This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.
This avocado corn salad is loaded with the goodness of fresh corn, avocados, cherry tomatoes, red onions, and a generous sprinkle of cilantro. This corn salad recipe is a feast for the eyes and the palate. It’s tossed in a light dressing seasoned with spices, lime juice, and olive oil, ensuring every bite bursts with flavor. Pairs well with fish, grilled chicken, or steak!
Healthy Avocado Corn Salad With Tomato
Looking for the ultimate summer dish that goes with everything? Try this avocado corn salad! It’s been a staple at our summer gatherings for as long as I can remember, and everyone loves it.
This light and tasty side dish is perfect for BBQs and parties, and the longer it sits in the zesty lime dressing, the more delicious it becomes. The best part? It only requires a few simple ingredients that you can throw together in no time.
Trust us, this salad is the taste of summer you’ve been waiting for!
Note: If you’re a fan of summer recipes, make sure to also check out my Healthy Mexican Street Corn Salad.
Ingredients needed
This salad is one word: fresh. It’s made of real, wholesome ingredients that come straight from the ground. It tastes real, full of flavor, and ultimately makes for the perfect summer dish.
Here’s a bit more about what I used:
- Corn: Of course! I love to either use fresh grilled or boiled corn, but you can also use corn from a can! Either way, any corn will work for this.
- Avocado: You’ll want to use ripe avocados, but not mushy ones. The salad tastes 10x better when the avocados have a little bit of a bite to them.
- Tomatoes: Any tomatoes work here! I love to use grape or cherry tomatoes for the perfect summer tomato flavor bursting with juicy goodness.
- Red Onion: This type of onion typically has a little bite, but you can also use green or white onions.
- Cilantro: This is the perfect fresh herb for this avocado corn salad! Feel free to add more if you’d like.
- Jalapeño: I love to add some in for a little bit of spice, but this is completely optional.
Tip: This recipe alone does not call for black beans, but they would make the perfect addition here in order to add more fiber and protein!
Salad dressing:
- Lime (and lime zest)
- Garlic
- Olive oil
- Spices (salt + pepper + red chili flakes)
Kitchen tools required
Here’s a bit more information about what I used to make this corn and avocado salad…
- Large bowl
- Small bowl
- Kitchen knife
- Whisk
- Salad tongs
For measuring, you will need 1/4 cup and 1/3 cup with 1/2 teaspoon and a teaspoon.
How to make corn and avocado salad
Get ready to elevate your corn game with this delicious and refreshing corn avocado tomato salad recipe!
Whether you prefer grilling or boiling your corn, we’ve got you covered. Simply cut the kernels off the cob and prepare for a burst of flavor.
Tip: For those using canned corn, be sure to drain and rinse it before adding it to the mix.
In a bowl, combine the corn with diced avocado, juicy tomatoes, onion, and fresh cilantro. If you’re feeling adventurous, add in some diced jalapeño!
Now it’s time for the dressing.
Whisk together the tangy lime juice, garlic, olive oil, a pinch of salt, a dash of pepper, vibrant lime zest, and a hint of chili flakes for some heat. Be generous with the drizzle and toss until everything is well combined.
To ensure the flavors meld together perfectly, let the salad chill in the fridge for at least an hour. Personally, I recommend giving it at least four hours for the flavors to really pop.
Then, when you’re ready to eat, serve it cold or at room temperature.
Recipe Tips
Below are some common corn salad questions. Don’t see the answer you’re looking for? Leave a comment at the bottom of this post!
Is it better to use canned corn or frozen corn?
It really depends on what you’re looking for. Canned corn has a softer texture, while frozen corn is more crunchy and fresh-tasting. Both are great options – it just comes down to personal preference!
Can I add cheese to this avocado corn salad?
Yes, adding cheese to this salad is a delicious option. We recommend feta or queso fresco, as they both pair amazingly with the flavors of this salad.
I’m not a fan of cilantro. Can I use a different herb?
Absolutely! Parsley or dill would make a great substitute for the cilantro.
Should I use fresh limes?
Yes, fresh limes will give the dressing that zesty kick you’ll love. You can also use bottled lime juice if you prefer.
What’s another oil I can use for the corn salad dressing?
Grapeseed oil would work well here. It has a mild flavor and high smoke point, making it ideal for drizzling over salads.
What kind of pepper can I use in place of a jalapeño?
It really depends on what kind of spice level you are looking for. For no spice, use a red bell pepper. For an even spicier kick, swap out the jalapeño for a serrano pepper.
Storing leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in the fridge for up to four days. Since this salad is so fresh and simple, I would suggest eating it within two days after making it.
If you liked this recipe, you’ll want to try these!
Here are some of my favorite salad recipes you should make next. Enjoy!
- Easy Italian Pasta Salad Recipe
- Cold Thai Noodle Salad With Shrimp
- Grilled Greek Chicken Salad
- Moroccan Couscous Salad
- Fresh Watermelon Salad With Feta
All recipes by Erin Morrissey and Photos by Sierra Inn
If you make this recipe, be sure to comment below and let me know how it was! Also tag @erinliveswhole on Instagram and use the hashtag #erinliveswhole so I can see it and feature you!
