As the sun shines bright and the days grow longer, there’s no better way to embrace the warm weather than with a refreshing summer salad. Picture this: sweet, juicy strawberries mingling with crisp corn, all cradled in the creamy embrace of avocados. This vibrant Summer Salad with Corn, Strawberries & Avocado is not just visually stunning; it’s a delightful blend of flavors and textures that celebrates the best of fresh produce.
I whipped this salad up the other afternoon on a whim; the scent of summer seemed to beckon me from the kitchen. In just 15 minutes, with no cooking required, I found myself indulging in a dish that was light, healthy, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re heading to a picnic, hosting a barbecue, or simply looking for a quick weeknight meal, this salad is a versatile crowd-pleaser that truly captures the essence of summer. Let’s dive into how you can create this delicious masterpiece!
Why You’ll Love This Summer Salad
Simplicity at Its Best: This summer salad with corn, strawberries & avocado recipe has no cooking involved, making it quick and effortless to whip up.
Flavor Explosion: The combination of sweet strawberries, creamy avocado, and crunchy corn delivers a refreshing taste that is simply irresistible.
Healthy Choice: Packed with vitamins and healthy fats, this vibrant dish is a nutritious option for warm days.
Versatile Dish: Serve it as a standalone meal, side dish, or over greens for extra volume—perfect for any occasion.
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether at a family gathering or a summer picnic, this salad is sure to impress your friends and family with its vibrant colors and delicious flavors.
For more quick and delicious dishes, don’t forget to check out our easy salad recipes.
Summer Salad with Corn, Strawberries & Avocado Ingredients
• For the Salad
- Fresh Corn – Adds a crisp, sweet crunch; substitute with canned or frozen corn, ensuring to drain and dry.
- Strawberries – Provide fruity sweetness and bright color; feel free to substitute with blueberries or mango for a twist.
- Ripe Avocado – Offers a creamy texture and richness; select avocados that yield slightly when pressed for the best results.
- Red Onion – Contributes a sharp bite to balance the sweetness; soak slices in cold water for a milder flavor if desired.
- Mixed Greens or Arugula (optional) – Adds volume and nutrition; recommended for serving and enhancing the dish’s presentation.
• For the Dressing
- Fresh Lime Juice – Brightens up all the flavors beautifully; can be replaced with lemon juice if preferred.
- Olive Oil – Provides a smooth mouthfeel for the dressing; using high-quality extra virgin olive oil enhances the taste significantly.
- Salt and Pepper – Enhances all the flavors; adjust according to your taste.
- Fresh Cilantro (optional) – Introduces aromatic freshness; feel free to omit if it’s not your favorite.
This summer salad with corn, strawberries & avocado is a delightful, healthful dish that makes the most of seasonal produce while keeping things refreshingly simple!
How to Make Summer Salad with Corn, Strawberries & Avocado
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Prepare Corn: Start by grilling fresh corn until it’s slightly charred, or if using canned or frozen corn, warm it in a skillet. Let it cool and then carefully remove the kernels.
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Slice Strawberries: Hull and slice the strawberries lengthwise, then place them into a large mixing bowl, showcasing their vibrant color.
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Add Onion: Thinly slice the red onion and add it to the bowl. For a milder taste, consider soaking the slices in cold water for a bit before adding.
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Prepare Avocado: Halve and pit your avocado, then score the flesh into cubes while still in the skin. Gently scoop the cubes into the mixing bowl, trying to keep them intact.
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Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lime juice, salt, and pepper. This will add the perfect brightness to your salad.
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Combine Ingredients: Drizzle the dressing over your salad and gently toss everything together. Be careful not to mash the avocado; we want to keep those lovely chunks!
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Serve: Enjoy your refreshing summer salad immediately, or chill it briefly if you prefer. It’s best served fresh for the ultimate experience.
Optional: Garnish with fresh cilantro for an extra burst of flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Summer Salad with Corn, Strawberries & Avocado are perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep! You can easily prepare the corn, strawberries, and red onion up to 24 hours in advance; just store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For best results, keep the avocado and dressing separate until you’re ready to serve, as this prevents browning and maintains freshness. When you’re ready to enjoy your salad, simply combine all the prepped ingredients, gently toss with the dressing, and savor a delicious dish that’s just as vibrant and scrumptious as if it were made fresh. This way, you can enjoy all the flavors of summer without the fuss!
What to Serve with Summer Salad with Corn, Strawberries & Avocado?
Elevate your summer dining experience with delightful complements that enhance this vibrant salad.
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Grilled Chicken: Juicy, grilled chicken adds satisfying protein that balances the lightness of the salad, making it a heartier meal.
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Quinoa: This fluffy grain is high in protein and offers a nutty taste that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the strawberries and the creaminess of avocados.
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Pita Chips: Crisp and flavorful, pita chips provide a satisfying crunch alongside the creamy salad, perfect for scooping up every bite.
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Citrus Sparkling Water: A refreshing drink that echoes the bright flavors of lime in the salad, keeping your palate refreshed and engaged.
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Berry Sorbet: For dessert, a light berry sorbet complements the fruitiness of the salad while adding a refreshing finish to your meal.
