This Street Corn Meets Creamy Cucumber Salad is a delightful fusion of smoky grilled corn and crisp, refreshing cucumber, all enveloped in a creamy, tangy dressing. The addition of fresh cilantro and a hint of lime elevates the flavors, making it a perfect side dish for summer gatherings or a light, satisfying meal on its own.
The combination of textures—from the crunch of the cucumber to the sweetness of the corn and the creaminess of the dressing—offers a delightful eating experience. Whether served alongside grilled meats or enjoyed as a standalone dish, this salad brings the essence of summer to your table.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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2 cups grilled corn kernels (from about 3 ears of corn)
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1 large English cucumber, diced
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½ red onion, finely chopped
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¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
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¼ cup mayonnaise
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¼ cup sour cream
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1 tablespoon lime juice
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½ teaspoon chili powder
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½ teaspoon smoked paprika
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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⅓ cup crumbled feta or cotija cheese (optional)
Directions:
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If using fresh corn on the cob, brush the ears lightly with oil and grill them over medium-high heat until charred in spots. Let the corn cool, then slice the kernels off the cob. Alternatively, sauté frozen corn in a dry skillet until it gets a bit of color.
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Dice the cucumber into small bite-sized pieces and finely chop the red onion.
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In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the grilled corn, cucumber, red onion, and chopped cilantro.
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Pour the dressing over the top and gently mix until everything is evenly coated.
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Sprinkle in the crumbled feta or cotija cheese, if using.
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Chill the salad in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes (if grilling corn)
Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: Approximately 180 kcal per serving
Servings: 4 servings
The Perfect Summer Salad: A Fusion of Flavors and Textures
Summer is all about fresh, vibrant, and easy-to-make dishes that celebrate the bounty of the season. This salad featuring grilled street corn combined with creamy cucumber perfectly captures that essence. It’s a refreshing, bright, and flavorful side dish that can complement anything from backyard barbecues to casual family dinners. The marriage of smoky grilled corn and crisp cucumber creates a delightful contrast, both in texture and taste, that is hard to resist. This salad is not only delicious but also visually stunning, with colorful ingredients that brighten up any plate.
The Role of Grilled Corn in the Salad
Grilled corn is the star ingredient here, offering a smoky sweetness that brings a depth of flavor to the salad. When corn is grilled, the natural sugars caramelize, creating those delightful charred spots that add a subtle smoky nuance. This elevates the salad from being just a simple vegetable dish to something with a smoky, slightly sweet backbone. The corn’s juicy kernels provide bursts of flavor and a satisfying chew, making every bite interesting. Using fresh corn on the cob during the summer ensures peak sweetness and crunch, but you can also use frozen corn, lightly sautéed to mimic that grilled texture if fresh corn is unavailable.
The Creamy, Cooling Contrast of Cucumber
Cucumber offers a refreshing counterbalance to the smoky corn. Its crisp texture and high water content help to lighten the dish and make it incredibly refreshing. The creamy dressing—made from mayonnaise and sour cream—wraps the cucumber and corn in a luscious, tangy coating that binds all the flavors together. The cooling effect of cucumber cuts through the richness of the dressing and the heat from the chili powder, creating a harmonious blend that is both satisfying and refreshing. This creamy element makes the salad more indulgent without overpowering the fresh ingredients.
The Importance of Fresh Herbs and Citrus
Fresh cilantro adds an herbal brightness that lifts the entire salad, infusing it with an earthy, slightly citrusy note that complements both the corn and cucumber. The use of lime juice introduces acidity and tang, which are essential to balance the richness of the creamy dressing and the sweetness of the corn. This acidity also helps to brighten all the flavors, making the salad taste fresher and more vibrant. The addition of chili powder and smoked paprika provides warmth and a mild smoky heat that contrasts beautifully with the cooling cucumber and creamy base. This combination of fresh herbs, citrus, and spices is what transforms a simple salad into a complex, layered dish.
Versatility and Serving Suggestions
One of the greatest strengths of this salad is its versatility. It works beautifully as a side dish for grilled meats like chicken, steak, or fish, adding a fresh, bright element to heavier, savory plates. It also pairs wonderfully with vegetarian and vegan meals, especially when you omit the cheese or substitute the mayonnaise and sour cream with plant-based alternatives. This salad can be served as part of a picnic, potluck, or casual dinner party. It’s a crowd-pleaser that can be prepared ahead of time, making it convenient for busy hosts.
You can easily customize this salad to suit your preferences. Adding avocado can bring an extra layer of creaminess, while diced jalapeños will introduce more heat. Toasted pumpkin seeds or pepitas add crunch, and swapping feta for cotija cheese offers a slightly different tangy note. You can also experiment with fresh herbs—basil or mint can work beautifully instead of cilantro for a different flavor profile.
Nutritional Benefits
This salad is packed with nutrients and makes for a light yet satisfying dish. Corn provides fiber, antioxidants, and essential vitamins like B-complex vitamins and vitamin C. Cucumbers are hydrating and low in calories, rich in vitamin K and several antioxidants. The creamy dressing adds some fat, which helps with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, but keeps the overall calorie count moderate. Using fresh ingredients and limiting added salt or sugar keeps this dish healthy and well-balanced, ideal for anyone seeking fresh, wholesome summer meals.
Tips for the Best Results
To get the most out of this salad, fresh, high-quality ingredients are key. Using corn that is in season and grilling it properly will maximize flavor. Don’t be afraid to get a good char on the corn—those smoky notes are essential. For the cucumbers, pick firm, fresh cucumbers with a crisp texture, and dice them just before serving to avoid sogginess.
When mixing the dressing, taste and adjust the seasoning as needed—sometimes a little extra lime juice or a pinch more chili powder can make a big difference. Letting the salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving helps the flavors meld beautifully. However, it’s best eaten within a day or two to preserve the crunch of the cucumber.
Conclusion
This creamy, smoky street corn and cucumber salad is a shining example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special. It captures the flavors and spirit of summer—fresh, vibrant, and satisfying—while being easy to prepare and versatile enough for many occasions. Whether you are hosting a barbecue, looking for a healthy lunch side, or just want a refreshing salad that pleases the whole family, this dish delivers on every level. The balance of smoky, creamy, tangy, and fresh flavors makes it a standout that will quickly become a seasonal favorite. Embrace the flavors of summer with this delicious salad that celebrates fresh produce in the most delicious way possible.