There’s nothing quite like the crisp crunch of fresh corn paired with the creamy goodness of ripe avocado—it’s like summer in a bowl, isn’t it? This salad is a burst of vibrant colors and flavors, perfect for those warm days when you want something light yet satisfying. And, funnily enough, I stumbled upon this combination while trying to use up leftovers from a barbecue—sometimes, the best things are happy accidents.
Steps
- Start by preparing the corn. Grill the corn with husks on after soaking, on medium-high heat for 18-20 minutes, rotating every 5 minutes. Alternatively, bake the corn in the oven at 350°F for 30 minutes or boil it by placing shucked corn in boiling water with sugar for 15 minutes.
- Once the corn is cooked, shuck it and cut the kernels off the cob. Slice the cherry tomatoes in half or quarters, depending on their size. Peel, pit, and slice the avocados.
- In a large salad bowl, combine the sliced tomatoes, corn kernels, avocado slices, and thinly sliced red onion. Add chopped cilantro and pressed or minced garlic cloves to the mix.
- Drizzle the salad with extra virgin olive oil and lime juice, adjusting the lime juice to your taste preference. Season with sea salt and black pepper.
- Gently toss the ingredients together until everything is well combined. Serve the salad immediately for the freshest flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 pound cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered
- 3 ears of corn, cooked and kernels removed from the cob
- 2 avocados, peeled, pitted, and sliced
- 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (approximately half a small bunch)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 to 3 tablespoons lime juice (from 1 to 2 limes)
- 2 garlic cloves, pressed or finely minced
- 1 teaspoon sea salt (or 3/4 teaspoon table salt)
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1236kcal | Carbs: 108g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 90g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Sodium: 2448mg | Potassium: 3744mg | Fiber: 36g | Sugar: 30g | Vitamin A: 3570IU | Vitamin C: 168.6mg | Calcium: 120mg | Iron: 6.6mg
FAQ
- Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh corn in this salad?
- Yes, you can substitute fresh corn with frozen corn when it is out of season. Canned corn is also an option, but frozen corn is preferable. Be sure to follow the package instructions for preparing frozen corn.
- What is the best way to cook corn for this salad?
- Grilling the corn is recommended as it gives a smoky sweetness that enhances the salad. You can also boil or bake the corn. For grilling, soak the corn with husks on and grill for 18-20 minutes, turning every 5 minutes. Baking can be done at 350?F for 30 minutes without soaking, and boiling takes about 15 minutes once the water with added sugar reaches a boil.
- Can this salad be made ahead of time?
- While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the ingredients in advance by cooking and cutting the corn, slicing the tomatoes, and chopping the cilantro. However, it’s recommended to add the avocado and dressing just before serving to maintain freshness and prevent the avocado from browning.
- What are some other summer salads I can try?
- Some other refreshing summer salads include Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad, Cobb Salad, Chickpea Salad, Avocado Tuna Salad, and Caesar Salad, each offering a unique blend of flavors and ingredients.
- How do I store leftover Avocado Corn Salad?
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. However, the avocado may brown slightly, so it’s best to consume the salad as soon as possible for optimal flavor and appearance.
Tips
- Grill for Extra Flavor: If you have the option, use grilled corn for this salad. Grilling the corn adds a smoky sweetness that enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
- Substitute When Necessary: If fresh corn is not in season, feel free to substitute with frozen corn. It’s a great alternative that still provides a nice texture and taste.
- Customize the Dressing: Adjust the lime juice to taste when mixing the dressing. This allows you to balance the flavors to your preference, especially when considering the ripeness and sweetness of the other ingredients.
- Gently Toss: When combining the ingredients, gently toss the salad to avoid mashing the avocado and to maintain the texture of all components.
Equipment
- Grill – For grilling the corn on the cob.
- Garlic Press – For pressing or finely mincing garlic cloves.
