Refreshing Street Corn Creamy Cucumber Salad (Printable version)

Juicy charred corn meets crisp cucumbers in a creamy zesty dressing inspired by Mexican street corn flavors.

# Ingredient List:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels (about 3 ears fresh corn)
02 - 2 large cucumbers, diced
03 - 1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
04 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
05 - 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely diced (optional)

→ Dairy

06 - 1/3 cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta as substitute)

→ Dressing

07 - 1/3 cup sour cream
08 - 3 tbsp mayonnaise
09 - 1 clove garlic, minced
10 - Juice of 1 lime
11 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
12 - 1/2 tsp chili powder
13 - 1/2 tsp salt
14 - 1/4 tsp black pepper

# How to Make It:

01 - If using fresh corn, heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Char the corn kernels for 4-5 minutes until lightly browned, stirring occasionally. Let cool.
02 - In a large bowl, combine the cooled corn, diced cucumbers, red onion, cilantro, and jalapeño.
03 - In a separate small bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic, lime juice, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
04 - Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture and toss gently to coat.
05 - Fold in the crumbled cotija cheese.
06 - Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Chill for 10-15 minutes before serving for best flavor.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Takes all those addictive street corn flavors but transforms them into something you can eat with a fork without the mess
  • The creaminess balances perfectly against crisp vegetables, making it impossible to stop at just one serving
02 -
  • Overdressed salad becomes sad and watery after an hour, so start with less dressing and add more only if needed
  • Corn releases moisture as it sits, so if making this ahead, keep the dressing separate until just before serving
03 -
  • Grill the corn on actual cob pieces first, then cut off the kernels for maximum charred flavor
  • Room temperature vegetables absorb dressing better than cold ones straight from the fridge

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