Summer Salad With Corn, Strawberries & Avocado Recipe

Nothing says summer quite like the vibrant colors and fresh flavors of this Summer Salad with Corn, Strawberries & Avocado. It's the kind of dish that feels like sunshine in a bowl—bursting with sweetness, crunch, and creamy goodness.

this Recipe

I first whipped this up for a backyard barbecue on a whim, trying to use up some fresh produce from the farmer's market. To my surprise, it stole the show, outshining even the burgers and grilled corn. Now, it's my go-to for every warm-weather gathering.

Whether you're serving it at a picnic, potluck, or a light weeknight dinner, this salad comes together in minutes and always impresses. Let me show you why it's become a staple in our summer rotation.

Why You'll Love This Summer Salad with Corn, Strawberries & Avocado

This is more than just a pretty plate—it's a celebration of summer's best produce in one easy, refreshing dish.

First, it's incredibly quick and easy. With just a bit of chopping and no cooking involved (unless you grill the corn), this salad is ready in 15 minutes flat. Perfect for last-minute entertaining or weeknight dinners when it's too hot to turn on the stove.

Next, it's as healthy as it is delicious. Packed with fiber, healthy fats, and antioxidants, it nourishes your body while satisfying your cravings. It’s naturally gluten-free and can easily be made vegan.

It also delivers serious wow-factor at the table. The combination of jewel-toned strawberries, golden corn, and bright green avocado makes for a presentation that's as stunning as it is appetizing.

Finally, it's versatile and crowd-pleasing. Kids love the sweet strawberries and juicy corn, while adults appreciate the contrast of textures and the tangy lime dressing. You can serve it as a side dish or bulk it up with protein for a complete meal.

Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients that make this salad so special.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this salad lies in its fresh, seasonal ingredients. Choose the ripest produce you can find to make each bite sing.

Fresh strawberries are the star here, bringing a burst of juicy sweetness that balances the creamy and tangy elements. Look for berries that are bright red, fragrant, and slightly soft to the touch—these will offer the best flavor.

Sweet corn, either grilled or boiled, adds a satisfying crunch and subtle caramelized flavor. If you're grilling, char the ears lightly for that smoky depth. In a pinch, frozen corn works too—just thaw and drain it well.

Avocado brings luscious creaminess that ties the salad together. Use ripe but firm avocados so they hold their shape when tossed. Dice them just before serving to avoid browning.

Red onion provides a sharp, tangy bite that cuts through the sweetness. If raw onion is too intense for your taste, soak the slices in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow their flavor.

Finally, the lime-honey vinaigrette is the zesty glue that binds it all. A simple mix of fresh lime juice, honey, olive oil, salt, and pepper creates a bright, tangy finish. A squeeze of lime over the top just before serving adds an extra pop.

No fancy tools required here—just a sharp knife, a large mixing bowl, and a citrus juicer for maximum ease.

How To Make This Summer Salad with Corn, Strawberries & Avocado

Putting together this salad couldn’t be simpler, and it's mostly about layering and gently combining the fresh ingredients without overmixing.

Start by prepping your produce. Hull and slice the strawberries, shuck and grill or boil the corn (then cut the kernels off the cob), dice the avocado, and thinly slice the red onion. Keep everything bite-sized for easy eating.

If you’re making the lime-honey vinaigrette from scratch, whisk together fresh lime juice, honey, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until smooth and emulsified. Taste and adjust—you want a balance of tangy, sweet, and savory.

In a large bowl, gently toss the strawberries, corn kernels, avocado, and red onion. Drizzle the vinaigrette over the top and fold everything together carefully with a spatula so you don’t mash the avocado.

Optional but recommended: garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or basil for added brightness. Crumbled feta or goat cheese also adds a salty punch if you’re not keeping it dairy-free.

Serve immediately for the freshest flavor and best texture. This salad is best enjoyed within an hour of assembling, while the avocado is still vibrant and the strawberries juicy.

From start to finish, expect to spend no more than 20 minutes making this—and most of that is just slicing. It's the ultimate low-effort, high-reward summer dish.

Storage Options

This salad is best served fresh, but if you need to make it ahead, there are a few tricks to keep it tasting great.

If you're prepping in advance, chop all ingredients except the avocado and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Wait to dice and add the avocado and dressing until just before serving to prevent browning and sogginess.

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 day in a sealed container. However, the avocado may brown and the strawberries may soften, so it's best eaten fresh.

If you anticipate leftovers, consider serving the dressing on the side. That way, each portion can be dressed individually and stored separately for maximum freshness.

To rehydrate the salad slightly the next day, add a small squeeze of lime juice and a fresh drizzle of olive oil before serving.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this summer salad is how adaptable it is. You can swap in different ingredients based on what you have on hand or what’s in season.

For a heartier version, add a protein like grilled shrimp, diced grilled chicken, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option. They all pair beautifully with the sweet and savory balance of the salad.

Not a fan of red onion? Try thinly sliced green onions or chopped chives instead. They offer a milder flavor but still give that essential zing.

Want to switch up the fruit? Blueberries, peaches, or even mango work beautifully in place of strawberries. Feel free to mix and match for your own custom summer flavor combo.

If you’re going dairy-free but want a creamy element, try a drizzle of tahini instead of cheese. It adds richness without overshadowing the fresh ingredients.

This recipe is all about celebrating what’s fresh and flavorful. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own—just keep the balance of sweet, creamy, and zesty, and you can’t go wrong.

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