Say hello to your new summer obsession: Creamy Cucumber Street Corn Salad! This vibrant, cool, and crunchy salad is like Mexican street corn (elote) met the freshest cucumbers and decided to throw a garden party in your bowl. Creamy, tangy, savory, and a little spicy, it’s perfect for potlucks, quick weeknight meals, or whenever you’re craving something unique and utterly satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultimate Crunch: Crisp cucumbers and sweet corn bring fresh, irresistible texture to every single bite.
- Elevated Flavor: The creamy, zesty dressing—starring Greek yogurt, lime, and spices—turns simple veggies and rotisserie chicken into something special.
- Meal-prep Magic: This Creamy Cucumber Street Corn Salad holds up beautifully in the fridge, making lunch, dinner, or snack-time a breeze.
- Customizable for Everyone: Easy swaps and add-ins make it perfect for your taste and dietary needs, from spicy swaps to meatless options!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of my favorite things about this Creamy Cucumber Street Corn Salad is how it comes together from a handful of fresh, familiar ingredients—each one playing a starring role. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this salad so irresistible and colorful!
- English cucumbers (1 1/2, halved and sliced): These cucumbers are extra crisp and have thin, tender skin—no peeling necessary, and they don’t get watery.
- Rotisserie chicken (2 cups, chopped): Ready-to-eat chicken keeps this salad hearty and protein-packed with no fuss.
- Cilantro (1/4 cup, minced): Fresh cilantro adds a signature herby punch—skip if you’re not a fan, but it really brightens things up.
- Green onions (3, sliced): These offer mellow onion flavor and a pretty splash of color.
- Jalapeno (1, seeded and diced): For just the right kick—adjust the amount to match your heat preference.
- Red onion (1/4, diced): A little goes a long way, providing zip and a touch of sweetness.
- Red bell pepper (1/2, seeded and diced): Sweet, crunchy, and vibrant—red bell pepper is wonderful for visual appeal and taste.
- Sweet corn (15.25 oz can, drained): Canned corn brings that iconic elote flavor—feel free to use fresh or frozen if you like.
- Greek yogurt (1/2 cup, plain, 2% or higher): This gives the dressing its lush creaminess while adding a welcome tang.
- Mayonnaise (1/3 cup): Mayo works together with the yogurt for a silky, classic texture that ties the salad together.
- Lime (juice and zest of 1): Both the zest and juice lend lively brightness that makes all the flavors pop.
- Garlic (1 clove, minced or grated): Adds depth and a punchy, savory note—always a must for great dressings.
- Chili powder, paprika, cumin: These three spices bring earthy warmth, smokiness, and real street corn character.
- Salt and freshly cracked pepper: Seasoning magic! Adjust to your taste so every ingredient shines.
Variations
Part of the fun with Creamy Cucumber Street Corn Salad is how easily you can adapt it to your mood, pantry, or dietary needs. You can mix and match ingredients, dial the heat up or down, or even make it entirely vegetarian—let your creativity lead the way!
- Vegetarian Version: Leave out the rotisserie chicken, or swap in cooked chickpeas or black beans for plant-based protein and extra fiber.
- Modern Mexican Elote Style: Add crumbled cotija or feta cheese for a briny, creamy punch that mimics classic street corn flavors.
- Fresh Corn Swap: If corn is in season, grill or roast fresh corn on the cob, then slice off the kernels for sweet, smoky flavor.
- Dairy-Free: Use vegan mayonnaise and a thick, plant-based yogurt to keep everything creamy without the dairy.
- Spicy Lovers’ Dream: Add extra jalapeno, a sprinkle of cayenne, or even hot sauce to kick up the heat.
How to Make Creamy Cucumber Street Corn Salad
Step 1: Dry the Cucumbers
Lay your halved and sliced English cucumbers in a single layer on a few sheets of paper towels, then cover with another layer of towels. Press gently to soak up as much moisture as possible—this step keeps your Creamy Cucumber Street Corn Salad from turning watery later. Let the cucumbers rest and dry out a bit while you prep everything else.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Dressing
In a medium bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lime juice and zest, minced garlic, chili powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix until completely smooth and creamy, then taste and tweak the seasoning if you want a little bolder spice or more zing from the lime. The dressing is what makes this salad so crave-worthy, so don’t be shy about making it your own!
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
In your biggest mixing bowl, add the dried cucumbers, drained corn, chopped rotisserie chicken, cilantro, green onions, jalapeno, red onion, and red bell pepper. Pour most of your dressing over the top and gently toss with a rubber spatula to coat every bite. If you like it extra creamy, drizzle in more dressing to taste!
Step 4: Chill and Serve
Pop the salad in the refrigerator to chill for at least 15 minutes before serving. This lets all the flavors meld beautifully and ensures the salad is perfectly refreshing. Give it a quick toss right before serving. If any liquid has settled at the bottom (thanks, cucumbers!), just pour that off and stir the salad again for absolute creamy perfection.
