Summer Corn Avocado Salad with Chipotlelime Dressing
Recipe Introduction
Fancy kickin' back with some mates, sunshine, and some decent grub? Honestly, nobody wants to be stuck in the kitchen all day when the footie's on.
So, I've got just the thing: a killer Summer Corn and Avocado Salad that'll be the real MVP of any barbie.
Quick Hook
Are you after some cracking summer side dishes for bbqs ? This vibrant Corn and Avocado Salad with its smoky, tangy dressing will be the highlight of your barbie, guaranteed.
Honestly it's the easy BBQ sides
Brief Overview
This summer salad recipe is a total crowd pleaser. It's got Mexican vibes, is dead easy, and takes about 30 minutes.
It’ll serve about six, so plenty to go around. It is the perfect Vegetarian BBQ sides .
Main Benefits
This salad is bursting with fresh flavours and is packed with nutrients. It's a healthy summer recipe and can even be made ahead.
It is great for a potluck side dishes , it is the perfect side to impress your mates at any BBQ side dish recipes .
Let’s Talk Flavours and Origin
Originating from the kitchens of North America this salad is a refreshing twist of traditional Mexican cuisine often served during festive summer gatherings.
This grilled corn salad combines the sweetness of charred corn with creamy avocado and a zesty chipotle lime dressing . It is a really great combination.
What You Need to Get Started
Right, let’s get down to brass tacks. You’ll need some fresh corn, ripe avocados, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and cilantro.
For the chipotle lime dressing , grab some olive oil, lime juice, chipotle peppers, honey, cumin, salt, and pepper. Don't worry if you don't have everything; you can always adapt.
I once forgot the cilantro and used parsley. It was alright, still tasted brill! It really shows how adaptable this recipe is.
Top Tips for A Perfect Summer Side
For a top-notch salad, grill the corn. It adds a smoky sweetness. Also, toss the avocado with a bit of lime juice to stop it going brown.
You can also make-ahead BBQ sides for easy serving.
Why This Salad Rocks
Honestly, this salad is the bee's knees! It's quick, easy, and tastes amazing. It is great with grilled chicken or on its own.
This is one of those recipes that's dead easy to make your own. Play around with it and see what you come up with.
It is a great addition to any spread of BBQ side dish recipes .
Ingredients & Equipment
Alright, let's chat about what you'll need for this banger of a Summer Corn & Avocado Salad . This ain't rocket science, promise! It's all about fresh ingredients and a little bit of elbow grease.
This will become one of your favourite BBQ side dish recipes .
Main Ingredients
Here's the lowdown. We're making summer side dishes for bbqs , not breaking the bank.
- Corn: 4 ears , shucked (About 2 cups kernels, 400g ). Fresh corn is key! Look for plump kernels and bright green husks. Honestly, the better the corn, the better the salad.
- Avocado: 2 ripe ones, diced (About 2 cups , 300g ). They should yield slightly to pressure. Nobody wants rock hard avos.
- Red Onion: 1/2 , finely diced (About 1/2 cup , 75g ).
- Cherry Tomatoes: 1 pint , halved (About 2 cups , 300g ).
- Cilantro (Coriander): 1/4 cup , chopped. Fresh is best!
- Olive Oil: 1/4 cup ( 4 tablespoons , 60ml )
- Lime Juice: 2 tablespoons ( 30ml ), freshly squeezed. Bottled stuff just doesn't cut it.
- Chipotle Pepper in Adobo: 1 , finely minced (About 15g ). These are the secret weapon, giving the dressing that smoky kick.
- Adobo Sauce: 1 tablespoon ( 15ml ), from the can.
- Honey: 1 teaspoon ( 5ml ).
- Ground Cumin: 1/2 teaspoon ( 2.5ml ).
- Salt and Black Pepper: To taste.
It's essentially a corn and avocado salad with a spicy kick.
Seasoning Notes
The dressing is where the magic happens, you know? We’re going for that signature chipotle lime dressing .
- Essential Spice Combinations: Chipotle and cumin are best mates. They bring the smoky, earthy vibes.
