Sweet Corn Salad Recipe

OMG, this sweet corn salad is literally summer in a bowl! The combo of fresh corn, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy avocado, and zesty lime dressing is giving me life—perfect for a quick and fresh weeknight meal or weekend BBQ vibe. 🌽🥑🍅✨

Sweet Corn Salad is a vivacious dish I adore for its fresh and wholesome components. I find the sweet corn, succulent cherry tomatoes, and luscious avocado create a prefect trifecta.

My favorite part is the altogether too refreshing dressing of lime juice and olive oil that somehow makes all the ingredients pop while also providing a seriously nutritious boost.

Sweet Corn Salad Recipe Ingredients

• Sweet Corn: Packed with fiber and natural sweetness, perfect for salads.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Juicy and vibrant, adding vitamins and a sweet-tart flavor.
• Red Onion: Provides crunch and a mild, pungent zest.
• Avocado: Creamy and rich in healthy fats, boosts satiety.
• Cilantro: Adds a fresh, citrusy note and a burst of color.
• Lime Juice: Brightens and balances flavors with its tangy citrusy zest.

Sweet Corn Salad Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 3 cups fresh sweet corn kernels (about 3-4 ears of corn)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup diced cucumber
• 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 avocado, diced
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

How to Make this Sweet Corn Salad Recipe

1. Start by preparing the sweet corn: Fill a saucepan with water, bring it to a vigorous boil, and then introduce the corn ears. Let them steep in the bubbling water for about 5-7 minutes, until the kernels have turned tender. If you’re feeling adventurous, try grilling the corn instead; that method imparts a delightful smoky flavor. After cooking, let the corn cool a bit and then cut the kernels off the cob.

2. In a big mixing bowl, mix together the corn kernels, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, diced red onion, and cilantro.

3. Carefully incorporate the diced avocado, taking care not to mash it, in order to keep the texture intact.

4. In a small bowl, combine the fresh lime juice with olive oil and whisk together to make the dressing.

5. Pour the lime dressing over the corn mixture in the large bowl.

6. Sprinkle salt and freshly ground black pepper over the salad, adjusting to taste.

7. Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and toss them together very gently. You want the greens and the other components to remain whole without any major tearing of the leaves, which is to be avoided in this salad.

8. Let the salad sit for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

9. If desired, taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or lime juice.

10. Prepare the sweet corn salad as a just-off-the-plate side or eat it as a light, sweet, and satisfying main course. Cover and refrigerate any uneaten portions. The salad is good but not great after a day in the fridge.

Sweet Corn Salad Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Saucepan
2. Grill (optional, for grilling corn)
3. Large mixing bowl
4. Small mixing bowl
5. Knife
6. Cutting board
7. Whisk
8. Spoon (for mixing)
9. Ladle or large spoon (for serving)
10. Measuring cups
11. Measuring spoons

FAQ

• Can I use frozen or canned corn instead of fresh?Absolutely! You can use frozen or canned corn as a substitute. If you’re using the frozen variety, be sure to thaw it first. If you’re using canned, be sure to rinse and drain it before using.
• How can I make this salad ahead of time?Gather all components apart from the avocado and blend them. The addition of the avocado occurs right before serving. This step is crucial for maintaining the green color of the avocado.
• What can I use instead of cilantro?Should you dislike cilantro, consider using fresh parsley or basil as a substitute. These herbs yield different but delightful flavors in dishes that might otherwise be overly cilantro-flavored.
• Is there a way to make this salad spicier?To the salad, add grated jalapeño or red pepper flakes for extra heat.
• How long will this salad keep?For optimal taste, consume the salad within a day or two. The avocado may brown somewhat, but the lime juice helps combat this. Otherwise, the salad looks and tastes as if it were just freshly tossed.
• Can I add protein to this salad? Yes, grilled chicken, shrimp, or black beans can complement the salad nicely for a more filling meal.
• What type of olive oil is best for this recipe?A high-quality extra-virgin olive oil is advised to amplify the salad’s flavors.

Sweet Corn Salad Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Instead of using sweet corn kernels, you might opt for canned corn or for frozen corn that has been thawed.
Diced regular tomatoes or grape tomatoes can be used in place of cherry tomatoes.
Substituting zucchini for cucumber in this recipe is an excellent option to use if you are short on cucumbers. Diced zucchini works beautifully in this dish. They are similar in moisture content, but the flavor of cucumbers is more pronounced. However, if you’re placing diced zucchini in a dish where cucumbers would typically be placed, it is going to taste different because of the flavor profile inherent in zucchini.
Green onions (scallions) or shallots can replace red onion for a milder flavor.
Fresh parsley or basil can be used in lieu of cilantro, if that is your preferred taste.

Pro Tips

1. Grill the Corn for Extra Flavor Before cutting the kernels off the cob, grill the ears of corn until slightly charred. This enhances their sweetness and adds a smoky flavor to the salad.

2. Use Fresh Lime Juice Always opt for freshly squeezed lime juice rather than bottled. It provides a vibrant and zesty flavor that enhances the freshness of the salad.

3. Chill Ingredients Before Assembling For a refreshing experience, chill the corn, tomatoes, and cucumber in the refrigerator for at least an hour before assembling the salad. This ensures the salad is crisp and cool when served.

4. Add the Avocado Last To maintain the ideal texture of the avocado and prevent it from browning, incorporate it just before serving the salad.

5. Customize with Additional Herbs Consider adding fresh basil or mint alongside cilantro for an extra herby twist. This not only adds depth to the flavor but also gives the salad a delicious aroma.