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Avocado Corn Summer Salad with Cilantro – Avocado Corn Cilantro Salad
This vibrant Avocado Corn Cilantro Salad brings together the perfect combination of fresh summer flavors in every bite. With creamy avocados, sweet corn kernels, and zesty cilantro, this refreshing salad takes just 15 minutes to prepare and serves as an ideal side dish for barbecues, picnics, or weeknight dinners.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation with no cooking required, making it perfect for busy weeknights
- Fresh, vibrant flavors that capture the essence of summer in every colorful bite
- Nutritious ingredients packed with healthy fats, fiber, and essential vitamins
- Versatile dish that works as a side, appetizer, or light meal on its own
- Budget-friendly recipe using simple, accessible ingredients you likely have on hand
Why This Avocado Corn Cilantro Salad Recipe Works
The magic of this recipe lies in its perfect balance of textures and flavors. The creamy avocados provide richness, while the sweet corn adds natural sweetness and crunch. Fresh cilantro brings a bright, herbaceous note that ties everything together.
The lime juice not only adds a tangy zip but also helps prevent the avocados from browning. This simple dressing allows each ingredient to shine without overwhelming the natural flavors. The combination creates a refreshing salad that’s both satisfying and light.
What You’ll Need for This Avocado Corn Cilantro Salad
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity (approx) | Purpose / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh corn | 2 cups | Provides sweetness and crunch |
| Ripe avocados | 2 medium | Adds creaminess and healthy fats |
| Cherry tomatoes | 1 cup | Brings acidity and color |
| Red onion | ½ cup | Adds sharp flavor and crunch |
| Fresh cilantro | ½ cup | Provides fresh, herbaceous flavor |
| Lime juice | 2 tablespoons | Adds tang and prevents browning |
| Salt and pepper | To taste | Enhances all flavors |
Tools
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Large mixing bowl | For combining all ingredients |
| Sharp knife | For dicing avocados and chopping vegetables |
| Cutting board | Safe surface for food preparation |
| Wooden spoon | For gentle mixing without mashing avocados |
How to Make Avocado Corn Cilantro Salad
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1. Prepare ingredients | Cut corn off the cob if using fresh corn. If using canned corn, drain and rinse thoroughly. |
| 2. Chop vegetables | Dice avocados into bite-sized pieces. Finely chop red onion and halve cherry tomatoes. |
| 3. Mix ingredients | In a large mixing bowl, combine corn, avocados, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and chopped cilantro. |
| 4. Season and dress | Squeeze fresh lime juice over the mixture. Add salt and pepper to taste. Toss gently to combine. |
| 5. Chill (optional) | Let the salad chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together. |
| 6. Serve | Transfer to serving plates or serve directly from the bowl with extra lime wedges on the side. |
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Choose avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure but aren’t mushy for the best texture
- Cut corn kernels off the cob using a sharp knife, standing the cob upright in a large bowl
- Rinse diced red onion in cold water for 5 minutes to reduce its sharpness
- Add lime juice immediately after dicing avocados to prevent browning and maintain color
- Use a wooden spoon or rubber spatula to mix gently and avoid mashing the avocados
Serving and Storage Tips for Avocado Corn Cilantro Salad
Serving Tips
This avocado corn salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats, fish, or as a topping for tacos. Serve it alongside your favorite chicken casserole for a complete meal.
For best results, serve the salad within 2-3 hours of preparation. The lime juice helps preserve the avocados, but they’re still best enjoyed fresh. Consider serving with tortilla chips for a fun appetizer option.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours in an airtight container. Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the salad to minimize air exposure and prevent browning.
Mistakes to Avoid while making Avocado Corn Cilantro Salad
Don’t use overripe avocados that will turn mushy when mixed. They should be ripe but still firm enough to hold their shape. Avoid preparing this salad too far in advance, as avocados can brown and lose their appeal.
Skip the temptation to over-mix the ingredients. Gentle folding preserves the avocado pieces and maintains the salad’s attractive appearance. Don’t forget to taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
Avoid using frozen corn that hasn’t been properly thawed and drained, as excess moisture can make the salad watery. Fresh or well-drained canned corn works best for optimal texture and flavor.
You Must Know
- Always use ripe but firm avocados to prevent the salad from becoming mushy
- Add lime juice immediately after cutting avocados to prevent oxidation and browning
- This salad is best consumed within 24 hours due to the perishable nature of avocados
- Adjust seasoning gradually, as you can always add more salt and pepper but can’t remove it
Suggestions for Avocado Corn Cilantro Salad
Transform this basic recipe by adding black beans for extra protein and fiber. Check out this black bean and corn salad recipe for inspiration. You can also add diced jalapeños for heat or crumbled feta cheese for richness.
Try serving this salad as a topping for grilled chicken or fish. It also makes an excellent filling for wraps or a fresh side dish for your garlic shrimp pasta.
For a heartier version, add quinoa or brown rice to make it a complete meal. The Food Network’s corn and avocado salad offers additional inspiration for variations.
FAQs:
This salad is best consumed within 24 hours of preparation. The avocados will start to brown and lose their texture after this time, even with lime juice protection.
You can prepare all ingredients except the avocados up to a day ahead. Add the diced avocados and lime juice just before serving to maintain freshness and prevent browning.
Fresh parsley, mint, or basil make excellent substitutes for cilantro. Use the same amount and adjust to your taste preferences.
Yes, this salad is packed with healthy fats from avocados, fiber from corn and vegetables, and vitamins from fresh herbs. It’s naturally gluten-free and vegetarian.
Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain frozen corn completely before using. Pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture that could make the salad watery.
Conclusion
This Avocado Corn Cilantro Salad delivers fresh, vibrant flavors that capture the essence of summer in every bite. With its simple preparation and wholesome ingredients, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests. The combination of creamy avocados, sweet corn, and zesty cilantro creates a satisfying dish that works as a side or light meal.
Remember to use ripe but firm avocados and add lime juice immediately to maintain the salad’s beautiful appearance. Whether you’re serving it at a barbecue or enjoying it as a healthy lunch, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your summer rotation.
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📖 Recipe Card
Avocado Corn Cilantro Salad
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 2-3 hours of preparation. the lime juice helps preserve the avocados, but they're still best enjoyed fresh. consider serving 1x
Description
A fresh and vibrant salad combining creamy avocados, sweet corn, and zesty cilantro with a bright lime dressing. Perfect as a side dish or light meal.
Ingredients
- 2 cups Fresh corn
- 2 medium Ripe avocados
- 1 cup Cherry tomatoes
- ½ cup Red onion
- ½ cup Fresh cilantro
- 2 tablespoons Lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients: Cut corn off the cob if using fresh corn. If using canned corn, drain and rinse thoroughly.
- Chop vegetables: Dice avocados into bite-sized pieces. Finely chop red onion and halve cherry tomatoes.
- Mix ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine corn, avocados, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and chopped cilantro.
- Season and dress: Squeeze fresh lime juice over the mixture. Add salt and pepper to taste. Toss gently to combine.
- Chill (optional): Let the salad chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
- Serve: Transfer to serving plates or serve directly from the bowl with extra lime wedges on the side.
Notes
- Choose avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure but aren’t mushy for the best texture
- Add lime juice immediately after dicing avocados to prevent browning and maintain color
- Rinse diced red onion in cold water for 5 minutes to reduce its sharpness
- Best enjoyed fresh within 2-3 hours of preparation as the lime juice helps preserve the avocados
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (serves 4-6)
- Calories: 180 calories
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 15mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Avocado Corn Cilantro Salad, fresh salad, healthy recipe, vegetarian, gluten-free, summer salad, easy recipe
