Creamy Cucumber Salad That’s Perfect for Summer Fun Recipe
This creamy cucumber salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish perfect for summer gatherings. It combines crisp corn, cool cucumber, juicy cherry tomatoes, and tangy feta cheese, all brought together by a zesty lime and chili-infused creamy dressing. Easy to prepare and versatile with substitution options, this salad makes a delicious side or light meal that celebrates fresh, seasonal flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 2 cups fresh corn kernels (Can substitute with canned corn)
- 1 medium cucumber (English cucumbers recommended)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (Grape tomatoes can be substituted)
- 1/2 medium red onion (Use green onions for milder taste)
Dairy
- 1 cup feta cheese (Can substitute with goat cheese or omit)
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise (Greek yogurt can be used for lighter option)
- 1/3 cup sour cream (Can substitute with more Greek yogurt)
Herbs & Seasonings
- 1/4 cup cilantro (Can omit if not preferred)
- 2 tablespoons lime juice (Lemon juice serves as a good substitute)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (Adjust to preferred heat level)
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Corn: Start by cooking the fresh corn kernels until they are tender but still retain a slight crispness, which typically takes about 5 to 7 minutes. You can boil or steam the corn, then drain and let it cool completely.
- Prepare the Vegetables: While the corn cools, dice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, and finely chop the red onion. Combine all these vegetables with the cooled corn in a large mixing bowl to create a fresh vegetable base.
- Make the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, salt, and pepper until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This dressing adds tangy and spicy notes that complement the fresh vegetables.
- Toss the Salad: Pour the dressing over the mixed vegetables and gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are well coated with the creamy dressing.
- Add Cheese and Herbs: Finally, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and chopped cilantro over the top of the salad just before serving to add a salty and herbaceous finish.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute mayonnaise and sour cream with Greek yogurt.
- You can omit the cilantro if you prefer an herb-free salad.
- Adjust the chili powder to control the heat according to your preference.
- If fresh corn is unavailable, canned corn can be used as a convenient substitute.
- Green onions can replace red onion for a milder onion flavor.
- Serve chilled for best taste and texture, especially on warm days.
- This salad can be prepared a few hours in advance to allow flavors to meld.
Keywords: creamy cucumber salad, summer salad, corn salad, fresh vegetable salad, feta cheese salad, easy side dish
