Avocado Corn Salad

Last tested by Ava Green on March 25, 2026

No ratings yet·Easy·20 min total
By· Updated April 30, 2026
Avocado Corn Salad

A bright and refreshing Avocado Corn Salad, perfect for summer gatherings. Packed with sweet corn, creamy avocado, hearty black beans, and a zesty lime dressing, it's a vibrant side dish or a light main that comes together in minutes.

This easy salad, corn recipe comes together in about 20 minutes and serves 6. It's perfect for summer cooking, weeknight dinners, meal prep, and anyone exploring a more plant-forward kitchen. If you love this style of cooking, you'll also want to try our fresh cucumber and beetroot salad next.

Prep

20 min

Cook

0 min

Servings

6

Difficulty

Easy

285 kcal / serving
Best in Summer

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Ingredients you'll need

Here's everything that goes into this avocado corn salad. Scroll down to the recipe card for exact measurements and a printable version.

  • 3 cups cooked corn (from approx. 3 large ears or a 16-oz bag of frozen corn)
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, finely diced
  • 1 15-ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 2 medium ripe avocados, diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
  • 1 jalapeño, minced (optional, for heat)
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (from about 2 limes)
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 3/4 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped (for dressing, optional)

How to make it

Follow these step-by-step instructions. Each step is written so you know exactly what to look, smell, and taste for.

  1. 1

    Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the fresh lime juice, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, smoked paprika, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and optional 2 tbsp chopped cilantro. Set aside.

  2. 2

    Prepare the corn: If using fresh corn on the cob, cook it by boiling for 5-7 minutes or grilling until tender-crisp. Allow it to cool slightly. Stand the cob vertically on a cutting board and carefully slice downwards to remove the kernels. If using frozen corn, thaw it according to the package instructions.

  3. 3

    Prepare the vegetables: Finely dice the red bell pepper and red onion. Mince the jalapeño (if using) and chop the 1/4 cup of cilantro.

  4. 4

    Combine the salad: In a large bowl, add the cooked corn kernels, rinsed and drained black beans, diced red bell pepper, diced red onion, and chopped cilantro. Toss gently to combine.

  5. 5

    Dress and serve: Just before serving, dice the avocados and add them to the bowl. Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and toss everything together until well-coated. Serve immediately.

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Avocado Corn Salad

Avocado Corn Salad

Prep 20m Cook 0m Total 20m 6 servings
EasyVegansaladcorn
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A bright and refreshing Avocado Corn Salad, perfect for summer gatherings. Packed with sweet corn, creamy avocado, hearty black beans, and a zesty lime dressing, it's a vibrant side dish or a light main that comes together in minutes.

Ingredients

  • 3 cups cooked corn (from approx. 3 large ears or a 16-oz bag of frozen corn)
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, finely diced
  • 1 15-ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 2 medium ripe avocados, diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
  • 1 jalapeño, minced (optional, for heat)
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (from about 2 limes)
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 3/4 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped (for dressing, optional)

Instructions

  1. 1

    Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the fresh lime juice, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, smoked paprika, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and optional 2 tbsp chopped cilantro. Set aside.

  2. 2

    Prepare the corn: If using fresh corn on the cob, cook it by boiling for 5-7 minutes or grilling until tender-crisp. Allow it to cool slightly. Stand the cob vertically on a cutting board and carefully slice downwards to remove the kernels. If using frozen corn, thaw it according to the package instructions.

  3. 3

    Prepare the vegetables: Finely dice the red bell pepper and red onion. Mince the jalapeño (if using) and chop the 1/4 cup of cilantro.

  4. 4

    Combine the salad: In a large bowl, add the cooked corn kernels, rinsed and drained black beans, diced red bell pepper, diced red onion, and chopped cilantro. Toss gently to combine.

  5. 5

    Dress and serve: Just before serving, dice the avocados and add them to the bowl. Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and toss everything together until well-coated. Serve immediately.

Recipe Notes

For the best texture and to prevent the avocado from browning, it is best to add the avocado and dressing just before serving. If you need to make this salad ahead of time, you can combine all ingredients except for the avocado and dressing. Store the salad and dressing separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Nutrition Information

Per serving (estimated)

Calories
285 kcal
Fat
14.3g
Carbs
35.5g
Protein
7g
Fiber
9.6g
Sugar
7.7g
Sodium
310mg

Frequently asked questions

Can I add other vegetables to this salad?+

Absolutely! This salad is very versatile. Diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, or jicama would all be delicious additions.

How can I make this salad a full meal?+

To make it a more substantial main course, you can serve it over a bed of quinoa, brown rice, or chopped romaine lettuce. You could also increase the amount of black beans.

Can I make this Avocado Corn Salad ahead of time?+

Yes. You can prep most components a day or two in advance and store them in airtight containers in the fridge. For best texture, assemble or warm just before serving — most elements keep well for 3–4 days refrigerated.

How should I store leftovers?+

Cool leftovers to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave, adding a splash of water or plant milk if it has dried out a little.

Can I freeze Avocado Corn Salad?+

Most components freeze well for up to 2 months in a sealed freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat slowly. Avoid freezing fresh herbs, leafy greens, and creamy dairy-free sauces — add those fresh after thawing.

Is this recipe gluten-free?+

It can be made gluten-free with simple swaps: use certified gluten-free oats, tamari instead of soy sauce, and a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend or gluten-free pasta where applicable. Always check labels on packaged ingredients to be safe.

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