The Zesty Barefoot Contessa Fiesta Corn And Avocado Salad Recipe

Barefoot Contessa’s fiesta corn and avocado salad promises a burst of summer excitement on your plate.

Fresh ingredients dance together in a colorful celebration of textures and tastes.

Each forkful brings a vibrant mix of crisp and creamy elements that complement one another perfectly.

Bold lime notes brighten the entire composition with a tangy punch.

Mediterranean-inspired seasonings create a sophisticated backdrop for simple, wholesome ingredients.

Seasonal corn adds natural sweetness while ripe avocados contribute a luxurious, smooth dimension to the dish.

This recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience that will impress everyone at your table: savor every moment.

Revel in the Zesty Vibes of Fiesta Corn and Avocado Salad

• Burst with Fresh Summer Flavors: This salad explodes with vibrant, zesty ingredients that capture the essence of a sunny fiesta. Bright lime juice, sweet corn, and spicy jalapeños create a flavor explosion that dances on your taste buds.
• Quick and Easy Preparation: The recipe comes together in just 20 minutes, making it a perfect last-minute side dish or quick lunch. Simple cooking techniques like boiling corn and whisking a quick dressing mean minimal effort for maximum deliciousness.
• Texture Symphony in Every Bite: Crunchy bell peppers, juicy tomatoes, and creamy avocado chunks provide an incredible mix of textures. The combination keeps each mouthful exciting and satisfying, with soft and crisp elements playing together beautifully.
• Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Easily adapt the heat level by adjusting jalapeños or chipotle powder. Perfect for summer barbecues, potlucks, or as a fresh side dish that appeals to various taste preferences and dietary needs.

Key Ingredients for Fiesta Corn and Avocado Salad

• Corn: Sweet, juicy kernels are the star of this salad, best when fresh or high-quality frozen.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Adds bright color and sweet-tangy burst of flavor, choose ripe and firm varieties.
• Bell Pepper: Provides crisp texture and mild sweetness, red or yellow for vibrant appearance.
• Red Onion: Sharp flavor that complements other ingredients, thinly sliced for balanced taste.
• Jalapeños: Adds spicy kick and heat, remove seeds for milder version.
• Avocado: Creamy, rich texture that balances other ingredients, choose ripe but firm.

• Lime Juice: Bright, zesty base for dressing that enhances overall flavor.
• Lime Zest: Adds intense citrus aroma and depth to the dressing.
• Lemon Juice: Prevents avocado from browning and adds subtle freshness.

• Olive Oil: Smooth base for dressing, provides richness and helps blend flavors.
• Garlic: Adds depth and aromatic punch to the dressing.
• Chipotle Chili Powder: Smoky, spicy element that gives complex flavor profile.
• Salt: Enhances and balances all other ingredients.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity to the overall taste.

Step-by-Step Guide for Fiesta Corn and Avocado Salad

Step 1: Boil Corn Kernels

Grab a large pot and fill it with salted water. Bring to a rolling boil. Add corn and cook for 5-7 minutes until tender. For frozen corn, boil 2 minutes. For canned corn, rinse and drain. Remove corn and let cool for 5 minutes. Carefully cut kernels off the cob using a sharp knife.

• Corn
• Salt
• Water

Step 2: Chop Fresh Vegetables

• Corn kernels
• Cherry tomatoes
• Bell pepper
• Red onion
• Jalapeños

Chop vegetables into uniform bite-sized pieces for consistent texture and flavor.

Step 3: Whip Up Zesty Dressing

• Lime zest
• Lime juice
• Olive oil
• Minced garlic
• Chipotle chili powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whisk vigorously until ingredients are well incorporated.

Step 4: Prepare Creamy Avocado

In a separate bowl, gently dice avocados. Sprinkle with lemon juice to prevent browning and maintain fresh color.

Step 5: Combine And Garnish

Pour dressing over vegetable mixture. Toss gently to coat evenly. Fold avocado chunks into salad carefully. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve chilled or at room temperature for a refreshing side dish.

Expert Hints for Fiesta Corn and Avocado Salad

• Maximize Corn Sweetness: Grill or quickly blanch fresh corn to intensify its natural sugars and add a subtle smoky flavor to the salad.
• Customize Heat Level: Adjust the jalapeño quantity to control the spiciness, using seeds for more heat or removing them for a milder taste.
• Perfect Avocado Timing: Dice avocados just before serving to prevent browning and maintain their creamy, vibrant texture.
• Enhance Herb Freshness: Chop cilantro right before mixing to preserve its bright flavor and aromatic qualities.
• Make-Ahead Strategy: Prepare all ingredients separately and combine just before serving to keep the salad crisp and prevent soggy vegetables.

