Street Corn Creamy Cucumber Salad

If you’re looking for a refreshing and satisfying dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, then this Street Corn Creamy Cucumber Salad is just what you need! It combines the crunch of fresh cucumbers with the sweet, vibrant flavor of corn, all tied together with a creamy dressing. The best part? It’s packed with protein, making it not just delicious but also filling.

This salad has quickly become a favorite in my home. Whether it’s served as a light lunch or a side at your next BBQ, it never fails to impress. So grab your ingredients and let’s whip up something delightful!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have this dish ready in no time!
• Family-friendly: The flavors are mild yet delicious, making it appealing to both kids and adults.
• Make-ahead option: This salad tastes even better after chilling in the fridge for a while. Perfect for meal prep!
• Nutritious and filling: Packed with protein from chicken and Greek yogurt, this dish will keep you satisfied.
• Versatile: Enjoy it on its own or as a side dish; it fits any occasion seamlessly.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating this Street Corn Creamy Cucumber Salad is simple because it uses wholesome ingredients that are likely already in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Salad

• 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 jalapeño (seeded and diced)
• 1/4 red onion (diced)
• 1/2 red bell pepper (seeded and diced)
• 15.25 oz can sweet corn (drained)

For the Dressing

• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (2% or higher for creaminess)
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 1 lime, juice and zest of
• 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

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to mix things up according to your preferences or what you have on hand.

• Swap the protein: Use shredded turkey or chickpeas instead of chicken for a different twist.
• Add more veggies: Toss in some diced tomatoes or shredded carrots for added color and nutrition.
• Spice it up: If you like heat, add more jalapeño or even some cayenne pepper to the dressing.
• Make it vegan: Substitute chicken with extra beans or cooked quinoa and use vegan mayo.

How to Make Street Corn Creamy Cucumber Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Cucumbers

Start by laying out your cucumber slices on paper towels. Top them with another layer of paper towels and gently press down. This step helps absorb excess moisture, ensuring your salad doesn’t get soggy later!

Step 2: Whisk Together the Dressing

In a medium bowl, combine Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, garlic, lime juice and zest, along with your seasonings—chili powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Whisk until everything is smooth. Give it a taste; don’t hesitate to adjust those spices if you’d like a bolder flavor!

Step 3: Combine All Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, add the dried cucumber slices along with corn, chicken, cilantro, green onions, jalapeño, red onion, and red bell pepper.

Step 4: Mix It Up!

Pour most of the dressing over the salad mixture. Use a spatula to gently fold everything together until well-coated. If you prefer more dressing, feel free to add what’s left before serving!

Serve chilled for an enjoyable treat that everyone will love! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge—you might find it tastes even better the next day!

Pro Tips for Making Street Corn Creamy Cucumber Salad

This delightful salad is not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile! Here are some pro tips to elevate your Street Corn Creamy Cucumber Salad.

• Choose ripe, fresh cucumbers: The best salads start with the freshest ingredients. Ripe cucumbers not only add crispness but also enhance the overall flavor of your salad.

• Adjust the spices: Feel free to tweak the seasoning to match your taste preferences. If you like it spicier, add more chili powder or jalapeño; if you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the spice levels.

• Let it chill: Allowing the salad to sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving lets all those flavors meld beautifully. It’s worth the wait!

• Use high-quality yogurt and mayo: Opting for high-fat Greek yogurt and a good quality mayonnaise will give your dressing that extra creaminess that makes this salad so luscious.

• Experiment with add-ins: Don’t hesitate to throw in other veggies like diced avocado or cherry tomatoes, or even black beans for added protein and texture!

How to Serve Street Corn Creamy Cucumber Salad

Presenting your Street Corn Creamy Cucumber Salad beautifully can make all the difference at mealtime. Here are some fun ideas on how to showcase this tasty dish.

Garnishes

• Chopped fresh cilantro: Adds a burst of flavor and a pop of color that complements the salad’s vibrant ingredients.
• Lime wedges: A squeeze of fresh lime juice right before serving brightens up the dish and enhances its zesty flavor.
• Crumbled feta cheese (or dairy-free alternative): For those who enjoy a salty tang, a sprinkle of cheese adds another layer of taste and richness.

Side Dishes

• Grilled Chicken Skewers: Marinated chicken skewers make a perfect protein-packed companion. They can be seasoned with cumin and lime to match the flavors in your salad.

• Quinoa Pilaf: This fluffy grain dish is light yet filling, providing a nice contrast in texture while being naturally gluten-free.

• Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal vegetables seasoned with herbs can bring out earthy flavors that balance the freshness of your salad.

• Corn Tortilla Chips: Crunchy tortilla chips served with salsa or guacamole serve as a delightful side that complements the creamy textures of the salad incredibly well.

With these ideas in mind, you’re ready to whip up your Street Corn Creamy Cucumber Salad and impress everyone at your next meal! Enjoy every delicious bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Street Corn Creamy Cucumber Salad is perfect for meal prep! You can whip it up in advance, making it a convenient and tasty option for busy days. Here’s how to store it properly:

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover salad in an airtight container.
• Keep it in the refrigerator for up to three days.
• If possible, add the dressing just before serving to maintain freshness.

Freezing

• This salad is best enjoyed fresh and is not recommended for freezing due to the texture of cucumbers.
• However, if you have leftover dressing, you can freeze it in an ice cube tray for future use.

Reheating

• Since this salad is served cold, there’s no need to reheat.
• Just give it a good stir and enjoy straight from the fridge!

FAQs

You may have some questions about this delicious recipe, so let’s dive into a few common ones!

Can I make Street Corn Creamy Cucumber Salad without chicken?

Absolutely! You can easily substitute the chicken with chickpeas or black beans for a vegetarian option that still packs a protein punch.

How long does Street Corn Creamy Cucumber Salad last in the fridge?

Stored properly in an airtight container, this salad will stay fresh for about three days.

What can I serve with Street Corn Creamy Cucumber Salad?

This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, tacos, or as a light lunch on its own. Its bright flavors complement many dishes!

Can I customize the ingredients in Street Corn Creamy Cucumber Salad?

Definitely! Feel free to add other veggies like diced tomatoes or avocados. You can also adjust the spices to suit your taste.

Is Street Corn Creamy Cucumber Salad gluten-free?

Yes, all the ingredients used are gluten-free, making this salad a safe choice for those with gluten sensitivities.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this delightful Street Corn Creamy Cucumber Salad as much as I do! It’s refreshing, packed with flavor, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re prepping lunch for the week or hosting friends, this dish is sure to be a hit. Happy cooking!