Tangy Avocado Corn Salad Recipe: Ina Garten’s Zingy Summer Mix

Summer’s bounty bursts with flavor in this vibrant avocado corn salad by Ina Garten that promises to refresh your palate.

The combination of sweet corn kernels and creamy avocado creates a delightful harmony of textures and tastes.

Fresh herbs and a zesty dressing bring this salad to life with bright, bold notes.

Each crisp bite promises a burst of seasonal goodness that screams warm-weather dining.

The simple yet elegant approach highlights the natural beauty of fresh ingredients.

Sharp chefs know this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

You’ll want to savor every colorful spoonful of this delectable summer sensation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 3 minutes

Total Time: 23 minutes

Calories: 180 kcal

Servings: 8

Ina Garten’s Avocado Corn Salad Shopping List

• Corn: Sweet summer kernels that bring a delightful crunch and sunny flavor to the salad.
• Tomatoes: Juicy red gems that add vibrant color and tangy brightness.
• Red Peppers: Crisp, sweet peppers that provide a mild pepper kick and gorgeous red color.
• Jalapeno Peppers: Spicy little firecracker that adds a zesty heat to wake up the dish.
• Red Onions: Sharp and pungent onions that deliver a punchy flavor contrast.

• Avocados: Buttery, rich fruit that creates a smooth, luxurious texture and provides healthy fats.

• Lime Juice: Bright citrus liquid that brings a tangy freshness and helps prevent avocado browning.
• Lime Zest: Intense citrus essence that adds a concentrated burst of flavor.
• Garlic: Aromatic allium that infuses deep, savory undertones.
• Kosher Salt: Clean, pure seasoning that enhances all other flavors.
• Black Pepper: Warm, earthy spice that adds subtle heat and complexity.
• Cayenne Pepper: Fiery spice that delivers a bold, warming sensation.

Kitchen Gear to Cut, Dice, and Toss This Mix

• Large Pot: Essential for boiling corn with salted water.
• Cutting Board: Needed for slicing vegetables and removing corn kernels.
• Sharp Knife: Perfect for cutting corn off the cob and chopping peppers and onions.
• Colander: Helps drain corn after boiling.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Combines all salad ingredients and allows easy tossing.
• Small Bowl: Used for mixing dressing ingredients.
• Ice Bath Container: Stops corn cooking and preserves bright color.
• Measuring Spoons: Ensures accurate salt and spice measurements.
• Citrus Zester: Helps remove lime zest with precision.

How to Combine Freshness with Creaminess Step by Step

Sunny Summer Corn Celebration

• Corn Bath

Grab a large pot and fill it with salted water. Gently lower fresh corn ears into the bubbling liquid and let them dance for about 3 minutes until they’re just shy of perfect.

• Cool Down

Quickly transfer the corn to an ice water bath. This shocking technique locks in the vibrant color and stops the cooking process, keeping the kernels crisp and bright.

• Kernel Removal

Using a sharp knife, carefully slice the kernels away from the cob. Let them tumble into a spacious mixing bowl, ready for their flavor adventure.

• Creamy Avocado Magic

Slice ripe avocados and splash them with zesty lemon juice. Fold these creamy chunks into the corn, inviting a parade of colorful friends like diced jalapeños, sweet red peppers, fresh tomatoes, and punchy onions.

• Flavor Explosion

Whisk together lime juice, a sprinkle of salt, black pepper, minced garlic, and a whisper of cayenne. Pour this zingy dressing over the salad and gently toss until every ingredient is gleaming and delicious. Chill in the refrigerator until hunger strikes.

Try Lime Zest or Chili for Extra Kick

• Adjust the jalapeño peppers based on your spice tolerance by removing seeds for milder flavor or adding more for extra kick.
• Char corn kernels on a barbecue grill for smoky depth instead of boiling, enhancing the salad's overall flavor profile.
• Boost nutritional value by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or black beans to transform this side dish into a complete meal.
• Replace standard ingredients with alternatives like cilantro, mint, or chives to create unique taste combinations while maintaining the salad's fresh essence.
• Prepare the salad up to 4 hours in advance, storing in an airtight container to allow flavors to meld and intensify before serving.

Serve as a BBQ Side or Light Lunch

• Serve Chilled at Summer Gatherings: Perfect for outdoor barbecues, picnics, and potlucks where fresh, vibrant salads are crowd-pleasers.
• Pair with Grilled Proteins: Complement the salad with grilled chicken, fish, or shrimp to create a complete and satisfying meal with balanced flavors and textures.
• Create a Salsa-Style Appetizer: Scoop the salad onto crispy tortilla chips or use as a topping for tacos, adding a zesty and colorful element to your dish.
• Customize with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped cilantro or basil on top to enhance the salad's brightness and add an extra layer of freshness right before serving.

Best Ways to Store Without Browning

• Maximize Freshness: Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, ensuring optimal taste and texture.
• Prevent Browning: Squeeze extra lemon juice over the avocado to slow down oxidation and maintain its vibrant green color.
• Quick Meal Prep: Chop vegetables and cook corn in advance, assembling the salad just before serving to keep ingredients crisp and bright.
• Serve Chilled: Let the salad rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to blend and intensify, creating a more delicious experience.

Vibrant Avocado Corn Salad Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 23 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Ina Garten’s avocado corn salad blends summer garden flavors with creamy richness. Fresh ingredients combine for a delightful side dish that brings refreshing zest to summer meals.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 ears corn, shucked
• 4 Hass avocados (ripe, seeded, peeled, and ½-inch diced)
• 2 pints grape tomatoes (sliced in half lengthwise)
• 2 red bell peppers (seeded and ½-inch diced)
• 1 cup red onion (chopped)
• ¼ cup jalapeno peppers (seeded and minced)
• ½ cup lime juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 lemon (juiced)
• ¼ cup olive oil (good quality)
• 1 tsp black pepper (freshly ground)
• 1 tsp garlic (minced)
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (ground)
• kosher salt (to taste)
• 1 lime (zested)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Corn Preparation: Boil salted water and cook corn for 3 minutes until tender, then immediately transfer to ice bath to halt cooking and preserve color and texture.
2. Kernel Extraction: Once cooled, slice kernels from cob directly into a large mixing bowl using a sharp knife.
3. Avocado Integration: Mash avocados with lemon juice until creamy, then gently fold into corn kernels.
4. Vegetable Medley: Finely dice jalapeno peppers, red bell peppers, red onions, and ripe tomatoes, incorporating them into the corn and avocado mixture.
5. Dressing Creation: Whisk together lime juice, kosher salt, black pepper, minced garlic, and cayenne pepper to create a vibrant and zesty dressing.
6. Final Toss and Chill: Pour dressing over the vegetable mixture, thoroughly tossing to ensure even coating, then refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to meld and intensify before serving chilled.

Notes

• Chill Corn Quickly: Use an ice bath immediately after boiling to lock in bright color and prevent overcooking, ensuring a crisp, fresh texture.
• Master Avocado Prep: Mash avocados with lemon juice right before mixing to prevent browning and create a smooth, creamy base for the salad.
• Balance Spice Levels: Adjust jalapeno and cayenne quantities to match your heat tolerance, removing seeds for milder flavor or adding more for extra kick.
• Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Let the salad rest in the refrigerator for at least 15-20 minutes to allow ingredients to blend and develop a more complex taste profile.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 0mg