Creamy Cucumber Street Corn Salad
Hola! If you’ve ever craved something refreshing yet hearty, this Street Corn Creamy Cucumber Salad is exactly what you need. It’s crisp, creamy, and bursting with natural flavors. Growing up in Orlando, I often watched my abuela toss together bright salads with fresh cucumbers and chiles, teaching me that food is about balance and joy. This creamy cucumber salad brings back those memories, but with a twist of sweet corn and tender chicken for a complete meal. Packed with protein, tangy lime, and smoky spices, it’s a healthy option that doubles as a light dinner or side dish. Whether you’re looking for yummy dinners or a quick lunch, this recipe delivers!
Quick Recipe Overview
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings | Difficulty | Cuisine | Best Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 mins | 0 mins | 15 mins | 4 | Easy | Mexican-inspired | Summer |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Refreshing yet filling: Crisp cucumbers and sweet corn balance perfectly with creamy dressing and protein-packed chicken.
- Quick and easy: With just 15 minutes of prep, you can whip this up any night of the week.
- Bursting with flavor: Lime zest, chili powder, and cumin bring natural flavors that make every bite satisfying.
- Perfect for summer: Cool cucumbers and light dressing make it ideal for warm days when you crave lighter recipes.
- Customizable: Swap proteins, adjust spices, or make it vegetarian for endless variations.
Street Corn Creamy Cucumber Salad
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A refreshing and protein-packed Street Corn Creamy Cucumber Salad with cucumbers, corn, chicken, and a zesty creamy dressing. Perfect as a light dinner, side dish, or summer party favorite!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 English cucumbers, halved and sliced (about 3 cups)
- 2 cups rotisserie chicken, chopped
- 1/4 cup cilantro, minced
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 1 jalapeno, seeded and diced
- 1/4 red onion, diced
- 1/2 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
- 15.25 oz can sweet corn, drained
- Dressing:
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (2% or higher)
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- Juice and zest of 1 lime
- 1 clove garlic, finely minced or grated
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp each salt and freshly cracked pepper
Instructions
1. Lay cucumber slices on paper towels in a single layer, then cover with another towel and press to absorb moisture.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayo, lime juice, lime zest, garlic, chili powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3. In a large mixing bowl, add cucumbers, chicken, corn, jalapeno, red onion, bell pepper, cilantro, and green onions.
4. Pour most of the dressing over the ingredients and gently fold until evenly coated. Add extra dressing if desired.
5. Refrigerate for 10–15 minutes, then serve chilled. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
Notes
Dry cucumbers thoroughly to prevent excess water in the salad.
Adjust seasoning by adding more cumin or chili powder if desired.
If liquid settles after refrigeration, pour it off before serving and toss again.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 295
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 English cucumbers, halved and sliced (about 3 cups)
- 2 cups rotisserie chicken, chopped
- 1/4 cup cilantro, minced
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 1 jalapeno, seeded and diced
- 1/4 red onion, diced
- 1/2 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
- 15.25 oz can sweet corn, drained
Dressing:
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (2% or higher)
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- Juice and zest of 1 lime
- 1 clove garlic, finely minced or grated
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp each salt and freshly cracked pepper
Ingredient Tips Table
| Ingredient | Tip |
| Cucumbers | Pat dry with paper towels to prevent watery salad. |
| Chicken | Use rotisserie for convenience, or swap with grilled chicken for smoky flavor. |
| Greek Yogurt | Choose full-fat for extra creaminess and tang. |
| Lime | Freshly squeezed juice and zest brighten the dressing. |
| Jalapeno | Remove seeds for milder heat, leave some if you love spice. |
| Corn | Fire-roasted canned corn or grilled corn adds extra depth. |
| Cilantro | Substitute with parsley if you’re not a cilantro fan. |
| Mayonnaise | Combine with yogurt for the perfect creamy balance. |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare cucumbers: Lay cucumber slices on paper towels in a single layer, then cover with another layer of paper towels. Press gently to absorb moisture and set aside.
- Make the dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lime juice, lime zest, garlic, chili powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings to your liking.
- Combine salad ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add cucumbers, chicken, corn, jalapeno, red onion, bell pepper, cilantro, and green onions.
- Mix with dressing: Pour most of the dressing over the salad and gently fold everything together until evenly coated. Add remaining dressing if desired for extra creaminess.
- Chill and serve: Refrigerate for 10–15 minutes if you want it extra cool, then serve immediately. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
Helpful Tips
- Dry cucumbers well to avoid excess water in the salad.
- Adjust spices to suit your preference, adding extra chili powder for heat.
- Prep ingredients ahead of time for faster assembly.
- Toss just before serving to keep veggies crisp.
Expert Tips for the Best Results
- Use freshly grated garlic instead of pre-minced for a stronger flavor.
- Mix dressing separately to ensure even seasoning before coating the salad.
- Add dressing gradually so you can control the creaminess level.
- Let the salad rest for 10 minutes in the fridge to allow flavors to blend.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian version: Skip the chicken and add black beans or chickpeas for plant-based protein.
- Spicy kick: Add extra jalapeno or drizzle with hot sauce for bold heat.
- Tex-Mex twist: Mix in shredded cheddar cheese and crushed tortilla chips for crunch.
- Avocado upgrade: Stir in diced avocado for creamy richness and healthy fats.
Make Ahead & Freezer Tips
This salad is best fresh, but you can prep the dressing and chop veggies a day ahead to save time. Store the dressing separately and mix just before serving. Freezing is not recommended, as cucumbers and dairy-based dressings don’t thaw well.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this creamy cucumber salad in a large bowl topped with fresh cilantro and a sprinkle of chili powder. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats, fish tacos, or even as a refreshing side at summer cookouts. For an extra touch, serve in chilled bowls to keep it crisp.
Pairing Ideas
Pair with icy lemonade or a light Mexican lager for refreshment. It also goes well with grilled shrimp skewers or carne asada. For wine lovers, try a chilled Sauvignon Blanc to complement the citrus and herbs.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. If liquid settles, simply drain it before tossing the salad. Do not reheat, as this salad is meant to be served cold.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this salad without chicken? Yes, simply omit the chicken and add beans, tofu, or extra veggies for a vegetarian option.
Can I use sour cream instead of Greek yogurt? Yes, sour cream works well and adds a tangy flavor, though it will be slightly less protein-rich.
How do I make it spicier? Add more jalapeno, crushed red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce.
What kind of cucumbers work best? English cucumbers are ideal because they’re seedless and less watery, but Persian cucumbers also work.
Can I use fresh corn instead of canned? Absolutely, grilled or boiled corn cut off the cob adds amazing flavor.
Is this salad gluten-free? Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free and perfect for anyone avoiding wheat.
Can I meal prep this? You can prep the dressing and chop the veggies ahead of time, but combine them just before eating for best texture.
Nutrition Info
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
| 1 serving | 295 | 20g | 19g | 15g | 3g | 6g |
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.
Love comfort food? Check out our Crockpot Mexican Chicken Pozole Verde.
Conclusion
This Street Corn Creamy Cucumber Salad is everything you want in a summer recipe: refreshing, creamy, and full of natural flavors. Whether you serve it as a light dinner, side dish, or party favorite, it’s guaranteed to become one of your go-to delicious dinner recipes. Try it today and bring a burst of freshness to your table!
