Fresh Avocado Corn Salad

This avocado corn salad brings together the best summer produce in one vibrant, refreshing dish. The combination of sweet grilled corn, creamy avocado, and juicy cherry tomatoes creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures that's ideal for warm weather gatherings or as a nutritious side dish any day of the week.

I first made this salad for a backyard barbecue and it disappeared faster than anything else on the table. Now I keep the ingredients on hand all summer long because it pairs perfectly with almost anything from the grill.

Ingredients

• Fresh corn: preferably grilled to bring out its natural sweetness and add a subtle smoky flavor
• Ripe avocados: look for ones that yield slightly to gentle pressure for the perfect creamy texture
• Cherry tomatoes: use a mixture of colors for visual appeal and varying levels of sweetness
• Red onion: adds a sharp bite that balances the creaminess of the avocado
• Fresh cilantro: brightens the entire dish with its distinctive herbaceous flavor
• Extra virgin olive oil: use a good quality oil since the flavor will be prominent
• Fresh lime juice: do not substitute bottled as fresh makes all the difference
• Garlic cloves: adds depth and complexity to the simple dressing
• Sea salt: enhances all the flavors and brings everything together

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the vegetables:

Cut cherry tomatoes into halves or quarters depending on size. Slice the red onion as thinly as possible to prevent overpowering the salad. Carefully cut corn kernels from the cob after grilling and cooling slightly. Dice avocados just before assembling to prevent browning.

Make the dressing:

Combine the olive oil, fresh lime juice, pressed garlic, salt and pepper in a small bowl and whisk until well incorporated. The acidity from the lime juice helps prevent the avocados from browning too quickly.

Assemble the salad:

Gently combine all vegetables in a large bowl, being careful not to mash the avocado pieces. Pour the dressing over the ingredients and toss with a light hand just until everything is coated evenly.

Final seasoning:

Taste the salad and adjust seasoning if needed with additional salt, pepper or lime juice. The flavors should be bright and balanced with no single ingredient overpowering the others.

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I always set aside a small portion of the corn kernels to sprinkle on top just before serving for an extra pop of color and texture. My family loves this salad so much that it has become our unofficial welcome to summer tradition when the first good corn appears at our farmers market.

Make Ahead Options

While this salad is best made fresh, you can prepare most components ahead of time. Grill the corn, slice the onions, and halve the tomatoes up to 24 hours in advance. Store these prepped ingredients separately in the refrigerator. Only cut the avocados and dress the salad immediately before serving to prevent browning and maintain optimal texture.

Perfect Pairing Ideas

This versatile salad works beautifully alongside grilled chicken, fish tacos, or even as a topping for grilled burgers. For a vegetarian meal, serve it with crusty bread and a sprinkle of crumbled cotija or feta cheese on top. The bright, fresh flavors complement spicy foods particularly well, making it an excellent counterpoint to dishes with some heat.

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Seasonal Variations

In early summer when corn is just coming into season, try using quickly blanched fresh corn for a crisp texture. Mid-summer calls for grilled corn to enhance the smoky flavors. In late summer when tomatoes are at their peak, use heirloom varieties for extraordinary flavor. During cooler months, you can make this with frozen fire-roasted corn and still achieve delicious results.

Health Benefits

Beyond being delicious, this salad delivers impressive nutritional value. The avocados provide heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and nearly 20 different vitamins and minerals. Corn offers fiber and antioxidants, while tomatoes provide lycopene, especially beneficial when consumed with healthy fats like those in avocado. The lime juice not only adds flavor but helps your body absorb the iron from the vegetables more efficiently.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh corn?

Yes, frozen corn can be used as an alternative. Just thaw and heat it before adding to the salad.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Add extra lime juice to maintain freshness.

→ Can I make this salad ahead of time?

You can prepare the dressing and chop the ingredients in advance, but combine them just before serving to avoid sogginess.

→ What can I serve with this salad?

This salad pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, fish, or a variety of barbecue dishes.

→ Can I adjust the lime dressing?

Yes, you can adjust the lime juice and olive oil to match your taste preference for tanginess or richness.