Lively Barefoot Contessa’s Fiesta Corn And Avocado Salad Recipe

Summer’s vibrant colors burst alive with this tangy fiesta corn and avocado salad that captures fresh, zesty flavors in every delightful bite.

Ina garten’s simple recipe brings a delectable southwestern twist to your table.

Crisp corn kernels dance alongside creamy avocado chunks, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

Each spoonful promises a refreshing explosion of culinary excitement that will instantly brighten your meal.

The combination of sweet corn and rich avocado delivers a perfect balance of freshness and depth.

Bright herbs and a citrusy dressing elevate this salad from ordinary to extraordinary.

You’ll love how quickly this colorful dish comes together, making it an ideal choice for spontaneous gatherings or quick weeknight dinners.

Grab your ingredients and get ready to savor a truly memorable salad experience.

Ways to Serve Fiesta Corn and Avocado Salad

• Savor Summer Freshness: This vibrant corn and avocado salad bursts with colorful ingredients perfect for sunny days and backyard gatherings.
• Enhance Your Plate: Sprinkle fresh cilantro leaves or crumbled cotija cheese on top to add extra layers of flavor and texture that complement the zesty dressing.
• Create Stunning Pairings: Serve alongside grilled chicken, fish tacos, or as a refreshing side dish at barbecues and potluck events where guests crave something light and exciting.
• Transform into a Complete Meal: Add diced grilled shrimp or black beans to turn this salad into a protein-packed lunch that satisfies hunger and delights taste buds with its southwestern-inspired profile.

Make-Ahead Tips for Corn and Avocado Salad

• Maximize Freshness: Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep avocados separate until serving to prevent browning and maintain crisp texture.
• Quick Meal Prep: Chop vegetables and mix dressing ahead of time. Store components separately in sealed containers to streamline last-minute assembly and preserve individual ingredient quality.
• Smart Serving Strategy: Enjoy the salad within hours of preparation for optimal flavor and crunch. Drain any excess liquid before serving to keep the salad vibrant and appetizing.
• Freezing Tips: Avoid freezing this salad, as fresh vegetables and avocados will lose their texture and become mushy when thawed. Enjoy immediately for the best culinary experience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 7 minutes

Total Time: 22 minutes

Calories: 210 kcal

Servings: 6

Ingredients for Fiesta Corn and Avocado Salad

• Corn: Sweet, crisp cornerstone of the salad that brings summer vibrancy and natural sugary crunch; choose bright yellow kernels with plump, unblemished appearance.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Juicy flavor bombs that add bright color and tangy sweetness; select firm, glossy tomatoes with deep, rich coloration.
• Bell Pepper: Crunchy vegetable providing textural contrast and vibrant color; pick peppers with smooth, shiny skin and no soft spots.
• Red Onion: Sharp ingredient delivering punchy flavor and aromatic depth; choose firm onions with tight, papery skin.
• Jalapeños: Spicy element adding zingy heat and complexity; select peppers with smooth, glossy surface and vibrant green color.
• Avocado: Creamy, luxurious component that creates silky texture; pick avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure.

• Lime Juice, Lime Zest: Bright, citrusy elements that create tangy backbone and fresh aroma; use fresh, plump limes with smooth skin.
• Olive Oil: Smooth binding agent that carries flavors and adds richness; select high-quality extra virgin variety.
• Garlic: Pungent ingredient providing deep, earthy undertones; choose firm cloves without sprouts.

• Chipotle Chili Powder: Smoky, complex spice that adds warm heat; select high-quality, freshly ground powder.
• Salt: Essential flavor enhancer that balances and elevates all ingredients.
• Black Pepper: Aromatic spice that adds subtle warmth and depth; use freshly ground for maximum flavor.

Gear Needed for Fiesta Corn and Avocado Salad

• Large Pot: Essential for boiling corn and achieving perfect tenderness.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Crucial for combining vegetables and creating the salad base.
• Small Bowl: Perfect for whisking dressing ingredients together.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp Knife: Necessary for cutting corn kernels, dicing vegetables, and avocado.
• Whisk: Ideal for blending dressing ingredients smoothly.
• Colander: Useful for draining corn after boiling.
• Measuring Spoons: Important for accurate seasoning measurements.

