Fiesta Corn and Avocado Salad is a vibrant dish that will make any gathering a hit! This refreshing salad combines sweet corn, creamy avocado, and zesty herbs, making it perfect for summer cookouts, potlucks, or a light lunch. With its colorful ingredients and satisfying textures, this salad is not only easy to prepare but also a feast for the senses.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: In just 30 minutes, you can whip up this delicious salad that serves six people.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with fresh veggies and healthy fats from avocados, this salad is as nutritious as it is tasty.
- Versatile Dish: Whether as a side dish or a main course, this Fiesta Corn and Avocado Salad fits into any meal plan.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of sweet corn, spicy jalapeño, and creamy dressing creates an unforgettable taste experience.
- Ideal for Gatherings: Perfect for potlucks and barbecues, it’s sure to impress your friends and family.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe for Fiesta Corn and Avocado Salad, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Cast-iron skillet (or grill pan)
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Cast-iron skillet: Great for charring corn evenly while adding a delicious smoky flavor.
- Mixing bowl: Provides ample space to combine all ingredients without spills.
- Whisk: Ensures that the dressing is well-blended for optimal flavor distribution.
Ingredients
Fiesta Avocado Corn Salad with fresh herbs, jalapeño, toasted pumpkin seeds, and creamy dressing. A slam-dunk summer side dish!
For the Salad
- 5 ears of corn, husked
- 2 medium (or 3 small) ripe avocados, peeled and cut into small cubes
- 1 jalapeño, seeds and ribs removed, finely chopped
- 1 small shallot, thinly sliced into rings (about 3 to 4 Tbsp.)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
- 3 Tbsp. fresh mint leaves, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup roasted, salted pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
- 3 to 4 Tbsp. crumbled Cotija cheese (sub feta or goat cheese)
For the Dressing
- 4 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 3 Tbsp. rice vinegar
- 2 Tbsp. mayonnaise
- 1 grated garlic clove
- 3/4 tsp. ground sumac (sub paprika)
- 3/4 tsp. kosher salt, divided
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper, divided
How to Make Fiesta Corn and Avocado Salad
Step 1: Char the Corn
- Add 1 Tbsp. of the oil to a large cast-iron skillet (or grill pan) over medium-high heat.
- Once hot, add 3 ears of corn; roll in oil.
- Let sit undisturbed for 4 minutes until bottoms are lightly charred.
- Toss and continue cooking in 3-minute intervals until the corn is charred to your liking (about 12 mins total).
- Set aside to cool. Note: The remaining two ears of corn remain raw for added texture.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
- In a bowl, combine remaining 3 Tbsp. olive oil, rice vinegar, mayonnaise, garlic, sumac (or paprika), 1/4 tsp. salt, and 1/4 tsp. black pepper.
- Whisk until well combined.
- Stir in shallots and set aside.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
- Once the charred corn has cooled enough to handle, carefully cut the kernels from the cob.
- Transfer kernels to a large mixing bowl.
- Cut kernels from the remaining two ears of raw corn; add them to the bowl along with diced avocado, jalapeño, basil, mint, pumpkin seeds, Cotija cheese, remaining salt (1/2 tsp.), and black pepper (1/4 tsp.).
- Pour dressing over salad; toss gently to combine.
- Garnish with extra herbs, seeds, and cheese if desired.
This Fiesta Corn and Avocado Salad will be the highlight of your next meal! Enjoy every bite!
How to Serve Fiesta Corn and Avocado Salad
Fiesta Corn and Avocado Salad is a vibrant dish that shines at any gathering. It pairs beautifully with various dishes, making it a versatile addition to your table. Here are some great serving suggestions to enhance your meal.
As a Standalone Dish
- This salad can be enjoyed on its own as a light and refreshing meal. It offers a burst of flavors and textures that can satisfy any craving.
With Grilled Meats
- Pair the salad with grilled chicken or steak for a hearty meal. The fresh ingredients in the salad balance the richness of grilled meats perfectly.
In Tacos or Wraps
- Use the salad as a filling for tacos or wraps. Its creamy avocado and crunchy corn create an exciting twist for your favorite tortilla.
Alongside Barbecue Dishes
- Serve this salad alongside barbecue favorites like ribs or burgers. Its refreshing taste complements smoky flavors wonderfully.
As Part of a Potluck Spread
- Bring this salad to potlucks or gatherings. It’s easy to transport and will impress guests with its colorful presentation.
With Tortilla Chips
- Enjoy the salad with tortilla chips for a fun appetizer. Scoop it up with chips for an extra crunch that everyone will love!
How to Perfect Fiesta Corn and Avocado Salad
To ensure your Fiesta Corn and Avocado Salad is top-notch, consider these tips. They will help you achieve the best flavor and texture every time you make it.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh corn and ripe avocados elevate the salad’s flavor significantly.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste as you go! Feel free to adjust salt, pepper, or jalapeño based on your preference for spice.
- Let it chill: Allowing the salad to sit in the fridge for 30 minutes enhances the flavors as they meld together.
