Cucumber and Corn Salad with Avocado

Name: Cucumber and Corn Salad with Avocado
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups cucumber, diced; 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or canned); 1 ripe avocado, diced; 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; Juice of 1 lime; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Clean Eating Recipes

I love making this Cucumber and Corn Salad with Avocado during the summer months when fresh produce is at its peak. The crunch of the cucumber and the sweetness of the corn create a wonderful contrast, while the creamy avocado ties everything together beautifully. It's a refreshing dish that works equally well as a side for grilled meats or as a light lunch. Plus, it's so simple to whip up that I can have it ready in just minutes!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-02-13T17:02:19.423Z

When I first tried this salad, I was amazed at how such simple ingredients could come together in such a delightful way. I experimented with various dressings, but I've found that a squeeze of fresh lime juice is all you really need to elevate the flavors. I also love adding a sprinkle of feta cheese for a little salty kick!

Each time I make this salad for friends or family, it disappears almost instantly. The vibrant colors and fresh tastes really bright up any gathering. I often use leftover corn kernels from previous meals, which make this dish even more convenient.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Bright and refreshing flavors that complement each other perfectly
Creamy avocado adds a satisfying texture to the crunchy salad
Easy to adjust ingredients based on your preferences or what's in season

Elevate Your Salad with Fresh Ingredients

The freshness of the ingredients in this Cucumber and Corn Salad is essential for achieving the brightest flavors. When selecting cucumbers, opt for those that are firm and shiny, with no soft spots. If you can find English cucumbers, they’re perfect for this recipe—less bitter and with fewer seeds. For the corn, fresh, sweet corn off the cob truly elevates this dish, but if fresh isn't available, canned or frozen corn will work as well. Just ensure that the frozen corn is thawed and excess water is drained before mixing.

Using ripe avocados is crucial to achieve that creamy texture that complements the crunchy cucumber. Look for avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure, indicating that they are ripe. If they are not ready yet, you can place them in a paper bag at room temperature for a day or two to speed up the ripening process. Dicing the avocado last and mixing gently is key to preventing it from turning mushy. This way, you maintain the visual appeal and texture of the salad.

Flavor Enhancements and Variations

The lime juice you add plays a critical role in balancing the flavors, adding acidity that brightens the entire dish. For an extra kick, consider adding a pinch of chili powder or diced jalapeños to the mix. This can elevate the salad, providing a delightful spiciness that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the corn. Alternatively, if you're looking for a milder flavor, a splash of apple cider vinegar can be a nice substitute for lime juice.

Don’t hesitate to customize the salad based on what’s in season or your personal preferences. For instance, you can swap out cilantro for basil or parsley for a different flavor profile, or include diced bell peppers for added crunch and color. If you're a fan of proteins, adding black beans or chickpeas can turn it into a more filling meal while maintaining the refreshing vibe of the salad.

Ingredients

Ingredients for Cucumber and Corn Salad with Avocado

Salad Ingredients

2 cups cucumber, diced
1 cup corn kernels (fresh or canned)
1 ripe avocado, diced
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Juice of 1 lime
Salt and pepper to taste

Mix it all together in a large bowl for a delicious and nutritious salad!

Instructions

How to Make Cucumber and Corn Salad with Avocado

Prepare the Ingredients

Start by dicing the cucumber and avocado. If using fresh corn, you can quickly grill or boil it for a couple of minutes to enhance its sweetness. Let it cool before adding to the salad.

Combine Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced cucumber, corn, avocado, red onion, and cilantro.

Dress and Season

Squeeze the lime juice over the salad and season with salt and pepper to taste. Gently toss the ingredients to combine, being careful not to mash the avocado.

Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the salad to a serving dish and enjoy immediately, or chill for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Enjoy this salad as a light lunch or as a side dish for your favorite grilled meats!

Pro Tips

Feel free to add additional ingredients like cherry tomatoes or cucumber for an extra layer of flavor.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This Cucumber and Corn Salad can be made ahead of time for easy meal prep, but it’s best enjoyed fresh or within a day of preparing. If you plan to serve it later, store the components separately; keep the diced avocado in an airtight container with a little lime juice on top to prevent browning. The other ingredients can be mixed and stored in the fridge until you’re ready to combine them just before serving to maintain that crunchy texture.

If you're wanting to keep it for a couple of days, you might consider leaving out the avocado until just before consumption, as it tends to brown quickly and can impact the salad’s visual appeal. Additionally, if you’ve made more than you can consume, it’s safe to store with the dressing already mixed in for a short time, just be cautious as the salad may lose its crispness.

Serving Suggestions

This salad makes a perfect side for grilled meats like chicken or steak, giving a refreshing contrast to richer flavors. You can also serve it as a light lunch alongside crusty bread or grilled pita. For a more substantial meal, consider adding a protein such as grilled shrimp or tofu to the mix, transforming it into a complete and satisfying dish.

For presentations, consider serving it in hollowed-out avocado halves or on a bed of greens to impress your guests. Garnish with extra cilantro leaves or lime wedges for a pop of color and freshness. The vibrant presentation not only enhances visual appeal but also entices everyone to dive into this delightful summer salad.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I prepare this salad in advance?

It's best served fresh, but you can prep the ingredients and store them separately until you're ready to mix.

→ What can I substitute for cilantro?

If you're not a fan of cilantro, fresh parsley or mint can be great alternatives.

→ Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, all of the ingredients in this salad are naturally gluten-free.

→ Can I add protein to make it a main dish?

Absolutely! Grilled chicken or shrimp would pair wonderfully with this salad.