Description
This is what happens when summer produce gets together and decides to throw the most colorful, delicious party in your salad bowl. We’re talking sweet corn kernels, creamy avocado chunks, juicy cherry tomatoes, tangy feta cheese, and crispy bacon all hanging out together like the best kind of food friends. Then we drizzle it all with a creamy cilantro-lime dressing that ties everything together in the most perfect way possible.
This isn’t just a salad — it’s a celebration of everything good about warm weather eating. It’s fresh, it’s satisfying, it’s Instagram-worthy, and it tastes like sunshine decided to become food. Plus, it’s one of those magical dishes that works as a side, a light lunch, or even a party appetizer with some tortilla chips on the side.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 4 ears fresh corn, kernels removed (about 3 cups)
- 2 ripe avocados, diced
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 red onion, finely diced
- 4–5 strips bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
For the Creamy Cilantro-Lime Dressing:
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- Juice of 2 limes
- Zest of 1 lime
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Extra Zing:
- Extra lime wedges for serving
- More fresh herbs for garnish
- A pinch of smoked paprika
Instructions
Cook bacon until crispy, then crumble and set aside.
Cut corn kernels off the cob (pro tip: do this in a large bowl to catch flying kernels).
Dice avocados just before serving to keep them fresh and green.
Halve those gorgeous cherry tomatoes.
Finely dice the red onion and give it a quick rinse in cold water to tame the bite.
In a food processor or blender, combine cilantro, Greek yogurt, mayo, lime juice and zest, garlic, jalapeño (if using), and honey.
Blend until smooth and creamy.
With the motor running, slowly drizzle in olive oil.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
If it’s too thick, thin with a bit of water or more lime juice.
In a large serving bowl, gently combine corn, diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
Drizzle with about 3/4 of the dressing and toss gently.
Top with crumbled bacon, feta cheese, fresh cilantro, and basil.
Give it one final gentle toss.
Drizzle with remaining dressing or serve it on the side.
Garnish with extra herbs and a sprinkle of smoked paprika if you’re feeling fancy.
Serve with lime wedges because more citrus is never wrong.
Notes
Perfect alongside grilled chicken, fish, or steak.
Serve with tortilla chips as a fancy twist on salsa.
Pile it on top of mixed greens for a more substantial salad.
Use it as a filling for tacos or grain bowls.
Pack it for picnics (just add the avocado and dressing right before serving).
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: ~245 kcal
- Protein: ~8g