Last Updated on June 24, 2025 by recipeinspire
Table of Contents
Summer Corn Salad with Avocado: 5 Reasons It’s Your Best BBQ Dish!
Are you ready to elevate your BBQ game? Did you know that salads can often be the most compelling dishes at a summer gathering—particularly when they combine vibrant flavors and appealing textures? If you’re looking to impress at your next BBQ, take note of the Summer Corn Salad with Avocado, a dish that’s not only quick and healthy but also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients

To create a delightful Summer Corn Salad with Avocado, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 3 cups fresh corn kernels (about 4 ears, or 2 cups frozen corn)
- 2 ripe avocados, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 2 limes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: diced jalapeño for an extra kick
Feel free to substitute grilled corn for fresh corn for an added smoky flavor or replace cilantro with parsley if you prefer a milder herb.
Timing
You’ll be amazed at how quickly this dish comes together! Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 0 minutes (no cooking required!)
- Total time: 15 minutes
That’s 30% less time than the average salad recipe, making it an efficient and appealing choice for summer BBQs!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Corn
If you are using fresh corn, simply shuck the ears and remove the kernels with a sharp knife. For frozen corn, thaw it thoroughly.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, gently toss together the corn kernels, diced avocados, halved cherry tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro.
Step 3: Add Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Pour this over the salad mix and gently stir to combine, being careful not to mash the avocados.
Step 4: Serve
Taste your salad and adjust the seasoning, adding more lime juice, salt, or pepper as needed. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor!
Nutritional Information
This vibrant Summer Corn Salad with Avocado is not only delicious but also nutritious. Each serving (about one cup) includes approximately:
- Calories: 220
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 7g
Rich in healthy fats from the avocados and dietary fiber from the corn and vegetables, this salad is a wholesome addition to any meal.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
For a lighter or specialized version, consider these options:
- Replace avocado with Greek yogurt for a creamy texture with added protein.
- Use lime zest in addition to the juice for an enhanced citrus kick.
- Substitute quinoa for corn to maintain the grain component while boosting protein content.
Serving Suggestions
This refreshing Summer Corn Salad with Avocado pairs beautifully with grilled meats, seafood, or on its own as part of a vegetarian spread. Serve it in a chilled bowl garnished with extra cilantro for a pop of color!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing your salad, keep these tips in mind to ensure success:
- Choosing Avocados: Use ripe avocados for creaminess but avoid those that are overly soft; they can turn mushy in the salad.
- Texture Control: Toss your ingredients gently to prevent the avocado from turning mushy or losing its shape.
- Dressing Timing: Add the dressing right before serving to keep the salad fresh and crisp.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
If you happen to have leftovers (though unlikely!), store your Summer Corn Salad with Avocado in an airtight container in the fridge. To help maintain the integrity of the avocados, you can gently press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the salad before sealing the container.
Print
Summer Corn Salad with Avocado: 5 Reasons It’s Your Best BBQ Dish!
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Summer Corn Salad with Avocado is bursting with fresh, seasonal flavors. Sweet corn, creamy avocado, juicy tomatoes, and zesty lime dressing come together in a quick and refreshing side that’s perfect for any summer meal.
Ingredients
- 3 ears fresh corn, kernels cut off (or 2 cups cooked corn)
- 1 large avocado, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Corn: If using fresh corn, boil or grill until tender (about 5–7 minutes), then cut off the kernels. Let cool slightly.
- Mix Salad: In a large bowl, combine corn, avocado, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro.
- Add Dressing: Drizzle with olive oil and lime juice. Season with salt and pepper, then gently toss to combine.
- Serve: Serve immediately or chill briefly. Best enjoyed fresh, as avocado can brown over time.
Notes
Add crumbled feta or cotija cheese for a savory boost. You can also add black beans or grilled shrimp to make it a more filling dish. For extra zing, include a pinch of chili flakes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook or Boil
- Cuisine: Southwest-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: corn avocado salad, summer corn salad, fresh corn side, healthy summer recipe, BBQ salad
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Summer Corn Salad with Avocado is not only a quick and healthy dish, but it’s also packed with flavor and vibrant colors. Perfect for BBQs, this salad is sure to impress your guests and become a staple in your summer recipe repertoire.
Try this salad for your next BBQ and watch it disappear in no time! Share your thoughts and feedback, and explore our other amazing recipes for more culinary inspiration.
FAQs
Q1: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A1: While you can prepare the ingredients ahead, we recommend adding the dressing just before serving to keep the avocado fresh.
Q2: How long will the salad last in the fridge?
A2: The salad is best enjoyed within 1-2 days. After that, the avocados may brown, affecting the taste and presentation.
Q3: Can I make this dish vegan?
A3: Yes! This recipe is naturally vegan as all the ingredients are plant-based.
By embracing this refreshing recipe, you’ll not only impress your BBQ guests but also celebrate the vibrant flavors of summer. Enjoy!