Summer Corn Salad with Avocado Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This salad is the perfect balance of sweetness from the corn, tanginess from the lime, and creaminess from the avocado. The cilantro adds a fresh, herbaceous note that complements the other ingredients beautifully. Whether you’re looking for a quick side dish or a light lunch, this salad can be made in just 15 minutes and is guaranteed to brighten up your meal. Plus, it’s versatile enough to be customized to your tastes!

Ingredients

• For the Salad:

  • 4 corn cobs (about 3-4 cups of kernels)

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered

  • ⅓ small red onion, chopped

  • 2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped (leaves and stems)

  • 3-4 limes, juiced (or enough to coat the salad)

  • 1-2 avocados, diced

  • Salt, to taste

  • Black pepper, to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Boil the Corn:
   Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Shuck the corn cobs and add them to the pot once it’s boiling. Cover and boil the corn for 1½ to 2 minutes, then transfer the corn to a tray and discard the water. Allow the corn to cool completely before cutting off the kernels.

2. Prepare the Salad:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the corn kernels, halved or quartered cherry tomatoes, chopped red onion, cilantro, and lime juice. Toss everything together and season with salt and black pepper to taste.

3. Chill the Salad:
   At this point, you can serve the salad immediately or cover it and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.

4. Serve:
   Just before serving, top each individual bowl with diced avocado. Serve and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Total Time: 15 minutes (or 1 hour if chilled before serving)

Variations

• Grilled Corn: For added flavor, try grilling the corn instead of boiling it for a smoky touch.

• Add Protein: To make this salad more filling, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or black beans for a protein boost.

• Spicy Option: If you like a little heat, add finely chopped jalapeño or chili flakes to spice things up.

• Other Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or cucumber for more crunch and color.

• Herb Swap: If you’re not a fan of cilantro, swap it out with parsley or basil for a different herb flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: This salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Be sure to add the avocado right before serving to prevent it from browning.

• Reheating: This salad is best served chilled or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat it.

FAQs

1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, this salad can be made ahead of time. Just prepare the corn, veggies, and dressing, and store them in the fridge. Add the avocado just before serving.

2. Can I use frozen corn?

Yes, frozen corn can be used as a substitute for fresh corn. Just make sure to thaw and drain it before adding it to the salad.

3. Can I make this salad without avocado?

Yes, you can skip the avocado if you prefer or replace it with another creamy ingredient like a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.

4. How do I keep the avocado from browning?

To prevent the avocado from browning, you can squeeze a little lime juice over the diced avocado just before adding it to the salad.

5. Can I make this salad spicy?

Yes, you can add a chopped jalapeño, chili flakes, or hot sauce to give the salad a spicy kick.

6. Can I use another type of onion?

Yes, you can substitute the red onion with green onions or yellow onions, depending on your preference.

7. How can I make this salad more filling?

For a more substantial meal, you can add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or black beans to the salad for extra protein.

8. Can I add cheese to this salad?

Yes, crumbled feta or cotija cheese would be a great addition to this salad for extra flavor and creaminess.

9. How can I add more crunch to the salad?

If you want more crunch, consider adding diced cucumber, roasted corn kernels, or even tortilla chips for texture.

10. Can I use a different herb instead of cilantro?

Yes, if you don’t like cilantro, you can use parsley, basil, or mint for a fresh herbal flavor.

Conclusion

This Summer Corn Salad with Avocado is a fresh, vibrant dish that’s perfect for summer gatherings, BBQs, or a light meal. The sweet corn, juicy tomatoes, and creamy avocado come together beautifully, while the lime and cilantro dressing brings everything to life. Quick to prepare and easy to customize, this salad is sure to be a hit at any occasion!

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