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Here’s my sunny-day favorite side: a bright mix of corn and peaches with chunks of avocado, a zip of lime, and a slick of honey. No oven or stove time—just toss, chop, and stir. Quick to throw together and always a crowd-pleaser. Whatever you do, expect it to disappear fast at the party—people won’t stop asking for how you made it.
I first shared this at a Fourth of July potluck and it vanished before the hot dogs were ready. Now, my friends call dibs on it for every summer get-together at their place.
Vivid Ingredients
- Corn on the cob: The base for all the other flavors Crisp and sweet in every bite Try to grab the freshest cobs you can in summer
- Red onion: Finely diced for a punchy bite Pick firm ones that have deep color
- Peaches: Juicy with a burst of summertime sweetness Go for peaches that are ripe but keep their shape when chopped
- Cilantro: Lends a green, zesty vibe Make sure the leaves look bright, not wilted
- Jalapeño: Offers just the right amount of kick Take the seeds out if you want it milder, and pick ones that are shiny
- Lime juice: Kicks up the dressing flavor Use freshly squeezed for best zing
- Honey: Makes the dressing sweet and brings the other flavors together Choose raw honey if you’ve got it
- Avocado: Creamy and rich, perfect against the crunch Pick avocados that yield a bit when pressed
- Salt and black pepper: Brings the flavors to life Use a flaky or coarse salt for a flavor boost
Simple Steps
- Toss It All Together:
- Combine your corn kernels, diced peaches, cilantro, jalapeño, and onion in a big bowl. Pour in your dressing and gently stir so everything gets coated. Taste, and if you think it needs salt, sprinkle some now. Stir again, keeping the fruit pieces whole.
- Whip Up the Zesty Dressing:
- Use a small bowl to mix together honey and fresh lime juice. Whisk until the honey’s fully mixed in and it looks shiny. Add some black pepper if you like things a bit spicy.
- Stick in the Fridge:
- Cover up your bowl and pop it in the fridge for ten to twenty minutes. This chill time lets everything soak up flavor and stay snappy.
- Get Your Corn Ready:
- Boil or steam your corn how you like then let it cool off—don’t toss it in hot or your fruit will wilt. Cut off the kernels and drop them in your mixing bowl.
- Add Avocado and Serve:
- Only mix in the avocado at the last minute or layer it on top for extra style points. Eat right away for the best crunch!
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The zingy honey lime dressing makes the whole thing pop. My kids love to help whisk it and pour it all over at the end. I always keep some to splash on grilled veggies later—that stuff is gold.
Smart Storage
Pack leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge and eat within two days. It’s best to wait and add your avocado at the last minute since it browns fast. Want a head start? Toss diced avocado with lime juice and keep it separate until serving.
Swap-Out Ideas
No yellow peaches? Use nectarines or white peaches instead. You can give it a fresh spin by subbing in mint or basil for cilantro. For less heat, halve a bell pepper and chop it finely instead of jalapeño.
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Fun Pairings
This shines next to grilled shrimp or chicken for a chill dinner. Try it stuffed in tacos or spooned on warm rice. Want another layer of flavor? Crumble in feta or goat cheese if you like a tangy kick.
Cultural Backstory
You’ll find these fresh corn salads during summer all over the Americas. Corn and stone fruit like peaches both go way back in Native farming traditions. And if you’ve had a classic Southern honey-lime dressing before, you know it’s the easiest way to make all that produce pop with some sweet brightness.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use frozen or canned corn?
Fresh corn pops best, but frozen or canned work too. Drain and dry them first then toss in.
- → How do I keep the avocado from browning?
Slice up the avocado just before serving, and toss it with some lime juice so it stays green and fresh.
- → What can I substitute for cilantro?
If you’re not into cilantro, try basil or parsley instead. They go just as well with the sweet and tangy flavors.
- → Is this dish served cold or at room temperature?
It's tastiest cold. Pop it in the fridge for a bit after mixing for even better crunch and taste.
- → How spicy is the jalapeño?
No seeds means just a hint of heat. Want it milder? Use half or skip it. Totally your call.
- → Can I make this in advance?
Mix everything but the avocado ahead. Toss that in last so it stays nice and creamy when you serve.