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This creamy avocado tomato corn salad is a perfect combination of fresh and vibrant flavors dressed in zesty lime. It comes together quickly, making it ideal for a light dinner or a refreshing side dish on busy days. The mix of creamy avocado, sweet corn, and juicy tomatoes provides a satisfying bite in every spoonful.
I first tossed this salad together on a warm summer evening, and it instantly became a favorite. Now it’s my go-to when I want something both healthy and delicious in a flash.
Ingredients
- Romaine lettuce: Two cups shredded to add crispness and volume
- Corn kernels: One cup cooked for natural sweetness and a bit of texture
- Avocados: Two large ripe, diced for creamy richness, pick avocados that yield to gentle pressure but are not mushy
- Grape tomatoes: One cup, halved to bring juiciness and vibrant color
- Red onion: A quarter cup thinly sliced for a mild sharpness that complements the other ingredients
- Fresh lime juice: Three tablespoons for a bright citrus punch
- Olive oil: Two tablespoons to emulsify the dressing and add smoothness, use extra virgin for best flavor
- Cilantro or parsley: Two tablespoons chopped fresh to lift the salad with herbal freshness
- Salt: Half a teaspoon to season and balance the flavors
- Red chili flakes: Quarter teaspoon for a subtle spicy kick
- Ground cumin: Quarter teaspoon which adds a warm earthy undertone
- Garlic: One clove minced optional to deepen the dressing’s flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Savor the Salad Base:
- In a large bowl, gently toss the shredded romaine lettuce, cooked corn kernels, diced avocado, halved grape tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion. Make sure everything is evenly combined but handle the avocado carefully to keep it from mashing. This layering of fresh ingredients sets the stage for a crunchy, creamy, and colorful salad.
- Mix the Lime Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together fresh lime juice, olive oil, chopped cilantro or parsley, salt, red chili flakes, ground cumin, and minced garlic if using. Whisk until the mixture is emulsified and smooth. This dressing provides the punch that ties all the flavors together.
- Combine and Toss Gently:
- Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss gently to coat every piece of lettuce, tomato, and avocado without turning the avocado into mush. You want each bite to have a nice balance of dressing, creaminess, and crispness.
- Taste and Adjust:
- Give the salad a quick taste. If it needs a little more salt or lime, add gradually until it suits your palate perfectly. Serve immediately to enjoy the salad at its freshest.
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Storage Tips
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To help slow the avocado from browning, press some extra lime juice directly onto the avocado pieces before sealing. Consume within one day for best texture and flavor as the salad will become watery and the avocado will darken with time.
Ingredient Substitutions
If cilantro is not your thing, fresh parsley is a nice alternative that still adds herbal brightness. Canned corn can be used in a pinch but fresh boiled corn kernels provide a much sweeter and fresher flavor. Cherry tomatoes can be swapped for grape tomatoes if that is what you have on hand. Use lemon juice instead of lime juice for a slightly different citrus note that still works well with the spices.
Serving Suggestions
This salad is perfect on its own or as a side to grilled chicken, fish, or tofu. Try serving it with Mexican dishes like tacos or burritos for a fresh, creamy contrast. It also pairs nicely with crusty bread to turn it into a light lunch.
Cultural Context
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Salads combining avocado and corn highlight the bounty of American Southwest ingredients with Latin flair. The use of fresh lime and cilantro links this salad to vibrant Mexican flavors, making it both approachable and authentic for those who love bright, fresh tastes in their meals.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What kind of avocado works best?
Choose ripe, slightly soft avocados for creamy texture and rich flavor. Avoid overly mushy or firm fruit for the best results.
- → Can I use fresh corn instead of cooked kernels?
Yes, boiling fresh corn in milk before cutting off kernels intensifies sweetness and tenderness, enhancing the salad’s flavor.
- → How do I prevent avocado from browning?
Sprinkle avocado pieces with extra lime juice before storing to slow browning and help maintain a fresh appearance.
- → Is the lime dressing easy to prepare?
Absolutely, whisking fresh lime juice, olive oil, chopped herbs, and spices until emulsified creates a smooth, tangy dressing that coats all ingredients evenly.
- → How should leftovers be stored?
Keep leftovers refrigerated and consume within one day to preserve freshness, as avocado browns quickly after mixing.