Description
This vibrant Fiesta Corn and Avocado Salad is a fresh, colorful side dish perfect for summer gatherings. Featuring charred corn kernels, creamy avocado, a tangy homemade dressing, and a crunchy mix of roasted pumpkin seeds and fresh herbs, this salad offers a delightful balance of textures and flavors with a slight kick from jalapeño and a hint of saltiness from cotija cheese.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 5 ears of corn
- 2 ripe avocados
- 1 jalapeño, finely diced
- Fresh basil leaves, a handful
- Fresh mint leaves, a handful
- Roasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas), 1/4 cup
- Cotija cheese (or feta), 1/3 cup crumbled
Dressing
- 4 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 3 Tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 Tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 small shallot, finely minced
- 1 garlic clove, finely minced
- 1/2 tsp sumac (or paprika as substitute)
- Salt, to taste (approximately 1/2 tsp)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste (approximately 1/4 tsp)
Instructions
- Char the corn: Heat 2 Tbsp of the extra-virgin olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the husks from the corn and char the ears directly in the skillet, turning occasionally, until the kernels are lightly blackened and cooked through, about 10-15 minutes. Set aside to cool.
- Prepare the dressing: In a bowl, whisk together the remaining 2 Tbsp olive oil, rice vinegar, mayonnaise, minced shallot, minced garlic, sumac (or paprika), salt, and pepper until well combined and smooth.
- Assemble the salad: Once the corn is cool enough to handle, cut the kernels off the cobs and place them in a large mixing bowl. Add diced avocado, finely diced jalapeño, fresh basil and mint leaves, roasted pumpkin seeds, and crumbled cotija cheese. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together until well coated without mashing the avocado.
Notes
- You can substitute cotija cheese with feta for a similar salty flavor.
- Adjust the jalapeño amount according to your preferred spice level; remove seeds for milder heat.
- Sumac adds a tangy, citrus-like flavor; paprika is a good alternative if unavailable.
- Serve immediately to prevent avocado from browning, or toss avocado with a bit of lemon juice if preparing ahead.
- Roasted pumpkin seeds provide a nice crunch, but toasted nuts or seeds can be swapped in.
