Growing up, my grandma’s famous Street Corn Creamy Cucumber Salad was always the talk of the town. Every Fourth of July, she’d whip up a big batch and the whole neighborhood would gather around her table, fighting over the last few bites. There was something so addictive about the way the sweet corn, tangy cucumbers, and creamy dressing all came together in perfect harmony.
I can still remember the way the crisp, fresh veggies would crunch between my teeth, with just the right amount of richness from the dressing. And the vibrant colors – the deep green of the cucumbers, the golden corn kernels, and flecks of fresh herbs – it was a feast for the senses! Grandma always had a special trick to getting that ideal texture, where the cucumbers stayed crunchy but the dressing coated every bite.
To this day, Street Corn Creamy Cucumber Salad reminds me of those long summer days, running around the backyard with my cousins before sitting down to devour Grandma’s latest creation. It’s the quintessential barbecue side dish, perfect for potlucks, picnics, or anytime you need a refreshing, flavor-packed salad. And I’m so excited to share her recipe with you!
Why This Street Corn Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Street Corn Creamy Cucumber Salad
What makes Grandma’s Street Corn Creamy Cucumber Salad so special is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The key is in the dressing – a luscious, creamy base that coats every bite without making the salad feel heavy or soggy. And the secret ingredient? A touch of lime juice, which adds just the right amount of tang to complement the sweet corn and cool cucumbers.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
– Fresh corn on the cob: You’ll want about 3-4 ears to get the 2 cups of kernels needed for this recipe. Look for corn that’s bright yellow and juicy.
– English cucumber: These long, thin cucumbers have fewer seeds and a crisper texture than regular cukes. They’re perfect for this salad.
– Sour cream: The creamy base that coats everything in rich, tangy deliciousness.
– Mayonnaise: Adds even more creaminess and a subtle savory note.
– Lime juice: Brightens up the flavors and balances out the richness.
– Garlic: Minced fresh garlic is a must for that extra punch of flavor.
– Salt and pepper: To season everything to perfection.
Step-by-Step Street Corn Creamy Cucumber Salad Instructions
Preparing Your Street Corn Creamy Cucumber Salad
This Street Corn Creamy Cucumber Salad comes together quickly and easily, with just 15 minutes of active prep time. You’ll need a sharp knife, a mixing bowl, and a spatula or wooden spoon to bring it all together.
1- Start by shucking the fresh corn cobs and slicing the kernels off with a sharp knife. You should end up with about 2 cups of fresh corn kernels.
2- Slice the English cucumber into thin, half-moon shapes, then quarter the slices to get nice, bite-sized pieces.
3- In a large mixing bowl, combine the corn kernels and cucumber slices.
4- In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.
5- Pour the creamy dressing over the corn and cucumbers, then gently fold everything together until evenly coated.
6- Give it a final taste and adjust any seasoning as needed. Then transfer the Street Corn Creamy Cucumber Salad to a serving bowl and dig in!
Pro Tips for Success
The key to perfect Street Corn Creamy Cucumber Salad is making sure not to overdo the dressing. You want just enough to lightly coat the veggies, not drown them. And be gentle when folding everything together – you don’t want to break down the crisp cucumber slices.
Another common mistake is using regular cucumbers instead of the longer, thinner English variety. The extra-crunchy texture of English cucumbers is essential for this salad. And don’t forget to taste and adjust the seasoning at the end – a little extra lime juice or pinch of salt can make all the difference.
Serving and Storing Your Street Corn Creamy Cucumber Salad
Perfect Pairings for Street Corn Creamy Cucumber Salad
Street Corn Creamy Cucumber Salad is the perfect side dish for all your summer cookouts and barbecues. Pair it with juicy burgers, grilled chicken, or barbecue ribs for a complete meal. It also makes a refreshing addition to any potluck spread or picnic basket. And don’t forget the ice-cold lemonade or icy cold beers – the bright, tangy flavors in this salad beg for a cool, thirst-quenching beverage.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Luckily, Street Corn Creamy Cucumber Salad holds up incredibly well in the fridge. You can make it up to 3 days in advance and it will stay fresh and crunchy. Just be sure to give it a good stir before serving, as the dressing may settle a bit.
For best texture, I recommend eating it within 4-5 days. The cucumber slices may start to get a little soft after that. You can also freeze individual portions for longer storage, though the texture may change slightly.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Street Corn Creamy Cucumber Salad
Creative Street Corn Creamy Cucumber Salad Variations
There are so many ways to customize this Street Corn Creamy Cucumber Salad recipe. Try adding diced avocado for extra creaminess, or chopped fresh herbs like cilantro, dill, or chives. You could also swap in grilled or roasted corn for a charred, smoky flavor.
For a Southwest twist, stir in some diced jalapeño or a sprinkle of chili powder. And in the fall, swap the fresh corn for roasted butternut squash or sweet potato cubes. The possibilities are endless!
Making Street Corn Creamy Cucumber Salad Diet-Friendly
To make this Street Corn Creamy Cucumber Salad recipe gluten-free, simply use gluten-free mayonnaise. For a vegan version, substitute the sour cream and mayo with your favorite plant-based versions. And for a low-carb or keto-friendly take, you can use a low-sugar sweetener like erythritol or stevia in place of the regular sugar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use regular cucumbers instead of English cucumbers?
A: While you can use regular cucumbers, I highly recommend using the long, thin English variety. They have a crisper texture and fewer seeds, which is ideal for this salad. Regular cukes may make the overall texture a bit watery.
Q: How long does Street Corn Creamy Cucumber Salad last in the fridge?
A: This salad will stay fresh and crunchy for 4-5 days when stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just be sure to give it a good stir before serving, as the dressing may settle a bit.
Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Street Corn Creamy Cucumber Salad is the perfect make-ahead dish. You can prepare it up to 3 days in advance and it will hold up beautifully in the fridge. Just be mindful of the cucumber texture – after 4-5 days, they may start to get a little soft.
Q: How many people does this recipe serve?
A: This Street Corn Creamy Cucumber Salad recipe makes about 6 servings as a side dish. The amounts can easily be doubled or tripled to feed a larger crowd.
Street Corn Creamy Cucumber Salad
- Total Time: 45
- Yield: 6
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the refreshing and delicious flavors of this Street Corn Creamy Cucumber Salad, a perfect summer side dish that combines sweet corn, crisp cucumbers, and a creamy, tangy dressing.
Ingredients
– 4 cups fresh corn kernels (about 6 ears)
– 2 cups thinly sliced cucumber
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tablespoons white vinegar
– 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. – Cut the kernels off the corn cobs.
2. – Thinly slice the cucumbers.
3. – In a large bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.
4. – Add the corn kernels and sliced cucumbers to the dressing and toss to combine.
5. – Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
6. – Serve chilled and enjoy!
Notes
For a creamier texture, you can add an extra tablespoon of sour cream or mayonnaise. If you prefer a tangier flavor, increase the vinegar by 1 tablespoon. This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
There’s just something so refreshing and delicious about Grandma’s Street Corn Creamy Cucumber Salad. The sweet corn, cool cucumbers, and creamy dressing come together in perfect harmony to create the ultimate summer side dish. I hope this recipe brings back fond memories for you, just like it does for me. Give it a try at your next backyard bash or potluck, and get ready for rave reviews!
