If you are craving a fresh dish that bursts with flavor, the Street Corn Cucumber Salad Recipe is an absolute must-try. This vibrant salad combines crisp cucumbers and sweet corn with zesty lime and creamy cotija cheese, creating a harmony of texture and taste that feels like a celebration in every bite. It’s an effortless way to bring bold, street food-inspired flavors into your home kitchen, perfect for warm days or whenever you want a bright, refreshing side dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This salad comes together with a handful of simple, everyday ingredients that pack a punch both in flavor and color. Each component plays a role in giving the dish its distinctive crunch, creaminess, or zing that you’ll love.
- 2 medium cucumbers, sliced: The cool, crisp base adding freshness and crunch.
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed: Sweet kernels that bring the classic street corn vibe to the salad.
- 1/2 cup cotija cheese, crumbled: A salty, slightly tangy cheese that adds richness and depth.
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped: Bright herbal notes that elevate every bite with freshness.
- 2 – 3 tablespoons mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and helps marry the flavors beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon lime juice: Provides an essential citrus tang to brighten the dish.
- 1 clove garlic, minced: Brings subtle warmth and savory punch.
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder: Adds just the right hint of smoky heat without overpowering.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: To season perfectly and bring out all the flavors.
How to Make Street Corn Cucumber Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Cucumbers
Start by slicing your cucumbers into thin, even rounds. The thin slices keep the salad light and allow the dressing to cling to every piece. Transfer them into a large salad bowl to make mixing easy later on.
Step 2: Add the Sweet Corn
Next, add the thawed corn kernels straight into the bowl with your cucumbers. The natural sweetness from the corn balances wonderfully with the crisp cucumbers and sets the stage for the creamy dressing.
Step 3: Sprinkle Cheese and Cilantro
Sprinkle the crumbled cotija cheese and chopped fresh cilantro over the top. Cotija’s salty, crumbly texture pairs perfectly with the fresh herbs, adding those signature street corn vibes you’re aiming for.
Step 4: Whip Up the Dressing
In a separate small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, lime juice, minced garlic, chili powder, salt, and pepper until the dressing is smooth and well combined. This creamy, tangy dressing is the heart of the salad and will glue all the flavors together beautifully.
Step 5: Combine and Toss
Pour the dressing over your cucumber, corn, cheese, and cilantro mixture. Gently toss everything together, making sure every slice of cucumber and kernel of corn is luxuriously coated in that flavorful dressing.
Step 6: Taste and Adjust
Give your Street Corn Cucumber Salad Recipe a quick taste and tweak the seasoning as needed. Whether it’s a pinch more chili powder for heat or an extra squeeze of lime for brightness, this step makes sure your salad tastes just right.
How to Serve Street Corn Cucumber Salad Recipe
Garnishes
For a finishing touch, sprinkle some extra cotija cheese or fresh cilantro leaves on top. A few thin lime wedges on the side invite your guests to add their own bright zest. If you like a little crunch, a handful of toasted pepitas can be a fantastic addition.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, tacos, or a spicy black bean burger. The creaminess and fresh flavors provide a cooling contrast that makes it a standout alongside almost any main dish. It’s also perfect for a picnic or barbecue thanks to its easy, no-cook preparation.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, serve this salad in clear glass bowls or mason jars to showcase its vibrant colors. You can also scoop it into individual lettuce cups as a light appetizer or stack it neatly on tostadas for a unique twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Because of the fresh cucumber, it’s best enjoyed sooner rather than later to maintain its crisp texture and bright flavors.
Freezing
This salad is not ideal for freezing due to the high water content in cucumbers and corn. Freezing will alter the texture and can make it watery upon thawing, so it’s best to prepare it fresh.
Reheating
Since this is a cold salad designed to be served fresh, reheating is not recommended. Enjoy it chilled straight from the fridge for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh corn, especially when in season, will elevate the sweetness and texture of the salad even more. Just boil or grill the corn ears, then cut the kernels off before adding them in.
Is there a dairy-free alternative to cotija cheese?
You can substitute cotija with a sprinkle of nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese crumble for a similar salty, tangy boost without dairy.
How spicy is this salad?
The chili powder adds a mild, smoky heat that enhances the flavors without overwhelming them. Feel free to adjust the amount or use a milder spice if you prefer less heat.
Can I make this salad vegan?
Yes! Replace the mayonnaise with a vegan mayo and skip the cotija cheese or substitute it with a vegan cheese alternative to keep the creaminess and flavor profile.
What is the best way to slice cucumbers?
Using a sharp knife or mandoline slicer to create thin, even rounds helps the salad come together nicely and ensures each bite is perfectly coated with dressing.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Street Corn Cucumber Salad Recipe — it’s fresh, zesty, creamy, and packed with flavors that make you want to come back for seconds. Whether you’re looking for a quick side dish, a crowd-pleaser for your next gathering, or just a delightful way to enjoy simple ingredients, this salad delivers with style and ease. I hope you give it a try and discover a new favorite to brighten up your meals!
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Street Corn Cucumber Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 0m
- Total Time: 0h 15m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This vibrant Street Corn Cucumber Salad combines crisp cucumber slices with sweet corn kernels, tangy cotija cheese, and fresh cilantro, all tossed in a zesty lime and chili mayo dressing. It’s a refreshing, no-cook side dish perfect for summer gatherings or a quick, flavorful snack.
Ingredients
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
Instructions
- Prepare Cucumbers: Begin by slicing the cucumbers into thin rounds and place them in a large salad bowl.
- Add Corn: Add the thawed corn kernels into the bowl with the cucumbers.
- Add Cheese and Herbs: Sprinkle the crumbled cotija cheese and chopped cilantro over the cucumber and corn mixture.
- Make Dressing: In a small separate bowl, combine the mayonnaise, lime juice, minced garlic, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well until the dressing is smooth and fully mixed.
- Combine Salad and Dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients in the large bowl.
- Toss Salad: Toss everything together gently until all the ingredients are well-coated with the dressing.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or chili powder if desired.
Notes
- Use fresh corn kernels if available for an even sweeter taste.
- Chill the salad for 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld.
- The salad is best served fresh but can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.
- For a lighter version, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
