Celebrate the flavors of summer with this vibrant Summer Corn and Zucchini Salad with Avocado Lime Dressing. Fresh corn and zucchini, paired with juicy cherry tomatoes and aromatic herbs, create a colorful and delicious base. The creamy avocado lime dressing adds a zesty, tangy twist, perfect for the season’s bounty. Ideal as a refreshing side dish or light main course, this salad captures the essence of summer’s best produce in every bite.
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
- 4 ears of fresh corn, husked and kernels removed
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into half-moons
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup crumbled vegan feta cheese (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Avocado Lime Dressing:
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 garlic clove
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1-2 tablespoons water to thin the dressing, if needed
Instructions:
- Cook the Corn: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the corn kernels and cook for 3-4 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside to cool.
- Cook the Zucchini: In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced zucchini and cook until tender and slightly golden, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, then remove from heat and let cool.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a blender or food processor, combine the avocado, lime juice, olive oil, garlic, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth. Add water a tablespoon at a time until the dressing reaches your desired consistency.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooked corn, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, red onion, basil, and parsley. Gently toss to mix.
- Add Dressing: Drizzle the avocado lime dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients.
- Garnish and Serve: Top with crumbled vegan feta cheese if desired. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to an hour to allow flavors to meld.