Strawberry Avocado Corn Salad is the perfect summertime dish, bursting with color and flavor. This refreshing salad combines sweet grilled corn on the cob, juicy strawberries, and creamy avocado, making it an ideal choice for picnics, BBQs, or any gathering. The homemade honey mustard balsamic vinaigrette adds a delightful tang that ties all the ingredients together. Enjoy this vibrant salad that not only looks amazing but also tastes incredible!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Prepare: With just a few steps, you can whip up this delicious salad in under 30 minutes.
Colorful and Inviting: The vibrant colors of strawberries, corn, and greens make this salad a feast for the eyes.
Healthy Ingredients: Packed with fresh fruits and vegetables, it’s a nutritious option for any meal.
Versatile Dish: Perfect as a side or main dish; it pairs well with grilled meats or can be enjoyed on its own.
Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family gathering or a casual picnic, this salad fits right in.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your essential tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Cast iron grill pan or outdoor grill
Medium bowl
Whisk
Large mixing bowl
Tongs

Importance of Each Tool

Cast iron grill pan: Provides even heat distribution for perfect grill marks on corn.
Whisk: Essential for combining the vinaigrette ingredients smoothly.
Large mixing bowl: Offers ample space to combine all fresh ingredients without spilling.

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

How to Make Strawberry Avocado Corn Salad

Step 1: Grill the Corn

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

Step 2: Make the Vinaigrette

In a medium bowl, whisk together all ingredients for the vinaigrette until well combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

In a large mixing bowl, combine all salad ingredients including the cooked corn kernels.
Drizzle with honey mustard vinaigrette and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
Serve immediately for maximum freshness and flavor.

How to Serve Strawberry Avocado Corn Salad

Strawberry Avocado Corn Salad is a vibrant dish perfect for various occasions. Whether you’re hosting a picnic, a BBQ, or just enjoying a family meal, this salad can be served in many delightful ways.

As a Main Dish

Serve it as a light main course for lunch or dinner, allowing the flavors of the strawberries and avocado to shine.

As a Side Salad

Pair it with grilled meats like chicken or steak. The sweetness of the salad complements savory dishes beautifully.

In a Wrap

Use the salad as a filling for wraps. Spread hummus on your favorite tortilla, add the salad, roll it up, and enjoy!

At Potlucks

Bring this salad to potlucks or gatherings. Its colorful presentation and fresh taste will make it a hit among guests.

With Extra Toppings

Enhance your serving by adding extra toppings such as grilled shrimp or chicken for protein. This makes the salad even more satisfying.

How to Perfect Strawberry Avocado Corn Salad

To ensure your Strawberry Avocado Corn Salad turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Always choose ripe strawberries and avocados for the best flavor and texture.
Grill Corn Properly: Make sure to grill corn until it has nice char marks, enhancing its sweetness.
Chill Before Serving: Let the salad chill for about 30 minutes before serving. This allows flavors to meld together beautifully.
Adjust Vinaigrette: Feel free to tweak the vinaigrette ingredients to suit your taste. More honey can add sweetness, while extra mustard can give it a kick.
Add Crunch: For added texture, consider adding toasted nuts or seeds.
Store Properly: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge but consume within 1-2 days for freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Avocado Corn Salad

Strawberry Avocado Corn Salad pairs well with various side dishes. Here are some great options to complement your meal.

Grilled Chicken Skewers – Tender chicken marinated in herbs and spices offers a protein-rich addition that complements the salad’s freshness.
Garlic Bread – Crispy garlic bread is an excellent option for dipping into any leftover vinaigrette.
Quinoa Pilaf – A nutty quinoa pilaf adds heartiness and pairs well with the fruity notes of the salad.
Roasted Vegetables – Roasted seasonal vegetables bring warmth and earthy flavors that balance the sweetness of the salad.
Pasta Salad – A light pasta salad with lemon dressing can enhance your meal with additional textures and flavors.
Fruit Skewers – For dessert, fruit skewers provide a refreshing finish that echoes the flavors of your Strawberry Avocado Corn Salad.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Strawberry Avocado Corn Salad, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to help you perfect your dish.

Skipping the grilling step: Grilling the corn adds essential flavor. Make sure to grill until you achieve nice char marks.
Not using ripe avocados: An unripe avocado can ruin the texture of your salad. Choose avocados that yield slightly to pressure.
Overdressing the salad: Too much dressing can make the salad soggy. Start with a small amount and add more if needed.
Ignoring ingredient freshness: Fresh ingredients are key for flavor. Always use the freshest produce available for the best results.
Failing to chill before serving: This salad tastes great when chilled. Allow time to rest in the fridge before serving for enhanced flavors.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Duration: Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Containers: Use an airtight container to keep it fresh.

Freezing Strawberry Avocado Corn Salad

Duration: It is best not to freeze this salad as it contains ingredients that do not thaw well, like avocado and greens.
Recommendation: Enjoy fresh for optimal taste and texture.

Reheating Strawberry Avocado Corn Salad

Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread out on a baking sheet and warm for about 10 minutes.
Microwave: Heat in short increments (15-20 seconds) until warm; avoid overheating.
Stovetop: Place in a skillet with a splash of olive oil over low heat, stirring gently until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Strawberry Avocado Corn Salad.

Can I make Strawberry Avocado Corn Salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep most ingredients ahead but add avocados just before serving to prevent browning.

What substitutions can I make in this salad?

You can replace goat cheese with feta or leave it out entirely for a dairy-free version.

How do I customize Strawberry Avocado Corn Salad?

Feel free to add proteins like grilled chicken or shrimp for extra nutrition and flavor.

What should I serve with this salad?

This salad pairs well with grilled meats, sandwiches, or as part of a picnic spread.

Final Thoughts

Strawberry Avocado Corn Salad is a delightful mix of textures and flavors that makes it perfect for summer gatherings. Its vibrant colors and fresh ingredients offer endless customization options, allowing you to adapt it to your taste preferences. Give it a try at your next BBQ or picnic!