- Add variety: Experiment with different herbs like cilantro or parsley for new flavor profiles.
- Serve immediately: For the best texture, serve right after mixing so avocados stay firm.
- Customize toppings: Feel free to add other toppings like black beans or diced tomatoes for added nutrition and taste.
Best Side Dishes for Fiesta Corn and Avocado Salad
This salad pairs well with many sides, making it an ideal choice for summer cookouts. Here are some fantastic side dishes that complement Fiesta Corn and Avocado Salad beautifully.
- Grilled Chicken Skewers: Juicy pieces of marinated chicken grilled to perfection provide protein alongside your vibrant salad.
- Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins add a comforting touch that balances the freshness of the salad.
- Quinoa Pilaf: A light quinoa pilaf adds nutty flavors and makes an excellent base for this colorful dish.
- Black Bean Soup: A warm bowl of black bean soup creates a hearty contrast against the coolness of your corn salad.
- Stuffed Peppers: Colorful bell peppers stuffed with rice, beans, or meat complement the flavors of your salad nicely.
- Grilled Veggies: A medley of grilled zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus brings out summer vibes alongside your dish.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs offer satisfaction while maintaining a lighter fare when paired with the salad.
- Cilantro Lime Rice: Fluffy rice flavored with cilantro and lime adds another layer of freshness that works well with corn and avocado.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Fiesta Corn and Avocado Salad can be a delightful experience, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.
Ignoring Fresh Ingredients: Using canned or frozen corn may compromise the flavor. Fresh corn enhances the salad’s taste and texture, so opt for fresh ears whenever possible.
Overcooking the Corn: Cooking the corn too long can make it tough. Aim for a light char while keeping some kernels raw for added crunch in your salad.
Skipping Seasoning: Failing to season properly can lead to bland flavors. Don’t forget to use salt and pepper in both the dressing and the salad to elevate the overall taste.
Not Balancing Textures: Relying solely on creamy ingredients can create a monotonous texture. Incorporate raw corn, crunchy pumpkin seeds, and fresh herbs for a more appealing mouthfeel.
Using Unripe Avocados: Choosing avocados that are not ripe affects the creaminess of the salad. Make sure your avocados are perfectly ripe to get that buttery richness in every bite.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- The salad lasts up to 3 days in the fridge.
- Keep the dressing separate if you want optimal freshness.
Freezing Fiesta Corn and Avocado Salad
- Freezing Not Recommended: Freezing is not ideal as it can affect the texture of avocados and fresh ingredients.
- If necessary, freeze only the corn separately for later use.
Reheating Fiesta Corn and Avocado Salad
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread salad on a baking sheet; heat for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Place salad in a microwave-safe dish. Heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
- Stovetop: In a pan over medium heat, warm gently, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Fiesta Corn and Avocado Salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad can be made ahead but is best enjoyed fresh. Prepare it a few hours prior without adding avocado or dressing until serving time.
How do I customize my Fiesta Corn and Avocado Salad?
Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or swap Cotija cheese with feta for different flavors. You can also adjust herbs based on what you have available.
What can I serve with Fiesta Corn and Avocado Salad?
This salad makes a great side dish for grilled meats or tacos. It pairs well with any summer cookout menu!
Is Fiesta Corn and Avocado Salad healthy?
Absolutely! This salad is packed with nutrients from fresh veggies and healthy fats from avocados, making it a nutritious addition to your meals.
Final Thoughts
Fiesta Corn and Avocado Salad is not only vibrant but also incredibly versatile. Perfect for summer gatherings or as a refreshing side dish, you can customize it with your favorite ingredients. Don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a hit among family and friends!
Fiesta Corn and Avocado Salad
Fiesta Corn and Avocado Salad is a colorful, refreshing dish that’s perfect for any occasion. This vibrant salad features sweet corn, creamy avocado, and zesty herbs, making it a delightful addition to summer cookouts, potlucks, or light lunches. With its combination of flavors and textures, it’s not only satisfying but also simple to prepare in just 30 minutes. The explosion of taste from the sweet corn and spicy jalapeño, combined with a creamy dressing, will leave your guests raving about this dish. Whether served as a side or enjoyed on its own, Fiesta Corn and Avocado Salad is sure to impress!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Ingredients
- 5 ears of corn
- 2 ripe avocados
- 1 jalapeño
- 1 small shallot
- Fresh basil and mint
- Roasted pumpkin seeds
- Cotija cheese
Instructions
- Char the corn by heating oil in a skillet and cooking the corn until lightly charred. Allow it to cool.
- Prepare the dressing by whisking together olive oil, rice vinegar, mayonnaise, garlic, sumac (or paprika), salt, and pepper.
- Assemble the salad by combining charred corn kernels, raw corn kernels, diced avocado, jalapeño, herbs, pumpkin seeds, and cheese in a mixing bowl. Toss with dressing to combine.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: Use fresh ingredients for optimal flavor. Adjust seasoning based on your spice preference. Chill the salad before serving for enhanced flavor.