- Flavor Enhancers and Aromatics: Lime juice brightens everything up. The honey adds a touch of sweetness to balance the spice.
- Quick Substitution Options: No chipotle peppers? A pinch of smoked paprika and a dash of cayenne will do in a pinch.
This recipe is one of the easy BBQ sides that you can throw together anytime. Also consider this as one of your next potluck side dishes .
Equipment Needed
Don’t need a load of fancy gear. Keeping it real.
- Grill (Optional): For grilling the corn. Or a large pot for boiling it.
- Large Mixing Bowl: For the salad.
- Small Bowl or Jar: For the dressing. I use a jam jar, does the job!
- Whisk: For the dressing. A fork works too, just takes a bit more effort.
- Cutting Board
- Knife
This grilled corn salad is one of those healthy summer recipes you can feel good about eating. Plus, you can make-ahead BBQ sides if you’re organised.
This recipe is also a vegetarian BBQ sides option, so everyone can enjoy it. I reckon you should give this summer salad recipes a bash at your next BBQ.
Alright, let's get crackin'! Summer BBQs, eh? Think sunshine, good tunes, and food that doesn't take all day to prepare.
No one wants to be stuck inside slaving over a stove when the cricket's on. This Summer Corn and Avocado Salad will be the star of any barbie.
I'll keep it simple, accessible, and downright delicious perfect for impressing your mates. And perfect to bring it for potluck side dishes .
Summer Corn & Avocado Salad: Sunshine in a Bowl
This vibrant salad screams summer! Sweet corn kernels, creamy avocado, zesty red onion, and juicy tomatoes are tossed in a smoky and tangy chipotle lime dressing .
It's fresh, flavorful, and the perfect light and refreshing summer side dishes for bbqs to complement any BBQ feast. Trust me, it will be the most requested of all BBQ side dish recipes !
Prep Steps: Get Your Mise en Place Sorted!
It's all about getting organized. First, shuck 4 ears of corn. Dice 2 ripe avocados, 1/2 a red onion, and halve 1 pint of cherry tomatoes.
Chop 1/4 cup of fresh cilantro. Easy peasy! This is your essential mise en place.
Honestly, prepping everything beforehand saves so much time. You can even do some make-ahead BBQ sides and chop the veggies the day before.
Just keep the avocado separate and toss it with a squeeze of lime juice to prevent browning. That's how you roll.
step-by-step to Salad Bliss
- Cook the Corn: Grill corn over medium heat for 8- 10 minutes , until lightly charred. You know it's done when you see those nice grill marks and the kernels are slightly tender. Alternatively, boil the corn in salted water for 5- 7 minutes .
- Cut the Kernels: Once cool enough to handle, carefully cut the kernels off the cob. This can be a bit messy, but hey, that's cooking!
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the corn kernels, diced avocado, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and cilantro. Looking good already, right?
- Whisk the Dressing: In a separate bowl or jar, whisk together 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons lime juice, 1 minced chipotle pepper, 1 tablespoon adobo sauce, 1 teaspoon honey, 1/2 teaspoon cumin, salt, and pepper. That chipotle lime dressing smells amazing!
- Dress and Serve: Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss. Taste and adjust seasoning to your liking. Serve immediately, or chill for later to make it a healthy summer recipes .
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Salad Game
Want to take this salad from good to amazing ? Grill that corn! Grilled corn salad is where it's at. The smoky flavor really elevates the dish.
A common mistake is using unripe avocados. Make sure they're slightly soft to the touch. Nobody wants rock hard avocado in their salad.
This Corn and avocado salad is a perfect vegetarian BBQ sides .
Recipe Notes for Your Summer Corn & Avocado Salad
Right, let's talk about making this Summer Corn and Avocado Salad the absolute best of your summer side dishes for bbqs .
I've made this a zillion times, so I've got a few tricks up my sleeve. Honestly, once you nail this, you'll be making it for every potluck and BBQ going.
People will be begging you for the BBQ side dish recipes !
