Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this *Street Corn Cucumber Salad*! It’s like summer on a plate—so refreshing and full of vibrant flavors! The sweetness of the grilled corn pairs perfectly with the crispness of the cucumber, and the kick from the chili powder gives it that extra zing. I love serving this at summer barbecues; it’s a hit every time! Plus, it’s super easy to whip up, so you can spend more time enjoying the sunshine and less time in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again!
Ingredients for Street Corn Cucumber Salad
Gathering fresh ingredients is key to making this salad shine! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups corn: You can use either grilled corn for that smoky flavor or canned corn if you’re in a pinch.
- 1 large cucumber: Make sure it’s firm and crisp; dice it up for that refreshing crunch.
- 1/4 cup red onion: Finely chopped to add a little bite; it balances the sweetness of the corn beautifully.
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro: Chopped for an herby freshness that really brightens the flavors.
- 1 lime: Juiced to give the salad a tangy kick that brings everything together.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder: Adjust this based on how spicy you like it—it’s my secret weapon for flavor!
- Salt: Just a pinch to taste, enhancing all those lovely flavors.
How to Prepare the Street Corn Cucumber Salad
Alright, let’s dive into the fun part—making this gorgeous *Street Corn Cucumber Salad*! You’ll love how quickly it comes together. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be enjoying this refreshing dish in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Grill the Corn: If you’re using fresh corn, fire up your grill and cook the ears until they’re nicely charred—about 10 minutes. This gives the salad that delicious smoky flavor. If you’re using canned corn, you can skip this step, but I really recommend grilling for an extra pop!
- Cool Down: Once the corn is grilled, let it cool slightly before cutting the kernels off. This way, you won’t burn your fingers!
- Dice the Veggies: While the corn cools, dice your cucumber and finely chop the red onion. Just make sure to keep everything uniform so it looks beautiful and mixes well in the salad.
- Mix It Up: In a large bowl, toss together the corn, diced cucumber, chopped red onion, and cilantro. This is where the magic happens—watch those colors come to life!
- Add the Flavor: Squeeze in the lime juice, sprinkle the chili powder, and add a dash of salt. Give it a good toss to make sure everything is coated evenly.
- Chill and Serve: For the best flavor, let the salad chill in the fridge for about 15 minutes before serving. It allows all those tasty ingredients to mingle and create a flavor explosion!
And voilà! You’ve got a vibrant, zesty salad that’s perfect for any occasion. Just remember, the fresher the ingredients, the better the taste!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This *Street Corn Cucumber Salad* is bound to become a favorite in your kitchen for so many reasons!
- Quick and Easy: Whip it up in just 25 minutes—perfect for those busy summer days!
- Refreshing Flavors: The combination of sweet corn, crunchy cucumber, and zesty lime is like a party in your mouth!
- Versatile: It works wonderfully as a side dish for barbecues or as a light lunch on its own.
- Healthy and Vibrant: Packed with fresh ingredients, it’s not only delicious but also nutritious.
- Make Ahead: It can easily be prepared in advance, allowing the flavors to deepen as it chills.
Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find every reason to make this salad again and again!
Tips for Success
To make sure your *Street Corn Cucumber Salad* turns out perfectly every time, here are some of my top tips! First, don’t skimp on the grilling—charred corn adds that irresistible smoky flavor that really elevates the dish. If you’re using canned corn, drain it well to avoid excess moisture. Also, give the salad some time to chill in the fridge after mixing; this allows all those vibrant flavors to meld beautifully. And remember, you can always adjust the chili powder to suit your taste—don’t be afraid to experiment! Happy salad-making!
Nutritional Information for Street Corn Cucumber Salad
When you whip up this *Street Corn Cucumber Salad*, it’s not just tasty—it’s also nutritious! Here’s a rough estimate of what you’ll find in a serving (about 1 cup):
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 200mg
Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. So, enjoy this refreshing salad without any guilt—it’s a delicious way to get your veggies in!
FAQ About Street Corn Cucumber Salad
Got questions about this *Street Corn Cucumber Salad*? I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common ones:
Can I use frozen corn? Absolutely! Just thaw it out and give it a quick sauté to bring out the flavor.
Is this salad spicy? Not really! The chili powder adds a mild kick, but you can always adjust it to your heat preference.
How long can I store leftovers? You can keep it in the fridge for about 2 days, but it’s best fresh!
Can I add other veggies? Of course! Feel free to toss in bell peppers or avocados for added flavor and texture.
Is this salad vegan? Yes, it’s completely plant-based and packed with fresh ingredients!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing any leftovers of your *Street Corn Cucumber Salad* is super easy! Just transfer it to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for about 2 days, but trust me, it’s best enjoyed right away. If you do have some left, give it a good stir before serving to mix up the flavors again. Now, reheating isn’t really necessary since this salad is best served chilled. But if you want to warm it up (maybe to serve alongside a hot dish), just be careful not to heat it too much—lightly sautéing it in a pan for a minute or two should work. Enjoy your refreshing salad any way you like!
Print
Street Corn Cucumber Salad: 5 Reasons You’ll Love It
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing and grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A refreshing salad made with street corn and cucumbers.
Ingredients
- 2 cups corn, grilled or canned
- 1 large cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Grill the corn until charred, then let it cool.
- Diced the cucumber and red onion.
- In a bowl, combine corn, cucumber, onion, and cilantro.
- Add lime juice, chili powder, and salt.
- Toss to mix all ingredients evenly.
- Serve chilled.
Notes
- Use fresh corn for best flavor.
- Adjust chili powder based on your heat preference.
- Can be served as a side dish or main salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Street Corn Cucumber Salad