Avocado Corn Salad
This avocado corn salad is an easy and healthy summer recipe made with avocado, corn, tomato, lime juice, and fresh cilantro. Pairs well with fish, grilled chicken, or steak! So delish!
Ingredients
- 4 ears of corn, shucked + cooked, or about 2 (15oz) cans of corn.
- 3 avocados, diced.
- 1 lb cherry/grape tomatoes, sliced in halves or quarters.
- 1 small red onion, diced fine.
- 1/3 cup cilantro, roughly chopped.
- 2 limes – juiced
- 1 tsp lime zest
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil (or avocado oil)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flake (optional)
- 1 jalapeno, diced (optional)
Instructions
-
Prepare your corn by either grilling it or boiling it, then cutting it off the cob into kernels. If you’re using canned corn, drain and rinse it.
-
Place the corn in a bowl, then add in diced avocado, tomatoes, onion, and cilantro (and optional jalapeno).
-
In another bowl, whisk together the lime juice, garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, lime zest, and chili flakes.
-
Drizzle the dressing over top of the corn salad mixture and toss until well combined.
- Let chill in fridge for at least one hour, I prefer at least 4 hours so flavors have time to combine.
- Serve cold or at room temperature.
There may be affiliate links in this post! By purchasing a product I recommend, I may receive a small compensation. However, I only recommend products I absolutely love and use myself. Thank you for supporting Erin Lives Whole, it helps keep this blog afloat 🙂
Lexie says
I make this every summer! This is the first ELW recipe I ever made and obvs it was delish. It’s the perfect side dish for grilling or a pinic. 10/10!!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Lexie, so glad you enjoyed it!! 🙂
Jeanne says
OBSESSED! Made it four days in a row! 🤪
Thanks, Erin. Definitely a favourite.
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Jeanne, so glad you love it so much!!
Jeanne says
OBSESSED! Made it four days in a row! 🤪
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Jeanne, so happy you loved it!!
Angela says
I had a bunch of corn in my fridge and couldn’t figure out what I wanted to do with it so ofcourse I went to ELW to find a new recipe and found this absolutely phenomenal corn dish. I could eat the whole thing in one sitting 😋. Erin is always coming in clutch! Make this! You won’t regret it
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Angela, so happy you loved the salad so much! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Kaitlyn says
My boyfriend and I love this salad! I shared it at a family BBQ and had multiple people ask for the recipe. Definitely a crowd pleaser!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Kaitlyn, so happy everyone loves it so much!!
Shannon says
This is such a perfect summer salad!! Ended up adding some beans in as well – so colorful and delicious! Thanks Erin!!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Shannon, so happy you loved it and great idea!
Lisa S. says
This was so delicious. Tasted sweet even without honey or sugar! I served it for company and they raved about it as well.
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Lisa, so happy you and your guests loved it!!
Renée says
made is 1/4 of the recipe! It lasted me 2 days for lunch with pesto chicken breast from Trader Joes! Love love love
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Renée, so happy you loved it and great idea!!
Liz says
Love this recipe! I made it for a family BBQ and it was a huge hit – now it’s a favorite summer recipe we have on repeat! I love adding a can of rinsed black beans to it as well.
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Liz, so glad you loved it and great idea!
Rosemary Stamm says
I was looking for a light corn salad to serve on our taco bar and this was absolutely perfect!! The combination of all the flavors was beyond delicious. I substituted the cilantro with fresh parsley as some of our guests aren’t cilantro fans and it was still so yummy. You know it’s a great recipe when you’re sad to see it finished! I’m sure I’ll be making it all summer!!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Rosemary, so happy you loved it!! Thanks for sharing!
Molly says
Made this for Father’s day and was a hit with everyone! It also works as a great dip or topping for grilled chicken.
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Molly, so happy everyone loved it!!
Sarah says
Absolutely loved this! I didn’t have a lot of fresh avocado at the time of making but I added what I could when serving the dish. I also added persian cucumbers for extra crunch! Will be making all summer long!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Sarah, so glad you liked it and great idea!
MelC says
My husband and I both loved this! He doesn’t like cilantro so I left it out and it was still delish!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Mel, so glad you both enjoyed it!!
Anna says
Flavorful and refreshing. It makes a lot, and it keeps well for leftovers! Perfect side dish for taco night. Thank you!
Erin says
Hi Anna, so glad you loved it!!
Isabella says
I LOVE this salad. Simple ingredients, yet SO packed with flavor. It’s so refreshing to have in the summer. Looking forward to bringing this one to BBQs this summer!! <3
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Isabella, so glad you enjoyed it!
Kim says
This is our go to summer side salad now 100%. I actually buy extra corn on the cob when I go to store now so I can use it for this when I know I have a party to go to or a holiday is coming.
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Kim, so glad you loved it!!
Holly says
I love this dairy free side dish! My go-to salad for summer time cook outs!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Holly, so glad you loved it!!
Megan says
Great summer side dish – goes great with BBQ or seafood. Love how all the flavors come together. Will def be a go to for summer!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Megan, so glad you enjoyed it! 🙂
Jen A says
So easy to make and so delicious! Will definitely become a summer BBQ staple!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Jen, so happy you enjoyed it!!
Shannon Cain says
Love this recipe! Tastes like summer! Will definitely make again, definitely recommend!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Shannon, so glad you loved it!