Strawberry Avocado Corn Salad

Strawberry Avocado Corn Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish perfect for summer gatherings. This colorful salad combines the sweetness of strawberries, the creaminess of avocado, and the crunch of grilled corn, all tossed together with a delightful honey mustard balsamic vinaigrette. Whether you’re hosting a picnic, BBQ, or simply enjoying a light meal at home, this salad offers a burst of flavor that will impress your guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bright and Colorful: The combination of ingredients creates an eye-catching presentation.
• Fresh Ingredients: Made with seasonal produce, this salad is packed with nutrients.
• Quick and Easy: Prep and cook time is just 20 minutes, making it a hassle-free dish.
• Versatile Serving Options: Great as a side dish or main course; perfect for any occasion.
• Delicious Flavor Profile: The mix of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors makes every bite enjoyable.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Strawberry Avocado Corn Salad, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure a smooth cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Grill pan or outdoor grill
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill pan or outdoor grill: Essential for achieving those beautiful char marks on the corn.
• Mixing bowl: A spacious bowl helps combine all salad ingredients without spilling.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending the vinaigrette smoothly for balanced flavor.

Ingredients

Summertime special rainbow colored salad with grilled corn on the cob and a homemade honey mustard balsamic vinaigrette. Great for picnics and BBQs!

For the Salad

• 2 ears of sweet corn
• 2-3 cups spring mix baby greens
• 2-3 cups kale, roughly chopped
• 1 1/2 cups strawberries, diced
• 3 tablespoons shelled pistachios
• 1/4 cup blueberries
• 1/2 avocado, diced
• 2 ounces goat cheese, crumbled
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil, roughly minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh mint, roughly minced
• Fresh ground black pepper to taste

For the Vinaigrette

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 2 teaspoons stone ground mustard
• 1/8 teaspoon coarse salt

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Strawberry Avocado Corn Salad

Step 1: Grill the Corn

1. Preheat a cast iron grill pan at medium-high heat or prepare your outdoor grill.
2. Drizzle the corn on the cob with 1/2 tablespoon olive oil. Season with salt and pepper as desired.
3. Using tongs, place the corn on the heated grill. Cook each side until you see grill marks forming on the kernels; this should take about 10 minutes total.
4. Remove from heat when done and let cool before slicing off the kernels.

Step 2: Make the Vinaigrette

1. In a small bowl, whisk together all ingredients for your vinaigrette until well combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine all salad ingredients along with the cooked corn kernels.
2. Drizzle with honey mustard vinaigrette and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
3. Serve immediately to enjoy fresh flavors!

How to Serve Strawberry Avocado Corn Salad

This vibrant Strawberry Avocado Corn Salad is a delightful dish perfect for summer gatherings. Its colorful ingredients and refreshing flavor make it an excellent choice for a variety of occasions.

At a Picnic

• Portable Delight: Pack the salad in a large container, and serve it chilled for a refreshing treat.
• Individual Servings: Use mason jars to create single servings, making it easy for guests to grab and enjoy.

As a BBQ Side Dish

• Perfect Pairing: This salad complements grilled meats wonderfully, adding a fresh contrast to smoky flavors.
• Stunning Presentation: Serve it in a large bowl garnished with fresh herbs for an eye-catching centerpiece.

For Meal Prep

• Easy Lunch Option: Portion the salad into containers to enjoy as a healthy lunch throughout the week.
• Versatile Ingredients: Add or substitute ingredients based on what you have available, keeping it fresh and exciting.

At Family Gatherings

• Crowd-Pleaser: With its mix of flavors, this salad appeals to both adults and kids alike.
• Interactive Serving: Let guests customize their salads by adding extra toppings like nuts or cheese at the table.

How to Perfect Strawberry Avocado Corn Salad

To make the most out of your Strawberry Avocado Corn Salad, consider these helpful tips that can enhance its flavor and presentation.

• Fresh Ingredients: Always use the freshest strawberries and avocados for the best taste and texture.
• Grill with Care: Ensure your corn is grilled just until tender; overcooking can make it tough.
• Make Ahead Dressing: Prepare the honey mustard vinaigrette in advance to allow flavors to meld before serving.
• Chill Before Serving: Let the salad sit in the fridge for about 30 minutes; this helps all the flavors develop beautifully.
• Customize Greens: Feel free to mix different greens like arugula or spinach for added variety.
• Top with Extras: Consider adding seeds or more nuts for extra crunch and nutrition.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Avocado Corn Salad

This Strawberry Avocado Corn Salad pairs well with many side dishes, enhancing your meal’s overall appeal. Here are some delicious options to consider.

1. Grilled Chicken Skewers: Marinated chicken grilled on skewers adds protein and complements the salad’s freshness.
2. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad mixed with herbs provides additional texture and nutrition without overpowering flavors.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Colorful roasted veggies bring warmth and depth, creating a well-rounded meal experience.
4. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil offer a classic Italian flavor that balances perfectly with the corn salad.
5. Garlic Breadsticks: Crunchy breadsticks with garlic provide a delightful contrast in texture while being easy to share.
6. Fruit Platter: A vibrant fruit platter can enhance your meal’s visual appeal while offering refreshing bites between savory dishes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a Strawberry Avocado Corn Salad can be simple, but there are common mistakes that can affect its flavor and texture. Here are some tips to ensure your salad turns out perfectly.

• Using overcooked corn: Overcooking the corn can make it mushy. Grill it just until the kernels are tender and have nice grill marks to keep that fresh crunch.
• Skipping the vinaigrette: The honey mustard balsamic vinaigrette is essential for flavor. Don’t skip this step; whisk together all ingredients and adjust the seasoning to your taste.
• Cutting ingredients too small: If you dice the strawberries or avocado too small, they may get lost in the salad. Aim for bite-sized pieces for a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
• Not letting the corn cool: Adding hot corn directly into the salad can wilt the greens. Allow the corn to cool before mixing it with other ingredients for best results.
• Ignoring seasoning: Fresh ground black pepper enhances flavor. Don’t forget to season each component lightly as you prepare them for a well-rounded taste.
• Assembling too early: If you assemble the salad too far in advance, it can get soggy. Combine ingredients just before serving for optimal freshness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Strawberry Avocado Corn Salad in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Keep any dressing separate to prevent sogginess.

Freezing Strawberry Avocado Corn Salad

• Freezing is not recommended due to the texture of fresh ingredients like avocado and strawberries.
• If needed, freeze only grilled corn in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Reheating Strawberry Avocado Corn Salad

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and reheat the corn in a baking dish covered with foil for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Place corn in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat on medium power for about 1-2 minutes or until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat a nonstick pan over medium heat and toss corn until warmed through, about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen corn for Strawberry Avocado Corn Salad?

Yes, you can use frozen corn. Thaw it first and then sauté briefly on a skillet to enhance its flavor before adding it to your salad.

How do I customize my Strawberry Avocado Corn Salad?

Feel free to add other fruits like mango or nuts such as walnuts. You can also substitute goat cheese with feta or omit cheese entirely for a dairy-free version.

What is the best way to store leftovers of Strawberry Avocado Corn Salad?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge without dressing. Consume within two days for best quality.

Can I add protein to my Strawberry Avocado Corn Salad?

Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas make great additions that enhance both protein content and flavor.

Final Thoughts

The Strawberry Avocado Corn Salad is a delightful summer dish that combines fresh flavors with vibrant colors. It’s perfect for picnics, BBQs, or as a light meal on its own. Feel free to customize this salad with your favorite seasonal vegetables or proteins, making it versatile enough for any occasion. Give it a try—your taste buds will thank you!