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This Fresh Corn, Avocado, and Mango Salad is bursting with delightful seasonal flavor. The delicious Citrus-Basil Vinaigrette ties it all together.
My brain's been in a whirl ever since last Saturday. In a "culinary" whirl, that is. You see, even though here in the southeastern United States, we're still having temperatures in the 80's and 90's, the calendar turned over on Saturday to September. To me, no matter what the temperatures are, it means the change of seasons. And that means yummy soups, apples, maple syrup, pumpkins, squash of all shapes, colors and varieties, cider, pecans... and on and on I could go. You know, all the delightful, uniquely "fall" tastes, smells and robust flavors that signify this lovely time of the year.
Before we totally bid adieu to summer, however, I want to share a delicious salad that we enjoyed recently. It's bursting with delightful seasonal flavor; fresh corn, avocado, juicy summer tomatoes, sweet mango, tiny green peas and lots of fresh basil. This salad is also beyond versatile! Add or subtract whatever you find or (don't find) in your crisper drawer or at the market. Sweet onion, chopped peppers, sliced zucchini, nectarines or cucumber slivers would all work well in this seasonal salad. The delicious Citrus-Basil Vinaigrette ties it all together; it's fresh and vibrant with lemons, limes and oranges. Honey, along with another generous handful of fresh basil are the ambrosial, crowning touches.
I teased you with just a few pictures of this salad on Monday, but you don't have to wait any longer. If you're like us here at The Café, you may find yourself enjoying this yummy salad more than once before the cold winds blow. Grill some chicken, steak, pork or seafood and serve it with a generous helping of Fresh Corn, Avocado, and Mango Salad. You'll find it's a perfect way to savor the last sweet vestiges of summer.
- ½ cup basil leaves packed
- 3 tablespoons lime juice
- zest of 1 lime
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- zest of 1 lemon
- ¼ cup orange juice
- zest of 1 orange
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- ½ small jalapeno finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon finely chopped ginger
- 1 clove garlic
- ½ teaspoon salt
- freshly ground black pepper to taste
- ½ cup canola or sunflower oil
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 ears fresh cooked corn* kernels cut from cobs
- 1 medium avocado peeled, cored and sliced width-wise into ¼ inch slices
- 1 medium mango peeled, cored and sliced into bite-size pieces
- 2 cups tomatoes - I used yellow heirlooms but cherry, grape or regular tomatoes (diced) would all be fine
- ½ to 1 cup tiny frozen peas (unthawed)
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Place all ingredients except oil in blender or food processor. Mix until thoroughly combined. Add oil in a thin stream while blender is on or while whisking by hand. Taste and add a bit more salt and pepper, if needed.
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Arrange all salad ingredients on a large plate or serving platter. Drizzle with Citrus-Basil Vinaigrette. Pass extra dressing at the table.
Notes: I LOVE using this method to shuck and lightly steam my corn. My friend Paula, shared it with me and I can't believe how easy and delicious it is. Check it out! You can also shuck the corn in your traditional method, then lightly steam it and allow to cool before adding to the salad.
lena says
what a gorgeous salad, chris! there's no season here but would really like to eat this with no meat! i need to shed some some pounds!
Lizzy Do says
You make the BEST salads! Another I must try...gorgeous!
Elisabeth says
Chris, I love your creative, and refreshing salad. Wish we still had mangoes here in S. Florida, but the season has been over, in August. We have our own tree and will have to wait till next year. I would make this yummy salad to add papaya to replace the mango, and just keep the rest the way you posted the recipe!
Love it...thanks for sharing:D
Cathy at Wives with Knives says
I can count on you, Chris, to have the best salad recipes anywhere! This one looks so delicious. Never would have thought of combining fresh corn and mango.
Mari @ Once Upon a Plate says
What a wonderful combination of flavors and textures ~ it looks so pretty! Thank you for sharing. ~m.
Sandra Lee says
What a delicious way to hold on to the last vestiges of summer.
Susan says
What a wonderful combination of flavors! The only sign of autumn in SoCal is that it's getting dark earlier. I do so miss the change of seasons.
Nami | Just One Cookbook says
I know, I cannot believe we're already in September. In a few months this year is over?! No way... I thought we just started not a long ago?! Anyway, we still enjoy corn, avocado, and mango, so I can enjoy your salad. The vinaigrette has so many ingredients. Must be complex and delicious!!
Angie's Recipes says
A beautiful late summer salad and perfectly delicious with a fresh basil vinaigrette.
Amelia says
Hi, very appetizing salad, love the combination. Your food pictures is excellent 🙂
Have a nice day.
Laura (Tutti Dolci) says
Beautiful salad, I love the mango and the sound of the citrus-basil vinaigrette!
Kim Garceau says
Here too it's kinda hot for this time of year... But there is some proofs of change... shorter days and the light of sun is really different. I like autumn, it means picking apple in orchard and eating comfort food again... But I,m reading to prepare your beautiful salad!
Carol @ Always Thyme to Cook says
The vinaigrette has such delicious flavors that compliments the salad. So beautiful and fresh looking!
Sue/the view from great island says
Love this salad---I'm in a confused state about the seasons myself, with 100 degree weather here in Southern CA, I'm craving all my fall faves. But it makes a lot more sense to eat up some of the great late summer produce that so cheap right now!
Paula {Salad in a Jar} says
Love the colors in this salad.
You're welcome in regards to the corn. Amazing, isn't it?!
Anna @ Crunchy Creamy Sweet says
What a gorgeous salad to end summer with! I am ready for fall too - and excited for all the flavors we get to bake with now!!! 🙂
Tricia says
I think I'm going to need this dressing and salad! Love the vinaigrette! Sounds wonderful.
Inside a British Mum's Kitchen says
What a beautiful salad! and the citrus vinaigrette sounds so zingy and refreshing. I can't quite get my head around fall - it's all happening so fast!
Mary x
Kelly Mulcair Registered Nutritionist. Content © 2011 Trinity Nutrition. says
Oh no... I'm not ready to say farewell to summer but I will say hello to this gorgeous, luminous salad!! (you are, as I've mentioned many times, the all-time Reine of salads my dear Chris) nobody does it quite like you! 🙂
Kelly Mulcair Registered Nutritionist. Content © 2011 Trinity Nutrition. says
Oh no... I'm not ready to say farewell to summer but I will say hello to this gorgeous, luminous salad!! (you are, as I've mentioned many times, the all-time Reine of salads my dear Chris) nobody does it quite like you! 🙂
France@beyondthepeel says
It looks wonderful. It seems like we're getting a second summer up where we are. It's been beautiful.
GLENDA CHILDERS says
This looks so delicious. I love finding dressing recipes without sugar.
I look forward to fall, but want to make this salad first.
See you SOON.
Fondly,
Glenda
Tanya - Three Square Meals says
What a great way to use the last of the summer mangoes and avocados!
Tanya - Three Square Meals says
What a great way to use up the last of the summer mangoes and avocados!
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
Your Citrus Basil Vinaigrette sounds amazing! I'm going to whip up a batch of it when I get home from work. You made me sad with farewell to summer! I'm not ready for it to end!!