Keep Fiesta Corn and Avocado Salad Fresh

• Vacuum Seal Magic: Transfer the salad to a vacuum-sealed bag, removing all air to prevent oxidation and browning. This method extends freshness up to 2 days while maintaining crisp textures and vibrant flavors.
• Glass Container Strategy: Opt for a clear glass container with a tight-fitting lid, layering salad ingredients strategically. Place plastic wrap directly on the salad's surface to minimize air exposure, preserving color and preventing quick deterioration.
• Quick Consumption Technique: Prepare smaller portions that can be consumed immediately, reducing storage challenges. Mixing avocado just before serving helps maintain its bright green color and prevents premature browning, ensuring the salad remains appetizing and fresh.

Creative Spins on Fiesta Corn and Avocado Salad

• Grilled Corn Fiesta Salad: Char corn on a barbecue grill for smoky flavor, adding a deeper caramelized dimension to the original recipe. Grill bell peppers and jalapeños alongside the corn for extra roasted notes.
• Mexican Street Corn Style Salad: Blend in cotija cheese and sprinkle with chili powder. Replace regular olive oil with a zesty cilantro-infused oil for an authentic street food experience.
• Protein-Packed Version: Incorporate black beans or grilled chicken to transform the salad into a substantial main course. Add quinoa for extra protein and interesting texture contrast.
• Tropical Summer Remix: Replace cherry tomatoes with mango chunks and add fresh pineapple pieces. Include a splash of coconut milk in the dressing for a Caribbean-inspired interpretation of the original recipe.

Parting Thoughts on Fiesta Corn and Avocado Salad

Barefoot Contessa’s Fiesta Corn and Avocado Salad emerges as summer’s most irresistible culinary adventure.

Mexican-inspired flavors dance across palates with zesty lime and smoky chipotle notes.

Fresh ingredients create a kaleidoscope of colors that celebrates seasonal bounty.

Complex textures interplay between crisp corn kernels and creamy avocado chunks.

California-style ingredients promise a refreshing experience that delights taste buds.

Gourmet magic happens when Ina Garten’s signature style meets vibrant southwestern ingredients – you’ll crave each colorful, tangy bite, so snap that perfect plate, tag #FiestaSaladLove, and share this culinary masterpiece with friends who appreciate delicious discoveries.

Barefoot Contessa Fiesta Corn And Avocado Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Summer’s zesty Barefoot Contessa Fiesta Corn and Avocado Salad brings Mexican-inspired flavors to your table. Fresh corn, ripe avocados, and tangy lime create a colorful medley you’ll crave at every gathering.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 3 ears of corn, shucked (or 320g / 2 cups frozen or canned sweetcorn, drained)
• 250g / 9oz cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 ripe Hass avocados, diced
• 1 orange bell pepper, cored, deseeded & diced (½-inch / 1.2cm pieces)

Aromatics and Herbs:

• ½ red onion, finely diced
• 2 jalapeño peppers, deseeded & finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic (or 1 garlic clove, finely minced)
• 1½ teaspoons lime zest (from about 2 limes)

Seasoning and Liquids:

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt (plus more to taste)
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 60 milliliters / ¼ cup freshly squeezed lime juice (about 3 limes)
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• ¼ teaspoon chipotle chili powder (or smoked paprika for a milder taste)
• Juice of 1 lemon (to prevent avocado browning)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the corn by bringing a generously salted large pot of water to a vigorous boil. Immerse the corn and simmer for 5-7 minutes until it reaches a tender yet crisp texture. Carefully drain and allow to cool for approximately 5 minutes before skillfully slicing the kernels from the cob. (For frozen corn, boil for 2 minutes; for canned corn, thoroughly rinse and drain.)
2. Create a vibrant vegetable medley by combining the freshly cut corn kernels, halved cherry tomatoes, diced bell pepper, thinly sliced red onion, and finely chopped jalapeños in a spacious mixing bowl.
3. Craft the zesty dressing by whisking together lime zest (approximately ), freshly squeezed lime juice (), extra virgin olive oil (), minced garlic (1 clove), ground chipotle chili powder (), kosher salt (), and freshly ground black pepper () in a small bowl. Drizzle the dressing over the vegetable mixture and toss thoroughly to ensure even coating.
4. Prepare the avocado by gently folding diced pieces (about) with a splash of lemon juice () to prevent discoloration and maintain their pristine appearance.
5. Complete the salad by delicately incorporating the avocado chunks into the vegetable mixture, taking care to preserve their integrity. Taste and fine-tune the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired. Serve immediately, either chilled or at ambient temperature for optimal flavor enjoyment.

Notes

• Grab peak-season corn and perfectly ripe avocados for maximum flavor explosion in this vibrant salad.
• Squeeze fresh citrus juice over diced avocado chunks to keep them bright green and prevent unsightly browning.
• Chop all vegetables with consistent sizing to guarantee balanced bites and professional-looking presentation.
• Sample the mixture before serving, adjusting seasonings with pinches of salt, pepper, or extra citrus to match your taste preferences.
• Enjoy this colorful salad immediately after preparing to experience the crispest textures and most vibrant flavors.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 7 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 290mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5g
• Carbohydrates: 17g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 10mg