Oh, summertime magic! There’s just something about a perfectly refreshing salad that screams sunshine and good times, right? This Street Corn Cucumber Salad is basically a party in a bowl, bringing together the best of both worlds. I first fell in love with elote, that amazing Mexican street corn, and I thought, “How can I get that vibrant flavor into something a bit lighter for those hot days?” Well, this salad is my answer! Itโs super quick to whip up, bursting with flavor, and that satisfying crunch from the cucumbers just makes it irresistible. Trust me, this will become your new go-to side dish!
Why You’ll Love This Street Corn Cucumber Salad
Trust me, this salad is a winner for so many reasons:
- It’s ridiculously easy and comes together in a flash!
- Super fresh with that cool cucumber crunch and sweet corn.
- Packed with yummy, zesty Mexican street corn flavors.
- So versatile โ perfect for BBQs, picnics, or just a light lunch.
- Itโs a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that everyone devours.
- Seriously good for you, too!
Ingredients for Your Street Corn Cucumber Salad
Alright, letโs get down to the good stuff! Gathering your ingredients for this street corn cucumber salad is super simple. You probably have most of this already sitting in your kitchen. Hereโs what youโll need:
- 1 large cucumber, diced nice and even.
- 2 cups of corn kernels. You can use fresh corn off the cob if you have it, frozen works great too, or even canned corn if thatโs what youโve got on hand!
- 1/2 a red onion, chopped up really small.
- 1/4 cup of fresh cilantro, all chopped up.
- 1/4 cup of creamy mayonnaise.
- 2 tablespoons of zesty lime juice โ fresh is best!
- 1 teaspoon of flavorful chili powder.
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
- And a pinch of black pepper, about 1/4 teaspoon.
See? Totally doable! Each ingredient plays its part to make this salad sing.
How to Make a Delicious Street Corn Cucumber Salad
Honestly, making this street corn cucumber salad is almost as fun as eating it! Itโs really straightforward, and Iโve found that if you do it just right, the flavors really pop. So, let’s get this party started!
Preparing the Base for Your Street Corn Cucumber Salad
First things first, grab a nice big bowl. Weโre going to dump in all those yummy veggies: the diced cucumber, the corn (however you like it!), that finely chopped red onion, and the fresh cilantro. Just give them a gentle toss to get them all acquainted before we move on to the dressing.
Crafting the Creamy Street Corn Cucumber Salad Dressing
Now for the magic potion! In a separate, smaller bowl, let’s whisk together the creamy mayonnaise, the bright lime juice, that warm chili powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk it all up until itโs super smooth and beautifully blended. It should smell amazing already!
Bringing Your Street Corn Cucumber Salad Together
Time to unite them! Pour that glorious dressing right over your cucumber and corn mixture. Don’t just dump it; gently toss everything together. You want to make sure every single little piece gets coated in that creamy, zesty goodness. I like to let it chill in the fridge for at least 15 minutes so all those flavors can really meld together. Itโs worth the wait, trust me! If you’re ever looking for another great salad recipe, you should totally check out this grilled zucchini chickpea salad โ it’s got that same fresh vibe!
Tips for the Best Street Corn Cucumber Salad
You know, there are a few little things I’ve learned that really make this street corn cucumber salad sing. It’s not complicated, but a few tweaks can take it from good to absolutely fantastic! Think of it as giving your salad a little extra love, which it totally deserves.
Ingredient Spotlight: Corn for Your Salad
Okay, let’s talk corn! While canned or frozen works perfectly fine in a pinch, if you can get your hands on fresh corn, oh my goodness. Grilling it first? That adds this amazing smoky flavor that just layers on so much deliciousness, kind of like how I love adding a smoky kick to my honey hot chicken salad. It really elevates the whole street corn vibe!
Street Corn Cucumber Salad Flavor Variations
This salad is begging for your personal touch! Feeling a bit bold? Toss in some finely diced jalapeรฑo for a spicy kick โ itโs delightful! Or, crumble some cotija cheese over the top; that salty, crumbly cheese is pure magic with the corn and cucumber. Fresh mint or even a little avocado could be amazing too. Get creative, have fun with it!
Serving and Storing Your Street Corn Cucumber Salad
This street corn cucumber salad is truly at its best when itโs nice and chilled, so I always try, sometimes failing because I can’t wait, to let it sit in the fridge for at least 15 minutes before serving. It really lets those flavors meld together beautifully. It’s fantastic alongside grilled chicken or fish, or even just on its own with some tortilla chips! Honestly, itโs almost as yummy as my Mediterranean quinoa salad! As for storing leftovers, just pop it into an airtight container. Itโll keep well in the refrigerator for about 2-3 days. Honestly, though, it’s so good, I doubt you’ll have much left!
Frequently Asked Questions about Street Corn Cucumber Salad
Got questions about this amazing salad? I’ve got answers! If you’re ever wondering about other fresh salads, my grilled zucchini chickpea salad is another favorite!
Can I make this Street Corn Cucumber Salad ahead of time?
You sure can! To keep it super fresh, I recommend mixing everything *except* the dressing if you’re making it more than a couple of hours before serving. Then just toss it all together right before youโre ready to dig in.
What are good substitutions for mayonnaise in this salad?
If mayo isn’t your jam, no worries! You can totally swap it out for plain Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier dressing. Or, try a simple vinaigrette with olive oil and lime juice if you prefer something even lighter.
How do I make this salad spicier?
Oh, easy peasy! For a kick, I love adding a finely diced fresh jalapeรฑo right into the salad mix. You could also add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing, or even a tiny drizzle of sriracha sauce. Yum!
Estimated Nutritional Information
Just a heads-up, these are estimates for one serving of my Street Corn Cucumber Salad, and they can totally change depending on the exact ingredients you use, especially the corn and mayo! But generally, you’re looking at around 150 calories, about 9g of fat, a solid 3g of protein, and approx. 15g of carbs, with about 300mg of sodium.
Share Your Street Corn Cucumber Salad Creations!
Okay, friends, I absolutely LOVE seeing your creations! If you’ve whipped up this Street Corn Cucumber Salad, I want to hear ALL about it. Did you try a fun variation? How did your family like it? Drop a comment below, rate the recipe, or even tag me on social media if you share a pic! You can learn more about my kitchen adventures here!
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PrintStreet Corn Cucumber Salad
A refreshing salad combining the flavors of street corn with crisp cucumbers.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 0 min
- Total Time: 15 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 large cucumber, diced
- 2 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Combine diced cucumber, corn kernels, red onion, and cilantro in a large bowl.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the cucumber and corn mixture.
- Toss gently to coat all ingredients.
- Chill for at least 15 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For a spicier salad, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing.
- You can grill the corn before adding it for a smoky flavor.
- This salad is best served cold.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: street corn salad, cucumber salad, corn salad, summer salad, side dish, Mexican salad