Ingredients

Scale

(Serves 4–6)

Salad base:

3 cups fresh corn kernels (from 4 ears, grilled or raw)
2 ripe avocados, diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
½ red onion, finely diced (soak in cold water 10 min to mellow bite)
1 cucumber, diced
¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Zesty lime dressing:

3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
2 tbsp fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
1 tsp lime zest
1 garlic clove, minced
½ tsp ground cumin
¼ tsp chili powder
Salt & black pepper to taste

Optional boosts (you’ll love these!):

High-protein: 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed (+7g protein/serving)
Creamy crunch: ½ cup toasted pepitas or chopped macadamia nuts (you love macadamia!)
Heat: 1 jalapeño, seeded & minced

Instructions

1. Prep corn (grilled option recommended):

Grilled: Husk corn; grill over medium heat 8–10 minutes, turning often until charred in spots. Cool; slice kernels off cob.
Raw: Simply slice kernels off fresh cobs (no cooking needed—summer sweet!).

2. Make dressing:

Whisk olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper until emulsified.

3. Assemble salad:

In a large bowl, combine corn, avocados, tomatoes, drained red onion, cucumber, and cilantro.
Pour dressing over; toss gently to coat (avocados are delicate!).
Fold in optional add-ins if using.

4. Serve immediately:

Garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges. Best enjoyed fresh!

💡 Pro Tips for Perfection:
✅ Prevent browning: Add avocados last and serve within 1 hour (acid in dressing slows oxidation).
✅ Low-sodium mastery (you love this!):
→ Skip added salt—rely on lime, cumin, and garlic for flavor
→ Boost umami with 1 tsp nutritional yeast (adds cheesiness without salt)
✅ Blood sugar friendly (you love this!):
→ Naturally low-glycemic—corn is balanced by fiber/fats
→ Add 1 tbsp chia seeds to dressing for extra fiber + glycemic control
✅ Low-carb/keto option (you love this!):
→ Reduce corn to 1 cup + increase avocado to 3 whole
→ Add 1 cup diced jicama for crunch
→ Net carbs drop from 22g → 9g/serving
✅ Make ahead:
→ Prep dressing and chop veggies (except avocado) 1 day ahead
→ Assemble without avocado up to 4 hours ahead
→ Add avocado and dressing just before serving
✅ Vegan/vegetarian: Already compliant! For extra protein, add chickpeas or quinoa.

Storage & Serving Ideas

→ Fridge life: Best served fresh (avocado browns after 2 hours). If storing, press plastic wrap directly onto surface.
→ Serving ideas:
→ Scoop into lettuce cups for low-carb meal
→ Top grilled chicken, shrimp, or fish
→ Serve alongside tortilla chips as a dip
→ Pack in mason jars (dressing on bottom, greens on top) for picnics

Prep Time & Nutrition (per serving):