Serving it Up Right
Okay, first impressions matter, you know? For plating, I love piling this salad high in a rustic wooden bowl. It just looks summery, doesn't it? A sprinkle of extra cilantro on top and a lime wedge on the side really sets it off.
This salad is fantastic with anything off the grill. Think grilled chicken, salmon, or even veggie skewers. It's also cracking with some tortilla chips as a summer salad recipes dip! And for drinks? A crisp white wine or a refreshing margarita works a treat.
Storing Like a Pro
Now, this is important. Avocado turns brown faster than you can say "Bob's your uncle!" So, if you're making this ahead (and it is a great make-ahead BBQ side ), here's what you do.
For refrigeration, store the salad and the chipotle lime dressing separately. Dress it just before serving. This keeps things fresh and stops the avocado from getting sad.
It will last about 2 days in the fridge this way. Freezing isn't recommended, as the avocado will get mushy.
But, you can freeze the corn kernels on their own for later use. To reheat, just thaw them out and add them to the fresh salad.
Mix it Up, Mate!
Fancy a change? No worries! For a vegetarian BBQ side , you can add black beans for extra protein. If you are after healthy summer recipes this is a good way to make it even healthier.
Feeling fruity? Throw in some chopped mango instead of tomatoes. It's delicious! Got a vegan coming? Easy peasy! Just swap the honey in the dressing for maple syrup.
Sorted!
Nutrition Nitty Gritty
Alright, quick and dirty. This salad is relatively low in calories (about 250 per serving) and packed with good stuff.
It's got healthy fats from the avocado, fibre from the corn, and a decent hit of vitamin C from the tomatoes and lime juice.
This is one of the best easy BBQ sides that's actually good for you. It is naturally gluten-free and also can be a healthy summer recipes
So there you have it! Go forth and create some summer side dishes for bbqs magic. You've got this! This Corn and Avocado Salad is easy, delicious, and always a hit.
Trust me, it's a winner, winner, Summer Salad Recipes dinner!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Summer Corn & Avocado Salad ahead of time, or will the avocado go brown?
You can definitely prep some components in advance! The dressing can be made a day or two ahead. To prevent the avocado from browning, toss it with a little extra lime juice immediately after dicing.
Store the dressed salad in the fridge for no more than a few hours before serving, as the avocado will eventually soften.
What are some good variations for these summer side dishes for bbqs? I'm looking to spice things up!
Crikey, there are loads of ways to tweak this salad! For a bit of extra protein and fibre, try adding 1/2 cup of drained and rinsed black beans. Or, if you're feeling tropical, swap the tomatoes for diced mango. You could also add some grilled halloumi for a salty, squeaky bite. Get creative and have a go!
I don't have chipotle peppers is there a good substitute I can use?
No worries, mate! If you can't find chipotle peppers, a good substitute is a pinch of smoked paprika and a dash of cayenne pepper. This will give you a similar smoky heat. You could also use a couple of drops of smoked paprika liquid smoke, but tread carefully, as it's quite potent.
How long will this Summer Corn & Avocado Salad last in the fridge?
This salad is best served fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the avocado may brown and soften slightly over time. Give it a gentle toss before serving to redistribute the dressing.
Is this salad healthy? What's the nutritional breakdown?
You betcha! This Summer Corn & Avocado Salad is packed with nutrients. It's a good source of healthy fats from the avocado, vitamins and minerals from the vegetables, and fiber from the corn. Each serving is roughly 250 calories, with a good balance of protein, fats, and carbohydrates.
Check the nutritional information provided above for a more detailed breakdown.
Can I grill the corn directly on the BBQ, or do I need to wrap it in foil?
You can grill the corn directly on the BBQ grates for a lovely charred flavour! Simply shuck the corn and grill over medium heat, turning occasionally, until the kernels are tender and slightly charred, about 8-10 minutes.
If you prefer, you can grill the corn in the husks for a more steamed effect, but you will miss the BBQ char.
Summer Corn Avocado Salad With Chipotlelime Dres
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 250 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 18g |
| Fiber | 7g |
