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To make a tasty Crack Corn Salad, gather these fresh ingredients: - 4 cups sweet corn kernels (fresh or frozen) - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 green bell pepper, diced - 1 small red onion, finely chopped - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 avocado, diced - 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped - 1/4 cup mayonnaise - 2 tablespoons lime juice - 1 teaspoon chili powder - Salt and pepper to taste Each ingredient plays a key role. The sweet corn brings a lovely crunch. Bell peppers add a crisp texture and vibrant color. Red onion gives a nice bite, while cherry tomatoes add sweetness. Diced avocado makes the salad creamy. Feta cheese adds saltiness and richness, balancing the flavors. Fresh cilantro provides a burst of freshness that ties everything together. The dressing, made of mayonnaise, lime juice, and chili powder, brings zest and creaminess. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. Choosing fresh ingredients helps create a delightful dish. If you can't find fresh corn, frozen corn works great too. This salad is perfect for summer barbecues or picnics. It’s colorful and appeals to many tastes. The mix of textures and flavors delights the senses. Enjoy making this Crack Corn Salad! {{ingredient_image_1}} You can use fresh or frozen corn for this salad. If you choose fresh corn, boil the cobs for 5-7 minutes. This makes the kernels sweet and tender. After boiling, let the corn cool down. For frozen corn, just thaw it and drain any extra water. Both options work well and save time. Once cooled, cut the kernels off the cob. Use a sharp knife and slice down the sides carefully. This step gives you juicy kernels that will mix well with the other ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, add the corn you prepared. Now, it's time to add a splash of color! Dice one red bell pepper and one green bell pepper. Finely chop a small red onion and halve a cup of cherry tomatoes. Don’t forget to dice one ripe avocado. All these veggies will make your salad bright and fresh. Next, you will create the dressing. In a separate small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons lime juice, and 1 teaspoon chili powder. Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix until it’s smooth and creamy. Pour this dressing over the corn and veggies. Gently toss the salad with a spatula. Make sure all the ingredients get coated. Be careful not to mash the avocado. After mixing, fold in 1 cup of crumbled feta cheese and 1/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro. This adds great flavor and texture. Finally, taste your salad. You might want to add more lime juice, salt, or pepper. Adjust the seasoning to match your liking. Enjoy your colorful Crack Corn Salad! - Choosing the best corn: Select sweet corn for the best flavor. Fresh corn adds a nice crunch. If fresh is not available, frozen corn works well. Just thaw it and drain excess water. - Tips for avocado freshness: Choose ripe avocados. They should be slightly soft when you press them. If you buy them hard, leave them at room temp for a few days. To keep them fresh after cutting, sprinkle lime juice on the exposed flesh. - Ensuring even seasoning: Mix your dressing well before adding it to the salad. This helps all the flavors blend together. After tossing, taste the salad. Adjust seasoning as needed with more lime juice, salt, or pepper. - Serving suggestions: Serve the salad in a large bowl or individual cups. This makes it easy for guests to grab a portion. It pairs well with grilled meats or as a picnic dish. - Garnishing options: Top the salad with extra feta cheese for a visual pop. Fresh cilantro sprinkled on top adds color and flavor. You can also add lime wedges on the side for a zesty touch. Pro Tips Use Fresh Corn: For the best flavor and texture, opt for fresh corn when it's in season. Boil it just until tender for optimal sweetness. Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like cucumber or zucchini for extra crunch and color. Just make sure to chop them finely. Chill Before Serving: Let the salad sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Adjust the Spice: If you prefer a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing for an extra layer of flavor. {{image_2}} You can switch up the cheese for a fun twist. Try goat cheese for a tangy flavor. Creamy mozzarella works well for a milder taste. Don't be afraid to mix cheeses! For veggies, you can add or swap based on your taste. Zucchini or cucumbers add great crunch. Try using sweet peas for a pop of color and sweetness. Carrots can bring nice texture too. Adding spices can change the salad's vibe. A pinch of cumin adds warmth, while smoked paprika gives a smoky kick. Fresh herbs like basil or dill can brighten things up. If you want a sweet twist, add diced mango or pineapple. These fruits will give a tropical flair. For a savory touch, consider adding cooked bacon or diced jalapeños for heat. Store leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the salad fresh and tasty. Place it in the fridge right after serving. You can enjoy it for up to three days. The corn, peppers, and dressing stay good, but the avocado may brown. To slow browning, sprinkle lime juice on the avocado before storing. You can prepare Crack Corn Salad ahead of time. Make the salad a few hours before serving. This gives the flavors time to blend. Store it in the fridge until you are ready to eat. If you want to freeze it, skip adding the avocado and feta. They do not freeze well. You can add fresh avocado and cheese when you are ready to serve. This keeps the salad bright and fresh! Crack Corn Salad is a bright and tasty side dish. It combines sweet corn with fresh veggies and creamy dressing. This dish is popular at summer picnics and barbecues. Its origins are rooted in Southern cuisine, where corn shines in many meals. The salad is colorful, featuring red and green bell peppers, red onions, and cherry tomatoes. With creamy avocado and feta cheese, it brings rich flavors. Each bite bursts with freshness and joy. Yes, you can make Crack Corn Salad ahead. Prepare the salad a few hours in advance for the best flavor. Just mix all the ingredients, except the avocado and feta cheese. The dressing can also be made early. Keep it in a separate container until serving. This keeps the salad crisp and fresh. If you want to store it overnight, add the avocado and feta just before serving. To spice up Crack Corn Salad, you have a few great options. First, add more chili powder to the dressing. You can also mix in diced jalapeños for a fresh kick. Another idea is to use a spicy mayo or hot sauce. Adjust the heat level to suit your taste. Spicy elements can really enhance the salad's flavor and make it pop! Crack Corn Salad is a fresh and tasty dish packed with vibrant ingredients. We covered the key elements, from sweet corn and colorful veggies to the creamy dressing. With tips on making it perfect and ideas for serving, you can elevate your salad game. Remember, feel free to play with the ingredients and adjust flavors as you like. This salad is all about your preferences and creativity. Enjoy making and sharing this delicious recipe!

Crack Corn Salad

A refreshing salad featuring sweet corn, colorful vegetables, and creamy feta cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups sweet corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 small red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • to taste salt and pepper

Instructions
 

  • If using fresh corn, boil the corn cobs for 5-7 minutes until tender, then let them cool. If using frozen corn, simply thaw and drain any excess water.
  • Once cooled, cut the kernels off the cob and place them in a large mixing bowl.
  • Add the diced red bell pepper, green bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, cherry tomatoes, and diced avocado to the bowl with the corn.
  • In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  • Pour the dressing over the corn and vegetable mixture, then gently toss until all the ingredients are evenly coated.
  • Fold in the crumbled feta cheese and fresh cilantro gently to avoid mashing the avocado.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more lime juice, salt, or pepper as desired.

Notes

Best served chilled. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Keyword corn, salad, vegetarian