Ingredients

Scale

(Serves 6–8)

Salad base:

3 cups fresh or fire-roasted corn kernels (you love smoky depth!)
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
1 avocado, diced
½ cup red onion, finely diced (soak in cold water 10 min to mellow bite)
¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Zesty lime dressing:

3 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp fresh lime juice (about 2 limes—you love citrus!)
1 tsp honey (or sugar-free maple syrup for blood sugar friendly)
1 garlic clove, minced
½ tsp chili powder
¼ tsp cumin
Salt & black pepper

Toppings:

½ cup crumbled cotija or feta cheese (use reduced-sodium—you love low-sodium options!)
1 tbsp Tajín or chili-lime seasoning (adds that “crack” factor!)
Optional: Pickled jalapeños or sliced radishes

Instructions

1. Prep veggies:

Soak red onion in cold water 10 minutes; drain well. Dice avocado just before assembling.

2. Make dressing:

Whisk olive oil, lime juice, honey (or sugar-free syrup), garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper until emulsified.

3. Toss salad:

In a large bowl, combine corn, tomatoes, avocado, drained red onion, and cilantro. Pour dressing over; toss gently.

4. Finish & serve:

Top with cotija cheese and Tajín. Add optional jalapeños or radishes for extra crunch and heat.

💡 Pro Tips for Perfection:
✅ Use fire-roasted corn—adds authentic smoky sweetness (Trader Joe’s or frozen works great).
✅ Add avocado last—prevents mushiness and browning.
✅ Low-sodium mastery (you love this!):
→ Use no-salt-added cotija or reduce amount
→ Boost flavor with extra lime zest and Tajín (it’s low-sodium!)
✅ Blood sugar friendly (you love this!):
→ Sugar-free syrup keeps net carbs low
→ Add 1 tbsp chia seeds to dressing for fiber + glycemic control
→ Net carbs: 12g/serving
✅ Low-carb/keto option (you love this!):
→ Reduce corn to 1½ cups; double avocado
→ Skip honey entirely
→ Net carbs drop to 6g/serving
✅ Make ahead:
→ Chop tomatoes/onion 4 hours ahead (store separately)
→ Assemble within 30 minutes of serving for best texture

Storage & Serving Ideas

→ Fridge life: Best served fresh (avocado softens slightly over time).
→ Serving ideas:
→ Alongside grilled steak or shrimp tacos
→ As a standalone light lunch with tortilla chips
→ Scooped into lettuce cups for low-carb meal

Prep Time & Nutrition (per serving):