Chilled Corn & Tomato Medley
This refreshing Chilled Corn & Tomato Medley is a delightful salad that captures the essence of summer. Featuring sweet corn and juicy grape tomatoes, this dish is elevated with creamy mozzarella and buttery avocado. Fresh cilantro adds a burst of flavor, while a zesty olive oil and lemon dressing ties it all together. This versatile salad is perfect as a stand-alone dish or as a vibrant side for any meal. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite ingredients, such as diced red onion or spicy jalapeños. For the best flavor, chill it for at least half an hour before serving.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Corn
1 1/2 cups (frozen, thawed (can also use fresh))
Grape Tomatoes
1 1/2 cups (halved)
Mozzarella Cheese
1/2 lb (cubed)
Avocado
1 (diced)
Cilantro
1/2 cup (fresh, chopped)
Olive Oil
1/4 cup (extra virgin)
Lemon Juice
1 tablespoon (freshly squeezed)
Salt
to taste
Pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
In a blender, combine the chopped cilantro, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy to create the dressing.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed corn, halved grape tomatoes, cubed mozzarella cheese, and diced avocado.
3
Pour the cilantro dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss to combine, being careful not to break the avocado pieces.
4
For best flavor, refrigerate the salad for at least 15 minutes, or up to 3 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5
Before serving, give the salad a gentle toss and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Chilled Corn & Tomato Medley?
It is a refreshing summer salad featuring sweet corn, grape tomatoes, mozzarella, and avocado with a zesty cilantro and lemon dressing.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen?
Yes, while the recipe suggests frozen thawed corn, fresh corn can also be used.
What type of tomatoes are best for this medley?
Grape tomatoes are recommended, specifically halved for bite-sized pieces.
What kind of cheese is in this salad?
The recipe calls for 1/2 lb of cubed mozzarella cheese.
How do I prepare the dressing?
In a blender, combine chopped cilantro, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper, then blend until smooth and creamy.
How long should the salad be refrigerated before serving?
For the best flavor, refrigerate the salad for at least 15 minutes and up to 3 hours.
What is the prep time for this dish?
This recipe is categorized as taking less than 15 minutes to prepare.
Can I add spicy ingredients to this salad?
Yes, you can customize the dish by adding spicy jalapeños.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this salad consists of vegetables, cheese, and a plant-based dressing.
How do I keep the avocado from breaking apart?
Gently toss the salad after adding the dressing to ensure the avocado pieces stay intact.
Can I add onions to this recipe?
Diced red onion is a suggested customization for added flavor.
What type of olive oil should I use?
The recipe recommends using extra virgin olive oil.
Do I need a blender for this recipe?
A blender is used to create a smooth and creamy cilantro dressing.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Based on the ingredients listed, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
How much corn is needed?
You will need 1 1/2 cups of corn.
How much avocado is used?
The recipe uses 1 diced avocado.
What should I do right before serving?
Give the salad a gentle toss and adjust the salt and pepper seasoning if needed.
What are the primary flavor profiles?
The salad features sweet corn, juicy tomatoes, creamy cheese and avocado, and a zesty lemon-cilantro finish.
Is this a good side dish for summer?
Yes, it is specifically described as a vibrant side dish that captures the essence of summer.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
The recipe specifies 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best taste.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 total ingredients including the seasonings.
What are the suggested tags for this dish?
Tags include salad, corn, tomato, avocado, mozzarella, side dish, summer, fresh, healthy, and quick.
How should the mozzarella be prepared?
The mozzarella cheese should be cubed.
Can this be eaten as a main dish?
Yes, it is versatile enough to be served as a stand-alone light meal.
What is the purpose of chilling the salad?
Chilling allows the various flavors of the ingredients and dressing to meld together.
Is there a specific amount of salt and pepper to use?
Salt and pepper should be added 'to taste'.
How much cilantro is required?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of fresh, chopped cilantro.
Can I make this more than 3 hours in advance?
The instructions recommend a maximum of 3 hours for chilling to maintain optimal texture.
What is the texture of the dressing?
The dressing becomes smooth and creamy after blending the cilantro and oil.