Avocado Corn Salad

This vibrant avocado corn salad is like summer on a plate!

Sweet corn, creamy avocado, and juicy cherry tomatoes meld with a zesty lime dressing.

Bright, refreshing, and packed with nutrients, it’s the ultimate side dish. 

It’s my go-to for backyard bashes, cookouts, and picnics. As a bonus, it comes together in minutes!

Why You’ll Love This Avocado Corn Salad

Easy Prep: There’s zero cooking required! Just mix, combine, and refrigerate. Ideal for work lunches, busy weeknights, party planning, or last-minute gatherings.

Stunning Presentation: The colorful mix of yellow corn, green avocado, and red tomatoes makes for an eye-catching presentation. And yes, it tastes as good as it looks!

Make-Ahead Friendly: You can easily prep this salad in advance, making it a convenient option for meal prepping.

Light & Fresh: This salad is bursting with garden-fresh flavors everyone will love.

Ingredients

• Sweet Corn: For that sweet, juicy crunch! Look for ears with bright green husks and plump kernels.
  
• Avocados: They’re creamy, buttery, and packed with healthy fats. Choose avocados that yield to gentle pressure for perfect ripeness.
  
• Cherry or Grape Tomatoes: They’re the perfect accompaniment to sweet corn and creamy avocado.
  
• Small Red Onion: It adds a subtle, sharp bite. Dice finely for even distribution.
  
• Fresh Cilantro: It adds a bright, citrusy, and slightly peppery note. Substitute with fresh basil or Italian parsley if you prefer.
  
• Fresh Lime Juice: It provides a tangy, zesty kick that ties all the flavors together. 
  
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: The base of the lime dressing helps the flavors meld. Use high-quality oil for the best taste.
  
• Garlic: Fresh is best! It adds depth and a slightly pungent flavor to the dish.
  
• Kosher Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: To make all those incredible summer flavors pop!

How to Make Avocado Corn Salad

This salad only takes a few minutes and a few steps to make!

1. Combine. In a large bowl, combine the corn kernels, avocado, tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro. 

2. Whisk. In a separate bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.

3. Dress. Pour the dressing over the salad. Toss gently.

4. Chill & Serve. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Toss and serve cold. 

Tips For the Best Avocado Corn Salad

As a side or light meal, this avocado corn salad is a crowd-pleaser. But before you throw it together, check out these helpful tips:

• Fresh is best. Use the freshest ingredients you can find for optimal flavor. 
  
• Hold off on the avocado. If making the salad in advance, wait to add the avocado until just before serving. Otherwise, the avocado will brown and become mushy.
  
• Fire up the grill. For an added smoky flavor, grill the corn. Grill it on high heat until you get a nice char, turning the ears as needed.
  
• Taste and adjust. Taste the salad after mixing and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add more salt, pepper, lime juice, or olive oil to suit your preferences.
  
• Make it your own. Customize the salad by adding proteins like grilled chicken, shrimp, or black beans. You can also mix in other veggies, herbs, spices, or cheeses.
  
• Serve it your way. Serve this salad as a refreshing side dish, a vibrant taco topping, or even as a salsa with tortilla chips.

How to Store

For the best flavor and texture, I recommend enjoying this salad within 24 hours of prep. However, it will keep for a couple of days. Just follow these steps to help ensure freshness: 

To Store: Place the salad in an air-tight container. Refrigerator for up to 2 days. To prevent browning, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the salad before sealing the container.