Description
A refreshing salad combining bright, crunchy cucumbers with smoky, charred corn and a creamy dressing, perfect for summer gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups fresh corn kernels (about 4 ears), charred or grilled
- 2 large English cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Mexican crema
- 1/2 cup crumbled cotija or feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons lime juice (fresh)
- 1–2 teaspoons honey or agave (optional)
- 1/4–1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika or chipotle powder
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 small jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (optional)
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for grilling or searing the corn)
- Optional: a squeeze of fresh orange for a citrus variation
Instructions
- Prep the corn and cucumbers by cutting the kernels off the cobs and slicing the cucumbers. Pat cucumber slices dry.
- Char the corn in a hot skillet or grill with olive oil until golden-brown bits appear.
- Cool the corn slightly in a bowl to prevent sogginess in the salad.
- Make the creamy dressing by whisking together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, honey/agave, smoked paprika, and seasoning.
- Combine the cooled corn and sliced cucumbers in a large bowl and toss with the dressing. Add jalapeño and cilantro, then gently fold in cheese.
- Let the flavors marry in the fridge for 20-30 minutes if possible before serving.
- Finalize with lime, paprika, cilantro, and cheese on top before plating.
Notes
Great as a side for grilled proteins or tacos. This salad is versatile and can be made dairy-free or gluten-free with appropriate substitutions.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: salad, summer, corn, cucumber, elote, refreshing, quick, easy, potluck