gatherings or a quick weekday lunch, this salad balances taste and texture effortlessly, making it a personal favorite I love sharing with friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Avocado Corn Salad Recipe is wonderfully simple, made with a handful of fresh ingredients that each play a crucial role. From the sweetness of the corn to the creamy richness of the avocado, and the zing of lime juice, every element enhances the overall flavor and texture of the salad.
- 4 ears corn: Fresh corn adds a natural sweetness and satisfying crunch—make sure to remove husks and silk.
- 3 large avocados: Creamy and smooth, they provide a luscious texture that balances the salad.
- 1 cup little tomatoes (grape, cherry, etc.): Halved for a burst of juiciness and vibrant color that livens up the dish.
- 1 bunch cilantro: Chopped finely for a fresh, herbal aroma and brightness.
- 1/3 cup chopped red onion: Adds a subtle sharpness and crunch, complementing the sweetness.
- 1 jalapeno pepper: Chopped to give just the right spicy kick—adjust based on your heat preference.
- Salt & pepper: To taste, essential for balancing all the flavors.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: Adds smoothness and helps bind the dressing to the salad.
- 2 tablespoons lime juice: The star of the dressing that brings a zesty tang and freshness.
- 1/2 tablespoon honey: A touch of sweetness that perfectly rounds out the dressing.
How to Make Avocado Corn Salad Recipe
Step 1: Boil the Corn
Start by bringing a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Using tongs, carefully immerse the ears of corn and cook for 4 minutes. This quick boil keeps the corn tender and sweet while preserving that delightful snap. Once cooked, drain the hot water and immediately fill the pot with cold water to halt cooking and cool the corn down quickly. This step ensures your salad won’t get mushy.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
While the corn is cooling, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, and honey in a large salad bowl. This dressing provides a beautiful balance of tang, sweetness, and richness that will tie together every ingredient perfectly.
Step 3: Combine the Fresh Ingredients
Chop the avocados, halve the little tomatoes, finely chop the cilantro and red onion, and dice the jalapeno pepper. Toss these vibrant ingredients into the bowl with the dressing. Handling them now gives them a chance to meld with the dressing’s flavors.
Step 4: Add the Corn
Once the corn has cooled completely, carefully cut the kernels off the cobs and add them to the salad bowl. This adds a lovely pop of sweetness and an irresistible crunch that makes the salad come alive.
Step 5: Toss and Season
Gently toss everything together until the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing. Give it a taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or an extra splash of lime juice if desired. This final adjustment is key to making the Avocado Corn Salad Recipe truly shine.
How to Serve Avocado Corn Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes like extra cilantro leaves, a few lime wedges, or a sprinkling of crumbled cotija cheese add visual appeal and an extra layer of flavor. A light dusting of smoked paprika can also bring a hint of smoky warmth, elevating this vibrant salad.
Side Dishes
This salad is a star on its own but also pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, fish tacos, or even a stack of warm tortillas. It complements spicy dishes beautifully, offering a cool and creamy contrast that balances any meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this Avocado Corn Salad Recipe layered in clear jars for a picnic or layered with chips for a fun party dip. You can also scoop it onto toasted baguette slices for an easy appetizer or stuff it into pita pockets for a fresh, handheld lunch. The possibilities are endless and all delicious!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Because of the avocado, the salad is best enjoyed fresh, but a squeeze of extra lime juice before storing can help prevent browning.
Freezing
Freezing this salad is not recommended since avocados and fresh tomatoes lose their texture after thawing. For best results, prepare just what you need or enjoy leftovers cold within a couple of days.
Reheating
This salad is served cold and is not designed to be reheated. Keep it chilled and fresh to enjoy every crisp and creamy bite at its best.
FAQs
Can I use frozen corn for this Avocado Corn Salad Recipe?
Yes, you can substitute frozen corn if fresh corn is unavailable. Just thaw and lightly sauté the corn to bring out its sweetness before adding it to the salad.
How do I keep the avocado from browning?
Using fresh lime juice in the dressing helps slow down browning, and storing the salad in an airtight container in the fridge also aids in preserving its vibrant green color.
Is this salad spicy? How can I reduce heat?
The jalapeno adds a subtle kick, but you can easily control the spice by removing the seeds or omitting the jalapeno altogether if you prefer milder flavors.
Can I add protein to make it a meal?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even black beans make perfect additions to elevate this salad into a filling and balanced meal.
What’s the best way to serve this salad at a party?
Serve the Avocado Corn Salad Recipe in a large, colorful bowl with plenty of tortilla chips or crusty bread on the side for guests to scoop and enjoy. It’s always a crowd-pleaser!
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Avocado Corn Salad Recipe enough for anyone looking to brighten up their menu with something fresh, flavorful, and wholesome. The combination of creamy avocado and sweet corn with a tangy lime dressing feels like sunshine on a plate. Go ahead, give it a try and watch it become one of your favorite go-to salads too!
Print
Avocado Corn Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fresh and vibrant Avocado Corn Salad featuring sweet corn, creamy avocados, juicy tomatoes, and a zesty lime dressing. Perfect as a light side dish or a healthy snack, this salad combines crunchy and creamy textures with a hint of spice from jalapeno and freshness from cilantro.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 4 ears corn (husks & silk removed)
- 3 large avocados
- 1 cup little tomatoes (grape, cherry, etc.), cut into halves
- 1 bunch cilantro, chopped
- 1/3 cup chopped red onion
- 1 jalapeno pepper, chopped
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1/2 tablespoon honey
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the corn: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Using tongs, carefully insert the cobs of corn and cook them for 4 minutes. Drain the corn and immediately fill the pot with cold water to cool the corn and stop the cooking process.
- Make the dressing: In a large salad bowl, combine the olive oil, lime juice, honey, salt, and pepper. Whisk together until the dressing is fully emulsified.
- Prepare salad ingredients: While the corn cools, chop the avocados, halve the tomatoes, chop the cilantro, red onion, and jalapeno. Add all these ingredients to the salad bowl with the dressing.
- Cut the corn off the cob: Once the corn has cooled, carefully cut the kernels off the cob using a sharp knife and add the kernels to the salad bowl.
- Toss and season: Gently toss the salad to combine all ingredients well. Taste and adjust seasoning by adding more lime juice, salt, or pepper if desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, lightly char the corn on a grill or in a skillet before cutting off the kernels.
- If you prefer a milder salad, remove the seeds from the jalapeno before chopping.
- This salad is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 1 day.
- Use ripe but firm avocados to avoid mushiness.
- Substitute lime juice with lemon juice if preferred.
