This avocado corn salad is a blend of corn kernels, fresh avocado, ripe tomatoes and red onion, all tossed in a homemade lime dressing. A colorful side dish that is quick to put together and always gets rave reviews!
I can’t get enough of fresh salads during the warmer weather months. Some of my favorites include a main course grilled chicken salad, classic cucumber tomato salad and refreshing avocado corn salad.
In my opinion, there’s nothing better than fresh corn on the cob. It’s great when grilled, boiled or served in a salad. This avocado corn salad has the perfect blend of flavors and textures, and also happens to be quite easy to make.
Corn Salad Ingredients
This salad is comprised of corn, cherry tomatoes, red onion, avocado and cilantro. The dressing is made with olive oil, honey, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, salt and pepper.
How do you make avocado corn salad?
Start by placing corn, cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, diced avocado and cilantro in a large bowl. Make the dressing by whisking together olive oil, fresh lime juice, a little bit of honey and some spices. Pour the dressing into the vegetables, then toss gently to coat. Serve and enjoy!
Tips for the best salad
- You can use fresh, frozen or canned corn depending on what is available near you. If you use fresh corn, you’ll want to grill it or boil it, then slice the kernels off the cob. Thaw frozen corn before use.
- Choose avocados that are ripe, but still firm so that they don’t get mushy when you go to stir the salad together.
- This salad can be made up to 4 hours in advance, but I recommend adding the avocado at the end right before you serve it so that it doesn’t discolor.
- I find that the salad is best when eaten on the day that it’s made because of the avocado.
- I use a mandoline to cut my red onion into very thin slices.
- Serve avocado corn salad as a side dish, or use it as a topping for grilled chicken or fish.
- Not a fan of cilantro? You can use sliced green onions instead.
- This salad also works with diced Roma tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes. I’ve even made it with heirloom tomatoes with great success.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, you can eat raw corn in salads. That being said, I tend to prefer the texture of cooked corn, which is why I use the cooked version in this recipe. You can choose which type you prefer and the salad will come out great either way.
The primary component of corn salad is corn kernels, and the corn is often paired with other veggies such as peppers, onions, avocado, tomatoes or even a protein such as black beans.
Corn salad is typically a great choice for a healthy diet. Corn, tomatoes and avocado contain many different vitamins and minerals. In addition, the salad uses olive oil which is considered to be a healthier choice.
Avocado corn salad flavor variations
This salad is delicious as-is, but you can add other ingredients to make it your own.
- Protein: Turn this salad into a main course by adding grilled chicken, cooked shrimp or a can of black beans.
- Vegetables: Amp up the nutrition by incorporating extra veggies such as bell peppers, baby spinach leaves or cucumber.
- Add-Ins: Try stirring in some toasted pumpkin seeds, finely grated cotija cheese, canned roasted green chilies or sliced black olives. If you want a little heat in your salad, stir in 1 tablespoon of minced jalapeno.
- Pasta: Make it a pasta salad by doubling the amount of dressing and adding 8 ounces of cooked short pasta.
I make this avocado corn salad all year round. It’s a great way to get a dose of veggies with plenty of zesty flavor.
More ways to enjoy corn
Avocado Corn Salad
Ingredients
For the salad
- 4 cups corn kernels fresh, canned or thawed from frozen
- 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes halved
- 1/4 cup red onion thinly sliced
- 2 avocados diced
- 1/3 cup cilantro leaves chopped, plus more for garnish
For the dressing
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 3/4 teaspoon cumin
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
For the salad
- Place the corn kernels, cherry tomatoes, red onion, avocado and cilantro in a large bowl.
For the dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients until well combined.
- Pour the dressing over the corn mixture and toss gently to coat. Serve immediately. Garnish with sprigs of cilantro.
Notes
- If you’re planning to make this salad in advance, wait to add the avocado until right before you serve it.
- For fresh corn, grill or boil the corn on the cob, then slice the cooked kernels off for the salad.
Katherine says
This is such a great salad with amazing flavor and textures!
Dannii says
Such a vibrant and delicious salad. Perfect for a BBQ.
Anjali says
This is such a simple salad but is so flavorful and refreshing! Made it as a side dish for dinner tonight and it went perfectly with our Mexican themed meal!
Gina Abernathy says
This will be one of my go to recipes for cookouts, and gatherings from now on. Everyone loves this recipe.
MacKenzie says
Beautiful! I love all the fresh flavors and colors!
Tara says
Yum yum yum! This salad is a mix of all my favorite flavors: creamy avocado, bright tomatoes, crisp onions! This is definitely on my menu for weeks now.
MacKenzie says
Amazing side. The dressing combined with the veggies is perfection. Even my picky eaters enjoyed!
Jacqueline says
You had me with the avocado 🥑 snd the 🌽 corn. Yum!
nancy says
delicious side dish I always make when the family comes over ! everyone loves the wholesome flavours and textures
Gina Abernathy says
Corn Salad is one of my favorite side dishes. I like the addition of chili powder and lime juice. The family loved this dish and I plan to make it again soon.