This Street Corn Creamy Cucumber Salad is a vibrant and incredibly easy side dish that brings the irresistible flavors of Mexican street corn to a cool, crisp cucumber salad. It’s the perfect, no-cook option for summer BBQs, potlucks, or a light lunch.
Key Ingredients for Street Corn Creamy Cucumber Salad
- 4 cups of thinly sliced English cucumbers (about 2 medium cucumbers)
- 1.5 cups of fresh or frozen corn kernels, thawed if frozen
- 1/2 cup of finely chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup of crumbled cotija cheese (or feta cheese as an alternative)
- 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons of sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
- 1 tablespoon of fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon of chili powder (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional: A pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat, a drizzle of hot sauce
How to Make Street Corn Creamy Cucumber Salad
Prepare to be amazed by how effortlessly this Street Corn Creamy Cucumber Salad comes together, delivering a burst of flavor and a satisfyingly creamy texture without any cooking required! In under 15 minutes, you’ll have a dish that rivals your favorite summer salads, enhanced by zesty lime and smoky chili powder.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Start by thinly slicing your English cucumbers. Aim for consistent thickness so they cook evenly in the dressing. If you’re using fresh corn, you can either slice the kernels directly off the cob, or for a more traditional street corn flavor, you can lightly grill or pan-sear the corn kernels for a minute or two until slightly charred before adding them to the salad. Thaw frozen corn completely by running it under cool water or letting it sit at room temperature. Finely chop your red onion and fresh cilantro.
- Assemble the Salad Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, corn kernels, chopped red onion, and chopped cilantro. Gently toss to distribute the ingredients evenly.
- Create the Creamy Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), fresh lime juice, chili powder, and garlic powder. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce to the dressing and mix well. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed – you want a bright, zesty, and slightly spicy dressing.
- Combine and Chill: Pour the prepared dressing over the cucumber and corn mixture in the large bowl. Gently fold everything together until the vegetables are well coated with the creamy dressing.
- Add the Finishing Touches: Sprinkle the crumbled cotija cheese (or feta) over the salad. Again, gently toss to incorporate, or you can leave some cheese on top for garnish.
- Serve: For the best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate the Street Corn Creamy Cucumber Salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. this also helps the cucumbers release some of their moisture, creating a more cohesive salad. Serve chilled.
Why You’ll Love This Street Corn Creamy Cucumber Salad
You’ll absolutely adore this Street Corn Creamy Cucumber Salad for its incredibly refreshing and vibrant flavor profile, reminiscent of your favorite spicy and smoky Mexican street corn but in a cool, no-cook format. Imagine the sweet pop of corn, the crispness of cucumber, and the tang of lime, all brought together by a luscious, creamy dressing that’s a far cry from your average vinaigrette. It’s a budget-friendly way to elevate your summer spreads, offering a gourmet taste without the hefty restaurant price tag. The chili powder and cotija cheese add that signature street corn flair, making it a standout side that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
This salad is a fantastic alternative to heavier potato or pasta salads, perfect for those hot summer days when you crave something light yet satisfying. It’s incredibly versatile – pair it with grilled chicken, fish tacos, or burgers for a complete meal, or enjoy it as a light and healthy snack. Don’t just take our word for it; give this Street Corn Creamy Cucumber Salad a try this week and prepare to be hooked! It’s a simple yet sensational way to brighten up any meal.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Storing Leftovers:
To store leftover Street Corn Creamy Cucumber Salad, transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate immediately. The salad is best enjoyed within 2 to 3 days of preparation. Cucumbers tend to release moisture over time, so while it will remain appetizing, the texture might become slightly softer with prolonged storage.
Reheating Guidelines:
This Street Corn Creamy Cucumber Salad is designed to be served chilled and does not require reheating. If you find the dressing has thickened slightly from refrigeration, you can stir in a tablespoon of water or a splash more lime juice to loosen it up before serving.
Freezing:
Due to the high water content of cucumbers and the creamy dressing, this salad is not recommended for freezing. Freezing and thawing can significantly alter the texture, making the cucumbers mushy and the dressing separated. It’s best to prepare just enough for your immediate needs or within the 2-3 day consumption window.
Final Thoughts
This Street Corn Creamy Cucumber Salad is a delightful fusion of fresh flavors and satisfying creaminess, perfect for any occasion. We encourage you to whip up this easy, no-cook recipe and impress your friends and family with its zesty, summery taste. Enjoy!
Street Corn Creamy Cucumber Salad
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by thinly slicing your English cucumbers. Aim for consistent thickness so they cook evenly in the dressing. If you’re using fresh corn, you can either slice the kernels directly off the cob, or for a more traditional street corn flavor, you can lightly grill or pan-sear the corn kernels for a minute or two until slightly charred before adding them to the salad. Thaw frozen corn completely by running it under cool water or letting it sit at room temperature. Finely chop your red onion and fresh cilantro.4 cups thinly sliced English cucumbers, 1.5 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels, 0.5 cup finely chopped red onion, 0.25 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, corn kernels, chopped red onion, and chopped cilantro. Gently toss to distribute the ingredients evenly.4 cups thinly sliced English cucumbers, 1.5 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels, 0.5 cup finely chopped red onion, 0.25 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), fresh lime juice, chili powder, and garlic powder. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce to the dressing and mix well. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed – you want a bright, zesty, and slightly spicy dressing.2 tablespoons mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons sour cream, 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 0.25 teaspoon garlic powder, to taste salt, to taste freshly ground black pepper, pinch optional cayenne pepper, drizzle optional hot sauce
- Pour the prepared dressing over the cucumber and corn mixture in the large bowl. Gently fold everything together until the vegetables are well coated with the creamy dressing.4 cups thinly sliced English cucumbers, 1.5 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels, 0.5 cup finely chopped red onion, 0.25 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 2 tablespoons mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons sour cream, 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 0.25 teaspoon garlic powder, to taste salt, to taste freshly ground black pepper, pinch optional cayenne pepper, drizzle optional hot sauce
- Sprinkle the crumbled cotija cheese (or feta) over the salad. Again, gently toss to incorporate, or you can leave some cheese on top for garnish.0.25 cup crumbled cotija cheese
- For the best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate the Street Corn Creamy Cucumber Salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. this also helps the cucumbers release some of their moisture, creating a more cohesive salad. Serve chilled.