Corn, Avocado, and Quinoa Salad with Marinated Tomatoes: A Summer Delight

As a culinary enthusiast, I’ve always been fascinated by the magic that simple, fresh ingredients can create. This recipe for Corn, Avocado, and Quinoa Salad with Marinated Tomatoes is a testament to that magic. It’s a unique blend of fresh corn, creamy avocado, nutty quinoa, and juicy marinated tomatoes, all brought together with a burst of fresh herbs. I assure you, this recipe is easy to follow, and giving it a try will convince you of its delightful simplicity.

Prep time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Total time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

• Salad:
  • 1 cup quinoa, uncooked
  • 4 ears raw sweet corn, kernels cut off the cob
  • 1–2 cups marinated tomatoes
  • 1 shallot, minced
  • Lots of fresh cilantro and chives, minced
  • 1–2 limes, juice and zest
  • Olive oil to taste
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 cup Cotija cheese (optional)
  • 1–2 avocados, diced
• Marinated Tomatoes:
  • 1 pound cherry or grape tomatoes, halved or quartered
  • 1 clove garlic, finely grated
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon freshly minced herbs (I like parsley)
  • Salt to taste (I use about 1/2 – 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt)

Instructions

1. Cook quinoa according to package directions.
2. Prepare marinated tomatoes.
3. Toss cooled quinoa with corn, tomatoes and juice, shallots, herbs, lime juice and zest, olive oil, and salt.
4. The mixture will hold up pretty well for a few hours in the fridge (or even for a day or two, if you don’t mind that it will look a little less perky). Wait to toss in your avocado and cheese just before serving for optimal freshness, and if it’s been sitting for a while, give it one more salt / oil / lime juice treatment to wake it all up.

Serving Serve this delightful salad on its own or as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish. It’s perfect for a summer picnic or a family dinner.

Nutritional Information Please note that the nutritional information can vary depending on the specific ingredients used. It’s always a good idea to calculate the nutritional information based on the ingredients and quantities you have used.

Enjoy this delightful summer salad!