Creamy Cucumber Corn Salad
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ToggleA refreshing, creamy salad made with crisp cucumbers, sweet corn, and a tangy herb dressing. It’s perfect for summer BBQs, potlucks, picnics, or as a light side dish for grilled chicken, steak, or seafood.
Prep Time
- Prep: 15 minutes
- Cook: 5 minutes (if using fresh corn)
- Total: 20 minutes
Servings: 4–6
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 2 large English cucumbers, diced
- 2 cups sweet corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- ¼ cup finely chopped red onion (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives (optional)
Creamy Dressing
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried dill (or 1 tablespoon fresh dill)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Corn
- Fresh corn: Boil for 4–5 minutes, cool completely, then cut kernels from the cob.
- Frozen corn: Thaw and drain well.
- Canned corn: Drain and rinse thoroughly.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
Dice the cucumbers into bite-sized pieces and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a medium bowl, whisk together:
- Mayonnaise
- Sour cream
- Dijon mustard
- Lemon juice
- Apple cider vinegar
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Dill
- Salt
- Pepper
Mix until smooth.
Step 4: Assemble
In a large bowl combine:
- Cucumbers
- Corn
- Red onion
- Parsley
- Chives
Pour the dressing over the vegetables and gently toss until evenly coated.
Step 5: Chill
Refrigerate for 20–30 minutes before serving for the best flavor.
Garnish with extra parsley and freshly cracked black pepper.
Tips
- Use English cucumbers for fewer seeds.
- Pat cucumbers dry to keep the salad creamy.
- Fresh corn provides the sweetest flavor.
- Add diced avocado just before serving.
- Sprinkle feta cheese on top for extra richness.
- A pinch of paprika or cayenne adds mild heat.
Nut Information
Contains Nuts?
- No. This recipe contains no tree nuts or peanuts.
Allergens Present
- Eggs (mayonnaise)
- Dairy (sour cream)
Nut-Free Tips
- Use nut-free certified mayonnaise if needed.
- Check labels on packaged ingredients to avoid cross-contamination if serving someone with severe nut allergies.
Storage
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Stir before serving.
- Not recommended for freezing because the cucumbers become watery.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 220
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 320mg
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare it up to 24 hours in advance, though it’s best within the first day.
2. Can I use frozen corn?
Absolutely. Thaw and drain it well before mixing.
3. Can I make it healthier?
Replace the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt or use half yogurt and half mayonnaise.
4. Can I add cheese?
Yes. Feta, shredded cheddar, or Parmesan are all delicious additions.
5. Is it gluten-free?
Yes, as long as all packaged ingredients are certified gluten-free.
6. Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes. Use dairy-free sour cream or substitute additional mayonnaise.
7. Can I add protein?
Yes. Grilled chicken, shrimp, turkey, or chickpeas work well.
8. How do I keep the salad from getting watery?
Pat the cucumbers dry before mixing and chill the salad after combining.
9. Can I make it spicy?
Yes. Add diced jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce.
10. What pairs well with this salad?
It goes well with grilled chicken, burgers, barbecue ribs, salmon, steak, tacos, sandwiches, or picnic meals.
