Name: Street Corn Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 ears of corn, grilled and kernels removed; 1 large cucumber, diced; 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; 1/2 cup Greek yogurt; 1 tablespoon mayonnaise; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon lime juice; 1/2 teaspoon chili powder; Salt and pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 9 reviews

Refreshing, colorful, and absolutely bursting with bold flavor, Street Corn Creamy Cucumber Salad is one of those dishes you’ll crave all year long. Imagine the satisfying char of grilled corn, married with the cool, crunchy bite of cucumber, tied together by a tangy, creamy dressing that brings the whole salad together. Perfect for backyard barbecues, potlucks, or a quick dinner side, this dish is a twist on classic street corn that just might steal the spotlight on your table.

Street Corn Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Street Corn Creamy Cucumber Salad might be packed with vibrant, exciting flavors, but the ingredient list is as approachable as it gets. Each simple addition brings its own personality—whether it’s the pop of grilled corn or the crisp freshness of cucumber—and together, they create something truly special.

Corn on the cob: Grilling brings out a smoky-sweet flavor and gives those perfect charred kernels that make every bite pop.
Cucumber: Provides cool crunch and balances out the richness of the creamy dressing.
Red onion: Adds sharpness and a splash of vibrant purple for extra visual appeal.
Fresh cilantro: Lends a fresh, herby brightness, tying the flavors together and giving the salad its unmistakable flair.
Greek yogurt: Forms the base of the creamy dressing—use full-fat for the richest result, or lighter if you’d like.
Mayonnaise: Adds an extra touch of richness and helps round out the tanginess of the yogurt.
Garlic: Just one clove is enough to give the dressing gentle warmth and depth.
Lime juice: Brings a bright, zesty acidity that wakes up the other ingredients.
Chili powder: A dash of smoky heat that echoes the notes from the grilled corn.
Salt and pepper: The essential finishers, adjusting the flavors so every ingredient truly shines.

How to Make Street Corn Creamy Cucumber Salad

Step 1: Grill the Corn

Fire up your grill to medium-high and place the ears of corn right onto the grates. Let them cook for 10 to 12 minutes, turning here and there, until you see gorgeous charring. This is where the magic happens—the kernels soften, caramelize, and soak up classic street corn flavor. Once they’re done, set them aside to cool to the touch.

Step 2: Remove Kernels from the Cobs

After the corn is cool enough to handle, stand each ear upright on a cutting board and carefully slice downward with a sharp knife to release the kernels. Transfer them to a big mixing bowl, and don’t be afraid to sneak a warm, smoky kernel as you go!

Step 3: Prep the Salad Base

Toss in the diced cucumber, finely chopped red onion, and chopped fresh cilantro with your corn kernels. Give everything a gentle mix—right away you’ll see this Street Corn Creamy Cucumber Salad coming to life, with vibrant colors and irresistible textures blending together.

Step 4: Whisk the Creamy Dressing

In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, a scoop of mayonnaise, minced garlic, bright lime juice, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk vigorously until the dressing is smooth and well blended. Taste it as you go—you want tang, spice, and just enough richness to coat every bite.

Step 5: Toss Everything Together

Pour your freshly made dressing over the bowl of corn, cucumber, onion, and cilantro. Now, with a gentle hand, toss until each piece is deliciously coated and the colors are shining through the creamy dressing. This is when Street Corn Creamy Cucumber Salad officially becomes irresistible.

Step 6: Chill and Meld the Flavors

Cover the salad and let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This rest time is crucial: it lets the tangy, herby, and smoky notes blend, resulting in a harmonious salad that tastes even better once it’s had time to rest.

Step 7: Taste and Serve

Just before serving, give the salad a quick stir and taste for seasoning, adjusting the salt and pepper if necessary. A final sprinkle of cilantro and chili powder makes a gorgeous garnish. Now all that’s left to do is grab a fork and dig into your Street Corn Creamy Cucumber Salad!

How to Serve Street Corn Creamy Cucumber Salad

Garnishes

A good garnish brings the salad to the next level, both in appearance and flavor. Use extra chopped cilantro, a dusting of chili powder or even a sprinkle of cotija cheese for authentic street corn vibes. Fresh lime wedges on the side are a delightful bonus for those who crave even more tang.

Side Dishes

Street Corn Creamy Cucumber Salad is endlessly versatile. It shines next to grilled proteins like chicken, steak, or shrimp, or serves as a refreshing counterpoint to rich, cheesy enchiladas and tacos. Don’t forget the tortilla chips—the creamy crunch pairs beautifully as a fun dip!

Creative Ways to Present

Try scooping this salad into crisp lettuce cups for bite-size appetizers, or pile it high on grilled bread for an open-faced twist on Mexican street corn. Layering it into mason jars also makes for an eye-catching make-ahead lunch or picnic treat. However you serve it, Street Corn Creamy Cucumber Salad instantly draws a crowd!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Street Corn Creamy Cucumber Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep fresh and flavorful for up to 2 days. The cucumbers may release a bit of extra liquid as time passes, but giving everything a gentle stir before serving revives the salad’s creamy appeal.

Freezing

It’s not recommended to freeze this salad—cucumbers and yogurt-based dressings just don’t hold up well to freezing and thawing. The fresh, crisp qualities that make Street Corn Creamy Cucumber Salad so special are best enjoyed fresh from the fridge.

Reheating

Reheating isn’t necessary or advised for this salad. Instead, if it’s been chilling for a while, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to take the chill off and bring out all those flavors before serving again.

FAQs

Can I use frozen or canned corn instead of grilling fresh corn?

Absolutely! While fresh grilled corn brings unbeatable flavor, frozen or canned corn works well in a pinch. If possible, give it a quick sauté in a hot pan to mimic that signature street corn smokiness before adding to the salad.

Is there a dairy-free way to make this Street Corn Creamy Cucumber Salad?

Yes! Swap in your favorite unsweetened dairy-free yogurt and vegan mayo for a plant-based version. The flavor will still be tangy and satisfying, and everyone can enjoy this summer favorite.

How long can I keep the salad in the fridge?

Street Corn Creamy Cucumber Salad keeps its best texture when eaten within two days. Beyond that, the cucumbers lose their crunch, but the flavors still taste delicious!

Can I add other vegetables or mix-ins?

Definitely! Diced bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, or a handful of black beans are all fantastic additions. Just keep the overall balance of flavors and textures in mind to ensure every bite stays lively and fresh.

What if I don’t have a grill?

No problem! You can char corn kernels in a hot cast iron skillet on the stovetop or even roast the ears directly over a gas flame using tongs. The goal is to add that toasty, caramelized flavor any way you can.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for a salad that’s as bold and joyful as summer itself, Street Corn Creamy Cucumber Salad is about to become your new obsession. With every bite, you get a taste of something magical—smoky, creamy, tangy, and refreshing. Gather your friends and family, fire up the grill, and bring this irresistible dish to your next get-together. Trust me, you won’t want to miss it!