Nothing says fresh, sun-soaked bliss quite like a big bowl of Summer Corn Salad with Avocado. Juicy corn, creamy avocado, and vibrant pops of tomato come together with a touch of zesty lime to deliver pure seasonal happiness in every bite. Whether you need a standout side dish for your next cookout or you just want something seriously crisp and colorful on the dinner table, this salad is an absolute game changer. You’ll love how each ingredient shines—and how quickly it disappears once served!

Summer Corn Salad with Avocado Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Summer Corn Salad with Avocado is in its handful of beautiful, simple ingredients. Each one brings its own unique flavor, texture, or splash of color, and together, they make magic. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one deserves a spot in your bowl:

Corn cobs: Use four fresh cobs for that unbeatable sweet, juicy bite—fresh corn brings a natural crunch that seriously shines.
Cherry tomatoes: A cup of halved (or quartered) cherry tomatoes brings bursts of juicy sweetness and a stunning red hue.
Red onion: Just ⅓ of a small one, chopped up, adds a crisp savory note and vibrant color without overpowering.
Cilantro (leaves & stems): About 2 tablespoons, chopped—both the leaves and stems bring bold, herbaceous flavor and a green pop.
Limes: Juice from 3-4 limes thoroughly coats the salad with zesty brightness and balances sweetness with tang.
Avocado: Dice up 1-2 ripe avocados for buttery creaminess—avocado turns every forkful into something special.
Salt: Add to taste for bringing all the flavors to life and highlighting the freshness.
Black pepper: A few grinds for a little kick—season just before serving for best flavor.

How to Make Summer Corn Salad with Avocado

Step 1: Cook the Corn

Start by bringing a large pot of water to a rolling boil. While you wait, shuck the corn cobs, removing all the silks so you get pure, crisp kernels. Drop the cobs into the boiling water, cover the pot, and let them cook for just a minute and a half to two minutes—enough to brighten and tenderize without losing that crook-of-summer crunch. Once cooked, transfer the cobs to a tray to cool completely; this makes cutting the kernels much easier (and safer for your fingers!).

Step 2: Cut and Combine

Once the corn is cool, stand each cob up on a sturdy cutting board and slice off the sweet kernels. Gather up all those golden gems in a large bowl. Add the halved or quartered cherry tomatoes, chopped red onion, and freshly chopped cilantro to the mix. Squeeze in the fresh lime juice, drizzle it all over, and toss everything gently but thoroughly. Season with salt and black pepper—make it your own by tasting and adjusting as you go. This stage is where your Summer Corn Salad with Avocado really comes alive.

Step 3: Top with Avocado and Serve

Just before serving, dice your avocado and gently fold it on top of individual portions or the whole salad. This keeps the avocado gorgeously green and creamy without getting soggy. Serve immediately, or chill it for a little to meld the flavors even more.

How to Serve Summer Corn Salad with Avocado

Garnishes

You can never go wrong with a sprinkling of extra chopped cilantro, a little more lime zest, or even a dash of chili flakes for subtle heat. An extra squeeze of lime right before serving makes every forkful taste extra bright and lively.

Side Dishes

Summer Corn Salad with Avocado plays incredibly well with just about anything off the grill—think grilled chicken, shrimp skewers, brisket, or burgers. It also sits happily next to tacos, quesadillas, or light fish dishes, making it a versatile companion for any warm-weather meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try spooning the salad into lettuce cups for fun handheld bites at a picnic, or pile it atop tortilla chips for a colorful, crowd-pleasing appetizer. You can also mound it high on a big platter over baby arugula for more of a composed salad feel. However you plate it, the vibrant look and fresh flavors will steal the show!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover Summer Corn Salad with Avocado should be transferred into an airtight container and kept in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh and tasty for about 2 days, though the avocado may soften a bit. If you plan ahead, add the avocado just before serving for best texture.

Freezing

This salad’s starring ingredients—corn, tomatoes, avocado—don’t freeze very well when combined. Freezing will change the texture (especially the avocado), so it’s not recommended. Instead, enjoy it fresh for maximum flavor and crunch.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat Summer Corn Salad with Avocado; it’s meant to be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. If you want to give your dish a little pick-me-up, let it sit out for a few minutes after removing from the fridge before serving.

FAQs

Can I use frozen or canned corn instead of fresh?

Absolutely! While fresh is ideal, you can use frozen corn (thaw and pat dry) or even canned corn (drained and rinsed). The flavor and texture might vary slightly, but the salad will still be delicious.

How can I keep the avocado from browning?

Tossing the diced avocado in a little extra lime juice helps prevent browning. Also, add the avocado just before serving, rather than mixing it in hours ahead.

Is there a substitute for cilantro?

Yes! If cilantro isn’t your thing, try fresh parsley or basil for a different flavor profile. Both bring a lovely green freshness to the Summer Corn Salad with Avocado.

Can I make this salad in advance?

Definitely. You can prep all the ingredients except the avocado ahead of time; just keep everything chilled and mix in the avocado right before serving to keep things bright and creamy.

What protein can I add to make it a main dish?

Grilled shrimp, shredded rotisserie chicken, or cooked black beans all make killer additions, turning this already satisfying Summer Corn Salad with Avocado into a fresh summer meal.

Final Thoughts

I hope you whip up a big, beautiful bowl of Summer Corn Salad with Avocado soon—it’s truly one of those dishes that makes every table and every gathering a little bit sunnier. Share it, savor it, and don’t be surprised if it disappears before you know it!