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Craving a vibrant, flavorful salad that’s both creamy and refreshing? Look no further! This Street Corn Creamy Cucumber Salad is the perfect dish to brighten up any meal. Inspired by the popular Mexican street corn, this salad combines the sweetness of grilled corn with the coolness of cucumber in a luscious, creamy dressing. It’s a delightful twist on classic summer flavors, ready in just minutes. Let’s dive into this easy and irresistible recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Street Corn Creamy Cucumber Salad

Get ready to fall in love with this salad! It’s not just another side dish; it’s a flavor explosion that will leave you wanting more.

Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Bursting with Flavor: The combination of sweet corn, cool cucumber, and zesty dressing is simply irresistible.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit at potlucks, BBQs, and summer gatherings.
Budget-Friendly: Made with simple, affordable ingredients.
Versatile: Easily customizable to suit your taste preferences.
Refreshing: The creamy cucumber base offers a cooling contrast to the grilled corn.
Healthy(ish): Packed with veggies and balanced with a creamy dressing.
Elevated Street Food: Takes the beloved flavors of Mexican street corn and transforms them into a sophisticated salad.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s what you’ll need to create this culinary masterpiece. Don’t worry; the ingredients are easy to find, and we’ll give you some helpful tips along the way!

For the Corn:

4 ears of corn, husked
2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml)
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Creamy Cucumber Salad:

1 large cucumber, peeled, seeded, and diced
1/2 cup mayonnaise (120ml) – Use a high-quality mayo for best flavor.
1/4 cup sour cream (60ml) – Greek yogurt can be substituted for a tangier taste.
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (a small bunch) – Fresh cilantro is key for that vibrant flavor!
2 tablespoons lime juice (30ml) – Freshly squeezed is always best.
1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional) – For a kick, leave some seeds in!
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (1.25ml)
Salt and pepper to taste

Pro Tip: For an extra layer of flavor, try grilling the jalapeño alongside the corn. This adds a smoky depth to the salad.

Consider sourcing your cilantro from a local farmer’s market for the freshest taste. Toasting the garlic powder in a dry pan for a minute enhances its aroma before adding it to the dressing.

YOU MIGHT LOVE: Avocado Chickpea and Cucumber Salad with Cilantro Dressing – A zesty twist for spice lovers.

Essential Equipment List

Make sure you have these tools ready to go before you start. Having the right equipment can make all the difference!

Grill or Oven: For perfectly charred corn. An outdoor grill is ideal, but an oven works great too.
Knife: A sharp knife for dicing the cucumber and cutting the corn kernels.
Cutting Board: To protect your countertops while prepping.
Large Bowl: For mixing all the ingredients together.
Whisk: To ensure the dressing is smooth and creamy.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.

Optional: A corn stripper can make removing the kernels from the cob much easier.

Street corn and cucumber salad with creamy dressing.

Recipe Details

Here’s a quick overview of the recipe details to help you plan your cooking session:

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
Total Time: 30-35 minutes
Servings: 6
Difficulty: Easy

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your own Street Corn Creamy Cucumber Salad. Each step is designed to ensure a delicious and successful outcome!

Prepare the Corn

Preheat: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using an oven, preheat to 400°F (200°C).
Prep the Corn: Brush the husked corn with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

Grill or Roast the Corn

Grill: Grill the corn for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the kernels are slightly charred and cooked through.
Roast (Alternative): Roast the corn in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, turning halfway through.

Cool and Cut the Kernels

Cool: Let the corn cool slightly before handling.
Cut: Use a knife to carefully cut the kernels off the cob.

Prepare the Cucumber

Prep: While the corn is cooking, peel, seed, and dice the cucumber into small pieces.
Drain (Optional): If the cucumber seems watery, you can gently squeeze out excess moisture with a paper towel.

Make the Creamy Dressing

Whisk: In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, chopped cilantro, lime juice, minced jalapeño (if using), garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Taste and Adjust: Adjust seasoning to your liking. Add more lime juice for tanginess or jalapeño for heat.

