Street Corn Cucumber Salad Recipe

If you are craving a fresh, vibrant, and utterly delicious salad that balances creamy, tangy, and spicy notes, then you are going to love this Street Corn Cucumber Salad Recipe. It’s a delightful twist on classic street corn, combining the cool crunch of cucumbers with sweet corn, zesty lime, and a sprinkle of cotija cheese for that authentic Mexican flair. This salad not only brightens up any meal but also brings a rainbow of textures and flavors that will keep you coming back for more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Street Corn Cucumber Salad Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to add color, texture, and a burst of flavor, making the dish incredibly refreshing and easy to prepare. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 medium cucumbers, sliced: These add a crisp, cooling crunch that balances the creamy dressing perfectly.
• 1 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed: Sweet and tender, corn is the heart of the salad and brings that classic street corn vibe.
• 1/2 cup cotija cheese, crumbled: This salty, crumbly cheese delivers authentic Mexican flavor and a delicious contrast to the cucumber.
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped: Bright and herbal, cilantro ties everything together with its vibrant green color and fresh taste.
• 2 -3 tablespoons mayonnaise: The base for the creamy dressing, mayonnaise helps bind the ingredients with richness.
• 1 tablespoon lime juice: Adds a zesty tang that lifts the flavors and keeps the salad light.
• 1 clove garlic, minced: Adds a subtle punch of flavor without overpowering the freshness of the salad.
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder: Introduces a mild heat that brings warmth to the dish.
• Salt and pepper, to taste: Enhances every element and ensures the seasoning is just right.

How to Make Street Corn Cucumber Salad Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cucumbers

Start by washing and slicing the cucumbers into thin rounds. The thinner the slices, the better they absorb the dressing and mix with the other textures. Place the sliced cucumbers in a large salad bowl, which will be used for tossing everything together later.

Step 2: Add the Corn Kernels

Next, add the thawed frozen corn kernels into the bowl with the cucumbers. Using thawed frozen corn gives you the sweet, juicy burst of fresh corn without the hassle of cooking fresh ears, making this salad perfect for any time of year.

Step 3: Mix in Cotija Cheese and Cilantro

Sprinkle the crumbled cotija cheese and chopped fresh cilantro evenly over the cucumber and corn mixture. The cotija adds a salty tang, while the cilantro introduces an herby brightness that elevates the dish.

Step 4: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, lime juice, minced garlic, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly until the dressing is smooth and all the ingredients are blended seamlessly. This creamy, zesty dressing is what brings the salad’s flavors together beautifully.

Step 5: Toss the Salad

Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients in the big bowl. Gently toss everything together until each slice of cucumber and kernel of corn is fully coated with the creamy dressing. This ensures every bite is a perfect combination of flavors and textures.

Step 6: Adjust the Seasoning

Give the salad a quick taste and add more salt, pepper, or chili powder depending on your preference. This step lets you customize the heat and seasoning level, making the salad just how you like it.

Step 7: Serve or Chill

This salad is fantastic served immediately for that fresh crunch, or you can refrigerate it for up to an hour to allow the flavors to meld together more deeply. Both ways taste delicious and refreshing.

How to Serve Street Corn Cucumber Salad Recipe

Garnishes

Enhance your Street Corn Cucumber Salad Recipe with a sprinkle of extra cotija cheese or a few whole cilantro leaves on top for an eye-catching presentation. A light dusting of chili powder over the final dish adds a pop of color and extra kick.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, tacos, or even as a vibrant side to your barbecue spread. The cool cucumber and creamy dressing provide a perfect contrast to spicy or smoky main dishes.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this salad in small mason jars for a fun picnic treat or as a colorful component on a taco bar. You can also scoop it into crunchy tortilla bowls for a festive presentation that doubles as an edible container.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 2 days, but keep in mind the cucumbers may release some water. Give the salad a gentle stir before serving again.

Freezing

Because of the fresh cucumbers and creamy dressing, freezing this salad is not recommended. Freezing would change the texture negatively once thawed, resulting in watery and mushy ingredients.

Reheating

This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating is unnecessary. Simply take it out of the fridge about 10-15 minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture.

FAQs

Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh corn, cooked and cut off the cob, works wonderfully and adds an extra layer of sweetness and crunch to the salad. Just be sure to cool the corn before mixing it in.

Is there a substitute for cotija cheese?

If you can’t find cotija cheese, feta cheese is a great alternative. It’s similarly crumbly and salty, providing a comparable flavor profile.

How spicy is this salad?

The chili powder adds a mild warmth rather than intense heat. You can adjust the amount to suit your taste, or leave it out entirely if you prefer a milder flavor.

Can I make this salad vegan?

Yes! Replace the mayonnaise with a vegan mayo and swap cotija cheese for a plant-based cheese alternative or simply omit it for a lighter version.

How long does it take to prepare this salad?

This Street Corn Cucumber Salad Recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus optional chilling time if you want to let the flavors mingle a bit before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Street Corn Cucumber Salad Recipe is such a joyful and easy dish to make, bursting with fresh flavors and textures. Whether you’re looking for a vibrant side for your next barbecue or a light solo snack, this salad delivers a big punch of satisfaction with every bite. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover your own favorite ways to enjoy it!

Street Corn Cucumber Salad Recipe

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4.1 from 29 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A vibrant and refreshing Street Corn Cucumber Salad featuring crisp cucumbers, sweet corn, tangy cotija cheese, and a creamy, zesty dressing. This easy no-cook salad combines fresh ingredients with Mexican-inspired flavors, making it a perfect side dish or light snack.

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Ingredients

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Salad Ingredients

• 2 medium cucumbers, sliced
• 1 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed
• 1/2 cup cotija cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Dressing Ingredients

• 2 – 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Slice the Cucumbers: Begin by slicing the cucumbers into thin rounds and place them in a large salad bowl to form the base of your salad.
2. Add Corn Kernels: Add the thawed corn kernels to the bowl with the cucumbers, distributing evenly.
3. Add Cheese and Cilantro: Sprinkle the crumbled cotija cheese and chopped fresh cilantro over the cucumber and corn mixture for flavor and color.
4. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, lime juice, minced garlic, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well until the dressing is smooth and fully mixed.
5. Combine Salad with Dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients in the large bowl.
6. Toss Gently: Toss everything together gently until all the ingredients are well-coated with the creamy dressing.
7. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the salad and add more salt, pepper, or chili powder if needed according to your preference.
8. Chill or Serve: Serve immediately for the freshest crunch, or refrigerate for up to one hour to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. Enjoy your refreshing street corn cucumber salad!

Notes

• You can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter dressing.
• Use fresh corn if available by grilling or boiling and then cutting kernels off the cob.
• Adjust chili powder amount to suit your spice tolerance.
• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days for best freshness.
• Adding a pinch of smoked paprika can enhance the smoky flavor reminiscent of traditional street corn.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: Mexican