Instructions for Tossing Fiesta Corn Avocado Salad

Vibrant Corn And Avocado Celebration

• Fresh Corn Base

Grab sweet corn and transform it into a sunny foundation. Boil kernels until they’re tender and bright, letting them cool naturally to capture maximum flavor.

• Colorful Vegetable Medley

Chop crisp bell peppers, zesty red onions, and juicy cherry tomatoes. Create a rainbow of textures that dance together in your mixing bowl.

• Zesty Flavor Boost

Whisk together a tangy dressing featuring lime juice, fruity olive oil, and a hint of smoky chipotle. This liquid magic will elevate every single bite of the salad.

• Creamy Avocado Finish

Gently fold creamy avocado chunks into the mix, letting them nestle between the other ingredients. Splash a touch of lemon juice to keep the avocados looking pristine and preventing browning.

• Final Touch

Give the salad a quick taste, adding a pinch of seasoning if needed. This dish shines whether served slightly chilled or at comfortable room temperature – perfect for summer gatherings or quick weeknight dinners.

Add-Ins and Flavor Tips for Fiesta Corn and Avocado Salad

• Adjust the jalapeño quantity to match your spice tolerance, from mild to fiery hot by increasing or reducing the amount of peppers.
• Prepare the salad without avocado up to 4 hours in advance, then fold in fresh avocado chunks just before serving to maintain perfect texture and color.
• Replace bell peppers with grilled zucchini or swap red onion for green onions to create unique flavor profiles while keeping the salad's vibrant Mexican-inspired essence.
• Enhance the salad's nutritional value by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or black beans for a complete and satisfying meal that transforms from side dish to main course.
• Sprinkle fresh cilantro or chop some fresh basil just before serving to add an extra layer of brightness and aromatic complexity to the salad's overall flavor profile.

Vibrant Fiesta Corn And Avocado Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Barefoot Contessa’s fiesta corn and avocado salad brings zesty Mexican-inspired flavors to summer gatherings. Fresh ingredients and bold seasonings create a colorful, refreshing side dish you’ll crave at picnics and potlucks.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 ears corn, shucked (or 320g / 2 cups frozen or canned sweetcorn, drained)
• 250g / 9 oz cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 Hass avocados, ripe, diced
• 1 orange bell pepper, cored, deseeded & diced (½-inch / 1.2 cm pieces)
• ½ red onion, finely diced
• 2 jalapeño peppers, deseeded & finely chopped
• 1 tsp minced garlic (or 1 garlic clove, finely minced)
• 1 ½ tsps lime zest (from about 2 limes)
• 1 tsp kosher salt (plus more to taste)
• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 60 ml / ¼ cup freshly squeezed lime juice (about 3 limes)
• 2 tbsps extra virgin olive oil
• ¼ tsp chipotle chili powder (or smoked paprika for a milder taste)
• Juice of 1 lemon (to prevent avocado browning)

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Instructions

1. Corn Preparation: Boil salted water and cook corn until tender-crisp. Drain and cool, then expertly slice kernels from cob. For frozen corn, briefly boil; for canned, rinse thoroughly.
2. Vegetable Assembly: Combine corn kernels, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, red onion, and jalapeños in a large mixing bowl, creating a colorful and vibrant base.
3. Dressing Creation: Whisk lime zest, lime juice, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, chipotle chili powder, kosher salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Generously coat vegetable mixture, ensuring even distribution of flavors.
4. Avocado Integration: Gently fold diced avocado with a splash of lemon juice to maintain its pristine appearance and prevent browning. Carefully incorporate into the vegetable medley.
5. Final Touches: Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately, either chilled or at room temperature to showcase the fresh, zesty flavors of this vibrant salad.

Notes

• Corn Cooking Tip: Choose fresh corn for the best flavor and texture, ensuring kernels are sweet and crisp when boiled briefly to preserve their natural sweetness.
• Avocado Preservation Hack: Add a splash of lemon juice to diced avocados to prevent browning and maintain their vibrant green color and fresh appearance.
• Dressing Enhancement: Whisk the lime-based dressing thoroughly to blend chipotle chili powder and garlic, creating a zesty and balanced flavor profile that complements the vegetables.
• Serving Suggestion: Prepare the salad just before serving to keep the vegetables crisp and avocados looking fresh, allowing the flavors to meld without becoming soggy.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 7 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 230mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fiber: 7g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 0mg