Avocado Corn Salad

Get ready for a flavor explosion that brings together the best of summer produce! This vibrant avocado corn salad combines creamy avocados, sweet corn, and juicy tomatoes in a light, zesty dressing that’ll make your taste buds dance.

The magic of this salad lies in its perfect balance of textures and flavors – from the buttery smoothness of ripe avocados to the sweet pop of fresh corn kernels. It’s refreshing, nutritious, and takes just minutes to throw together.

Ingredients

For the Salad Base:

• 1 lb cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered
• 3 ears of corn, cooked, shucked and cut off the cob
• 2 avocados, peeled, pitted and sliced
• 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped

For the Dressing:

• 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2-3 Tbsp lime juice (from 1-2 limes)
• 2 garlic cloves, pressed or minced
• 1 tsp sea salt (or 3/4 tsp table salt)
• 1/8 tsp black pepper

Steps

1. Begin by preparing your work station. Set out a large salad bowl that will comfortably fit all ingredients with room for tossing. The size matters here – too small and you’ll end up with ingredients spilling over during mixing.
2. Combine the prepared vegetables: Add the halved tomatoes (cut smaller if they’re larger than bite-size), corn kernels (ensure they’ve cooled to room temperature to prevent wilting other ingredients), sliced avocado (cut just before adding to prevent browning), thinly sliced red onion, and chopped cilantro. Press or mince the garlic directly over the bowl to capture all the flavorful oils.
3. For the dressing, drizzle 2 Tbsp olive oil in a circular motion over the vegetables, followed by 2 Tbsp lime juice. Taste and add the remaining 1 Tbsp lime juice if desired – the acidity should be noticeable but not overwhelming. Season with 1 tsp sea salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper.
4. Using two large spoons, gently toss the salad just until the ingredients are combined. Over-mixing will mash the avocados and create a messy presentation. The salad should be served immediately while the avocados are fresh and bright.

Smart Swaps

• Substitute red onion with 1/2 cup finely diced shallots for a milder flavor
• Use grilled corn instead of boiled for a smoky twist
• Replace cilantro with 1/4 cup fresh basil for an Italian-inspired version

Make It Diabetes-Friendly

• Reduce corn to 1 ear (about 3/4 cup kernels) to lower carb content by 8g per serving
• Add 1 cup diced cucumber to increase volume without adding carbs
• Serve over 2 cups chopped romaine instead of alone to reduce glycemic impact

Pro Tips

• Choose avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure for perfect ripeness
• Prep all ingredients before cutting avocados to minimize oxidation
• If making ahead, toss everything except avocados and dressing, add those just before serving