Combine and Chill

Combine: Add the diced cucumber and grilled corn kernels to the bowl with the creamy dressing.
Toss: Gently toss to combine until everything is well coated.
Chill (Optional): Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serve

Final Toss: Before serving, give the salad a final toss.
Taste and Adjust: Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Serve Cold: Serve cold and enjoy! Garnish with extra cilantro or a sprinkle of chili powder.

CHECK OUT: Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad – A simple, elegant, and refreshing salad perfect for any occasion.

Tips for Success

Here are a few extra tips to ensure your salad is a smashing success!

- Don’t Overcook the Corn: Slightly charred is perfect, but burnt corn can taste bitter.
- Taste as You Go: Adjust the dressing to your preference. More lime for tang, more jalapeño for heat.
- Chill Before Serving: This allows the flavors to meld together for a more cohesive and delicious salad.

Close-up of vibrant, colorful street corn cucumber salad.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cilantro and lime juice make a huge difference in the overall flavor.
Seed the Cucumber: Removing the seeds prevents the salad from becoming too watery.

Variations & Substitutions

Want to mix things up? Here are some fun variations to try!

Vegan: Use vegan mayonnaise and sour cream alternatives.
Spicier: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing.
Cheesy: Sprinkle crumbled cotija cheese or feta cheese on top for a salty, cheesy twist.
Herby: Add other fresh herbs like dill or parsley for a different flavor profile.
Sweet: Add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the dressing for a touch of sweetness.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings with Street Corn Creamy Cucumber Salad

This salad is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of dishes. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Grilled Meats: Perfect alongside grilled chicken, steak, or shrimp.
Tacos: Use it as a topping for tacos or as a side dish.
Sandwiches: Add a scoop to your favorite sandwich for extra flavor and crunch.
BBQs: A great addition to any BBQ spread, offering a refreshing contrast to heavier dishes.

Health Benefits

This salad isn’t just delicious; it’s also packed with nutrients!

Corn: Provides fiber and antioxidants.
Cucumber: Hydrating and low in calories.
Cilantro: Rich in vitamins and minerals.
Lime Juice: A good source of Vitamin C and antioxidants.

Plus, the fresh vegetables provide essential vitamins and minerals, making it a guilt-free addition to your meal.

Storage & Reheating

Here’s how to store and enjoy leftovers:

Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Not recommended for reheating. Best served cold.
Freezing: Freezing is not recommended as the texture of the cucumber and dressing may change.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does this salad last in the fridge?

This salad is best enjoyed within 3 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this salad a few hours ahead of time. However, for the best texture, add the dressing just before serving.

Can I use frozen corn?

Absolutely! Just thaw the corn and pat it dry before grilling or roasting.

Can I substitute the sour cream with something else?

Yes, you can use Greek yogurt or crème fraîche as a substitute for sour cream.

What if I don’t have a grill?

No problem! You can roast the corn in the oven or even cook it in a skillet on the stovetop.

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely! Bell peppers, red onion, or cherry tomatoes would be great additions.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, this salad is naturally gluten-free.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 250
Total Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 20mg
Sodium: 300mg
Total Carbohydrate: 25g
Dietary Fiber: 5g
Sugars: 10g
Protein: 5g

More Delicious Dishes to Explore

Craving more vibrant and flavorful salads? Check out these gems!

Mango Cucumber Salad with Blueberries and Avocado – A refreshing and fruity salad perfect for summer.
Tasty Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad – A pasta twist on the classic street corn flavors.
Chickpea Avocado Cucumber Salad with Lemon Dressing – A light and healthy salad that’s easy to make.

Conclusion

This Street Corn Creamy Cucumber Salad is a quick, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whip it up tonight and tag us with your masterpiece! Share this recipe with your friends and family who would love it! Join our vibrant community on Facebook and Pinterest for daily recipe inspiration, cooking tips, and more tasty ideas! Happy cooking!

Street Corn Creamy Cucumber Salad