This Corn and Avocado Salad with Bacon is one of my favorite quick, fresh side dishes. It combines sweet, crunchy corn with creamy avocado and smoky, crisp bacon, plus a touch of jalapeño for heat. A tangy dressing made from lime juice, rice wine vinegar, mayonnaise, honey, and a bit of BBQ rub brings everything together. It’s ideal for summer barbecues, weeknight dinners, or anytime you want a light but flavorful dish. The recipe is flexible: use fresh, grilled, frozen, or well-drained canned corn depending on what’s available. The salad stores well for a day or two when kept chilled; add the avocado and dressing just before serving for the best texture and color.

Why You’ll Love Corn and Avocado Salad with Bacon
- Fresh and flavorful: Sweet corn, creamy avocado, and smoky bacon make a satisfying combination.
- Quick to prepare: Minimal steps and common ingredients make this a go-to for busy days.
- Flexible: Use fresh, frozen, grilled, or canned corn depending on convenience.
- Perfect for warm weather: Light and refreshing, yet hearty enough as a side or light meal.
- Flavor twist: A touch of BBQ rub in the dressing adds a subtle smoky depth.

Ingredients Needed To Make Corn and Avocado Salad with Bacon
See the recipe card below for exact measurements and serving details.
- Corn (fresh, grilled, frozen, or canned)
- Bacon, cooked and chopped
- Jalapeño, chopped (deseed to reduce heat)
- Sweet peppers, chopped
- Avocados, diced
- Cilantro, chopped
- Mayonnaise
- Kosher salt and black pepper
- Lime juice
- Rice wine vinegar
- Honey
- BBQ rub (or a simple mix of paprika, garlic powder, brown sugar, and a pinch of cayenne)

How To Make Corn and Avocado Salad with Bacon
- If using fresh corn, boil until just tender, then cool and cut the kernels off. Alternatively, grill the cobs for a smoky flavor.
- Whisk the dressing: combine mayonnaise, rice wine vinegar, lime juice, honey, kosher salt, black pepper, and a tablespoon of BBQ rub (or the substitute blend) until smooth.
- Add the corn, chopped bacon, jalapeño, sweet peppers, diced avocado, and cilantro to a large bowl.
- Toss gently until everything is evenly coated in the dressing. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or lime as needed.
- Serve immediately or chill briefly. For best texture and color, add avocado and dressing just before serving if preparing ahead of time.




Commonly Asked Questions
How spicy is this salad?
The jalapeño adds a mild to moderate kick depending on how much of the seeds and membranes you include. Remove the seeds for a milder result.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes. You can prepare components in advance, but add the avocado and dressing right before serving to prevent browning and sogginess.
How should I store leftovers?
Keep leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 1–2 days. Stir before serving; the avocado may darken slightly but will still be tasty.
Can I change ingredients?
Absolutely. Add cherry tomatoes, cucumber, or swap bacon for grilled chicken or a plant-based protein to suit your preferences.
What if I don’t have BBQ rub?
Mix paprika, garlic powder, brown sugar, and a pinch of cayenne as a quick substitute to recreate a similar flavor.
Can I grill the corn instead of boiling it?
Yes—grilling the corn gives a delightful smoky char. Cool the cobs before cutting off the kernels.
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Corn and Avocado Salad with Bacon
Danielle Cochran
Pin Recipe
Equipment
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Mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 4 cups corn
- ½ cup bacon, cooked and chopped
- 1 jalapeño, chopped (deseed if less heat is desired)
- ½ cup sweet peppers, chopped
- 2 avocados, diced
- ½ cup cilantro, chopped
- 3 tbsp mayonnaise
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 3 limes, juiced
- 1 tsp rice wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp Weekend BBQ Rub (or substitute)
Instructions
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If using fresh corn, boil until just fork tender. Cool before cutting the kernels off. Grilling the corn is optional for added smokiness.
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Whisk together mayonnaise, rice wine vinegar, lime juice, honey, kosher salt, black pepper, and BBQ rub in a bowl to make the dressing.
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Add corn, bacon, jalapeño, sweet peppers, avocado, and cilantro to the bowl and toss gently to coat. Serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 48g
Protein: 11g
Fat: 37g
This Corn and Avocado Salad with Bacon is fresh, balanced, and easy to prepare. The combination of textures and bright flavors makes it a reliable favorite for gatherings or a simple dinner side. It’s quick to toss together and adapts easily to what you have on hand.
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