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Cucumber Street Corn Salad
- Crisp Cucumber Prep: Don’t skip patting the cucumbers dry—this prevents the salad from getting watery and keeps the dressing lush and thick.
- Make It Ahead: For even bolder flavor, assemble the salad (except for the cucumbers) a few hours in advance and stir in the cucumbers just before serving—they stay extra crisp!
- Zest, Don’t Skip: The lime zest is what really boosts that citrusy zip, so definitely add both zest and juice for maximum flavor.
- Dressing Consistency: Start by adding most of the dressing, then gradually add more to coat as needed—everyone has a personal “creamy” threshold!
How to Serve Creamy Cucumber Street Corn Salad
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra cilantro or sliced green onions on top instantly amps up the freshness and color. For an elegant (and delicious) finish, you can scatter crumbled cotija cheese, a dusting of paprika, or even thinly sliced jalapeno. A wedge of lime on the side adds visual flair and lets everyone squeeze a little more tang over their helping.
Side Dishes
This salad is a showstopper at BBQs, but it also shines alongside grilled steak, tacos, or a platter of quesadillas. For lighter fare, serve alongside tortilla chips for scooping or a bowl of fresh fruit to keep the spread bright and summery. It’s hearty enough to be a standalone lunch as well, thanks to the chicken!
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun party twist, serve Creamy Cucumber Street Corn Salad in lettuce cups for a “handheld” version, or pile it over a bed of baby spinach for a lush entrée salad. Use mini bell peppers as edible scoops or layer it in clear bowls to show off those gorgeous colors and textures. Individual jars or cups make adorable, portable servings for picnics and potlucks!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pop any leftover Creamy Cucumber Street Corn Salad in a tightly sealed container and store it in the fridge. It stays fresh and delicious for 2–3 days—the flavors actually mellow and blend even more overnight. If a bit of liquid collects at the bottom, just pour it off and stir before serving; your salad will spring right back to life!
Freezing
This salad isn’t a good candidate for freezing—cucumbers and creamy dressings don’t keep their signature crunch and texture in the freezer. For best flavor and bite, enjoy it fresh or refrigerated only!
Reheating
The beauty of Creamy Cucumber Street Corn Salad is that it’s served cold! If you’ve made it ahead or have leftovers, just give the salad a quick toss and, if you like, let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before digging in. The flavors really pop when it’s nice and chilled.
FAQs
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Can I use fresh corn instead of canned for Creamy Cucumber Street Corn Salad?
Absolutely! Use fresh, grilled, or lightly charred corn kernels for extra sweetness and a hint of smokiness. Just make sure to cool the corn before tossing it with the other ingredients so it doesn’t wilt the cucumbers or herbs.
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Is there a way to make this salad vegetarian or vegan?
Yes! Omit the chicken for a vegetarian version and use canned chickpeas, black beans, or extra veggies. For a vegan spin, swap in plant-based yogurt and vegan mayo—just as creamy and delicious!
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How can I make Creamy Cucumber Street Corn Salad spicier?
If you love a fiery salad, simply add more diced jalapeno or toss in a pinch of cayenne pepper or a little hot sauce into the dressing. Adjust gradually and taste as you go to get the perfect heat level for your palate.
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What can I do if my salad gets watery?
Some moisture may collect at the bottom due to the cucumbers and yogurt, especially after a day in the fridge. Simply tilt the bowl and carefully drain off any liquid, then toss the salad again—this keeps it creamy and fresh-tasting.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a salad that’s bursting with flavor, color, and personality, Creamy Cucumber Street Corn Salad is the answer! I hope you give it a try—whether you share it at your next potluck or keep it all for your own lunches, it’s sure to surprise and delight. Enjoy every crunchy, creamy, tangy bite!
Print
Creamy Cucumber Street Corn Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Street Corn Creamy Cucumber Salad is a refreshing and satisfying dish perfect for a light lunch or as a side for a summer barbecue. The creamy dressing pairs perfectly with the crisp cucumbers and sweet corn, making it a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Creamy Dressing:
- 1/2 cup plain greek yogurt (2% or higher fat content)
- 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 salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
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 jalapeno, seeded and diced
- 1/4 red onion, diced
- 1/2 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
- 15.25 oz can sweet corn, drained
Instructions
- Dry the Cucumbers: Lay the cucumber slices on paper towels, top with another layer of paper towels, and press to absorb moisture. Let them dry while prepping other ingredients.
- Make Dressing: In a bowl, mix greek yogurt, mayo, garlic, lime juice and zest, seasonings, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine cucumbers, corn, chicken, cilantro, green onions, jalapeno, red onion, and bell pepper.
- Add Dressing: Pour most of the dressing over the salad and mix until coated. Add more dressing if needed.
- Serve: Chill the salad before serving. Pour out any excess liquid that may accumulate before serving.
Notes
- Ensure to pour out any excess liquid from the cucumbers and dressing before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