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Caprese Skewers: These colorful bites of mozzarella, basil, and tomatoes add another layer of flavor, beautifully contrasting with the salad’s profile.
Imagine hosting a summer gathering where these delightful accompaniments create an unforgettable dining experience, showcasing the vibrant beauty of seasonal produce.
How to Store and Freeze Summer Salad
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Room Temperature: It’s best to serve this summer salad with corn, strawberries & avocado immediately. If left out, consume within 2 hours to ensure freshness and safety.
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Fridge: Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. However, for optimal texture, it’s best to add the avocado just before serving.
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Reheating: This salad is not designed to be reheated. Instead, enjoy it cold as a refreshing option that highlights the summer flavors.
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Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the ingredients, excluding the avocado and dressing, a day in advance. Keep them stored separately to maintain freshness until ready to combine!
Summer Salad Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to get creative with this recipe and make it your own with some delightful twists!
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Berry Blast: Swap strawberries for blueberries or blackberries for an exciting burst of color and flavor.
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Sweet Alternatives: Replace fresh corn with sweet canned corn or grilled peaches for a smokier flavor.
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Creamy Boost: Add feta or goat cheese, crumbled into the salad, for a tangy creaminess that pairs beautifully with the sweet fruit.
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Protein Power: Toss in grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a protein kick that makes this dish even more satisfying.
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Herb Heaven: Introduce fresh basil, mint, or parsley to amplify the aromatic freshness and elevate the taste.
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Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle some toasted nuts or seeds, like almonds or sunflower seeds, for an added crunch that enhances texture.
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Zesty Twist: Incorporate a splash of orange juice or zest to the dressing for a citrusy twist that brightens everything up.
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Milder Onion Flavor: Use green onions or chives instead of red onion for a milder, fresher taste if you prefer less bite in your salad.
Embrace these variations and make this summer salad uniquely yours!
Expert Tips for Summer Salad
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Choose Ripe Avocados: Use avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure for that perfect creamy texture; avoid overly soft ones that might be brown inside.
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Keep Ingredients Separate: If making ahead, store ingredients separately until ready to combine. This ensures freshness and prevents the avocado from browning.
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Consider Texture Variations: To enhance your salad, try adding crunchy nuts or seeds for added texture and a pleasant surprise in every bite, complementing the summer salad well.
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Adjust for Personal Taste: Feel free to tweak the levels of lime juice, salt, and pepper according to your preference for a more personalized flavor profile.
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Serve Fresh: This summer salad with corn, strawberries & avocado is best enjoyed immediately after preparation for maximum freshness and taste, so plan accordingly!
Summer Salad with Corn, Strawberries & Avocado Recipe FAQs
What type of corn should I use in my summer salad?
Absolutely, fresh corn is ideal for that sweet crunch, but if it’s not in season, feel free to substitute with canned or frozen corn. Just remember to drain and dry it well before adding it to the salad to avoid excess moisture.
How should I store leftovers from the salad?
For best results, store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s best consumed within 24 hours to enjoy optimal freshness. If you’ve combined all the ingredients, especially the avocado, note that it may brown; I recommend adding it just before serving for the best texture!
Can I freeze this salad?
Freezing is not recommended for this summer salad with corn, strawberries & avocado, as the fresh ingredients don’t hold up well in the freezer. The texture of the fruits and avocado will change after freezing and thawing. Instead, enjoy the salad fresh or prep the components separately and store them in the fridge for up to a day.
What should I do if my avocados are too ripe?
If your avocado is overly soft with dark spots all over, it might be overripe and unsuitable for the salad’s fresh profile. I recommend choosing avocados that yield slightly when pressed, as this indicates optimal ripeness without excessive softness. If you find your avocado is overripe, consider using it in guacamole instead!
Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
This summer salad is vegetarian and packed with nutrients; however, ensure you know your guests’ dietary restrictions. For allergy concerns, be cautious with cilantro if you’re using it, as some people might have sensitivities. Also, remember that anyone avoiding gluten will be safe with this recipe—it’s naturally gluten-free!
What variations can I try to make this salad different?
The more the merrier! You can switch out strawberries for other fruits, like blueberries or mango; each adds a unique twist. Consider incorporating proteins like grilled chicken or chickpeas for a heartier meal. You can also add different herbs like basil or mint for an aromatic flavor that’ll elevate the dish even more!
Summer Salad with Corn, Strawberries & Avocado Made Easy
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare Corn: Grill fresh corn until slightly charred or use canned/frozen corn warmed in a skillet. Let cool and remove kernels.
- Slice Strawberries: Hull and slice the strawberries lengthwise, then place in a large mixing bowl.
- Add Onion: Thinly slice red onion and add to the bowl. Soak in cold water for a milder taste if desired.
- Prepare Avocado: Halve and pit avocado, score the flesh into cubes, and gently scoop into the bowl.
- Make Dressing: Whisk together olive oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Combine Ingredients: Drizzle dressing over salad and gently toss together, avoiding mashing the avocado.
- Serve: Enjoy immediately, or chill briefly if preferred.