There's a certain magic in a meal that tastes like pure sunshine. This isn't just another salad recipe; it's a versatile, endlessly customizable, and healthy summer salad recipe designed to be your go-to dish. It's healthy, incredibly easy to assemble, and designed to be your go-to dish, whether you're making it in a holiday rental with minimal equipment or enjoying a light dinner on a warm evening.
The Anatomy of a Perfect Summer Salad
The beauty of this salad lies in its simplicity and the quality of its components. It's a celebration of textures and flavors that work in perfect harmony. Think of it less as a strict recipe and more as a flexible formula: [Sweet Corn] + [Juicy Tomatoes] + [Crunchy Cucumber] + [Creamy Avocado] + [Hearty Beans] + [Sharp Onion]. This approach empowers you to adapt based on what's fresh and available.
Step-by-Step Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 5 minutes | Servings: 4-6
Ingredients:
- 4 ears of fresh corn, husked
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 English cucumber, diced
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
For the Zesty Lime Dressing:
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- Juice and zest of 1 large lime
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook the Corn: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the corn and cook for 3-5 minutes. Drain and let it cool. Once cool, carefully slice the kernels off the cob.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the corn kernels, tomatoes, cucumber, black beans, avocado, red onion, and fresh cilantro.
- Make the Dressing: In a small jar with a lid, combine all dressing ingredients. Shake vigorously until well combined.
- Toss and Serve: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently. For the best flavor, let it chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Make It Your Own: Tips & Customizations
This salad is a canvas for your creativity. Here are a few ideas to customize it based on your taste or what you have on hand:
- Add More Crunch: Toasted pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or chopped almonds add a wonderful texture.
- Boost the Veggies: Diced bell peppers of any color add sweetness and crunch. Grilled zucchini would also be delicious.
- Switch up the Protein: Not a fan of black beans? Chickpeas (garbanzo beans) work just as well.
- Add a Little Heat: For those who like a kick, finely mince a jalapeño (seeds removed for less heat) and add it to the salad.