Street Corn Creamy Cucumber Salad
This Street Corn Creamy Cucumber Salad brings together the bold, smoky flavor of Mexican-style street corn with the cool crunch of fresh cucumber. It’s creamy, tangy, slightly spicy, and incredibly refreshing. The sweetness of corn pairs perfectly with crisp cucumber, sharp red onion, and a zesty lime dressing. Whether you’re serving it at a summer barbecue, alongside grilled chicken, or as part of a weeknight dinner, this salad is easy to make and always a hit.
It’s also flexible. You can use fresh, frozen, or canned corn, adjust the spice level, or lighten up the dressing depending on your preference. The result is a vibrant, colorful salad that tastes just as good the next day.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time (if using fresh corn): 8–10 minutes
Chill Time (optional): 20–30 minutes
Total Time: About 30–40 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients
Produce
2 cups corn kernels (fresh grilled, sautéed, canned drained, or frozen thawed)
1 large cucumber, diced (about 2 cups)
½ small red onion, thinly sliced
¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
Dressing / Dairy
½ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
Seasonings
1 teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon ground cumin (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Prepare the corn: If using fresh corn, grill or sauté kernels in a dry skillet over medium-high heat for 8–10 minutes until lightly charred. Let cool.
Prep the vegetables: Dice cucumber, thinly slice red onion, and chop cilantro.
Make the dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), lime juice, chili powder, cumin (if using), salt, and pepper.
Add garlic: Stir in minced garlic if you want a stronger savory note.
Combine vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, add corn, cucumber, red onion, and cilantro.
Pour dressing over: Add the creamy dressing to the bowl.
Toss gently: Mix until everything is evenly coated.
Taste and adjust: Add more lime juice, salt, or chili powder if needed.
Chill (optional): Refrigerate for 20–30 minutes to allow flavors to develop.
Serve: Garnish with extra cilantro or a sprinkle of chili powder before serving.
Tips
Lightly charring the corn adds smoky depth and authentic street corn flavor.
Remove excess cucumber seeds if they’re very watery.
Salt the cucumbers lightly and let them sit 10 minutes to draw out moisture, then pat dry.
Use freshly squeezed lime juice for the best brightness.
Slice onion very thin for balanced flavor without overpowering bites.
Adjust chili powder to your heat preference.
Greek yogurt makes the dressing tangier and lighter than sour cream.
Let the salad rest before serving to enhance flavor.
Stir gently to keep cucumbers crisp.
Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 3 days.
Variations
Add Cotija Cheese: Sprinkle crumbled cotija or feta for classic street corn flavor.
Spicy Version: Add diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne.
Avocado Boost: Fold in diced avocado just before serving.
Protein Add-In: Add grilled chicken or shrimp to make it a main dish.
Vegan Option: Use plant-based mayo and dairy-free yogurt.
Smoky Twist: Add smoked paprika instead of regular chili powder.
Tomato Addition: Toss in halved cherry tomatoes for extra color.
Crunch Factor: Add diced red bell pepper for texture.
Herb Swap: Try parsley instead of cilantro if preferred.
Southwest Style: Add black beans for a heartier salad.
Q&A
Can I use canned corn?
Yes, just drain and rinse well before using.
Is frozen corn okay?
Absolutely. Thaw and pat dry first.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, up to 24 hours in advance. Stir before serving.
Will it get watery?
Cucumbers release moisture over time. Salting and draining helps prevent this.
How spicy is it?
Mild by default. Adjust chili powder to taste.
Can I skip mayonnaise?
You can use all Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
What pairs well with this salad?
Grilled meats, tacos, burgers, or barbecue dishes.
Can I add cheese directly into the mix?
Yes, stir it in or sprinkle on top.
Is this gluten-free?
Yes, naturally gluten-free.
How long does it last in the fridge?
Up to 3 days, though best within 24–48 hours.
Nutrition
(Approx. Per Serving)
Calories: 220–250
Protein: 4–6g
Carbohydrates: 18–22g
Fat: 16–18g
Fiber: 2–3g
Sugar: 5–7g
Values vary depending on dairy choice and portion size.
Conclusion
Street Corn Creamy Cucumber Salad is the kind of dish that balances comfort and freshness in every bite. The creamy, tangy dressing coats sweet corn and crisp cucumber perfectly, while chili powder and lime bring just enough punch to keep things interesting. It’s simple to prepare, adaptable to different tastes, and ideal for warm-weather meals or quick family dinners.
Once you make it, you’ll appreciate how effortlessly it fits into everything from backyard gatherings to everyday lunches. It’s bright, satisfying, and guaranteed to disappear fast.