Summer Corn Tomato Avocado Salad (Printable)

A colorful blend of corn, tomatoes, avocado, and lime dressing for a light and fresh dish.

# Required Ingredients:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 cups fresh corn kernels (about 3 ears, or use thawed frozen corn)
02 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
03 - 1 ripe avocado, diced
04 - 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
05 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

→ Dressing

06 - 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
07 - 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
08 - 1/2 teaspoon honey or agave syrup
09 - 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
10 - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
11 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

# Preparation Steps:

01 - If using fresh corn, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add corn kernels and cook for 2 minutes, then drain and cool. If using frozen corn, thaw and drain well.
02 - In a large bowl, combine the corn, cherry tomatoes, avocado, red onion, and cilantro.
03 - In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
04 - Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine.
05 - Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately, or chill for 15 minutes for enhanced flavor.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It comes together in under 20 minutes, which means you can make it on a whim when the farmers market haul feels overwhelming.
  • The lime vinaigrette is tangy enough to make you taste every ingredient without being fussy or pretentious about it.
  • Somehow this salad feels substantial enough for lunch but light enough that you don't regret eating it on a hot day.
02 -
  • If you prep this salad more than an hour ahead, the avocado will brown and the tomatoes will get soggy—so resist the urge to make it early, even though it seems like the organized thing to do.
  • The lime juice actually acts as a gentle preservative for the avocado, so if you dress it right before serving, it stays greener longer than you'd think.
03 -
  • Make the vinaigrette in a jar with a tight lid and shake it like you're frustrated with something—the vigorous shaking actually helps emulsify better than gentle whisking.
  • Pat your corn kernels dry after cooking so they're not sitting in water that will dilute your beautiful dressing.
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