Save to Pinterest My neighbor Maria taught me this after I complained about summer potluck dishes wilting in the heat. She showed up with a rainbow bowl and disappeared within ten minutes, leaving me hovering over the serving spoon for thirds.
Last July I made this for a rooftop barbecue and watched two self proclaimed onion haters go back for fourths. The trick is letting everything mingle while you grill the main course.
Ingredients
- Fresh corn kernels: Sweet summer corn transforms this dish but thawed frozen works in a pinch
- English cucumber: Fewer seeds means crunch without watery mush ruining your texture
- Cherry tomatoes: They burst gently when tossed adding little pockets of brightness
- Red onion: Soak sliced pieces in ice water for ten minutes if raw onion bite feels too aggressive
- Feta cheese: Salty creaminess ties everything together though cotija works for authentic street corn vibes
- Mayonnaise and sour cream: This dual base keeps dressing luxurious without feeling heavy
- Lime juice: Bright acidity balances the rich dressing beautifully
- Chili powder: Start with half teaspoon and taste your way up from there
Instructions
- Prep the corn:
- Boil fresh kernels just until tender then spread them on a baking sheet to cool quickly
- Chop the vegetables:
- Cut cucumbers and tomatoes into similar sizes so every forkful gets all the players
- Make the dressing:
- Whisk mayo sour cream lime chili powder and plenty of black pepper until silken smooth
- Bring it together:
- Pour dressing over vegetables then fold everything gently until coated
- Finish with flair:
- Scatter feta across the top and let it sit twenty minutes before diving in
Save to Pinterest My sister texts me whenever she makes this for her dinner club saying the bowl comes back completely empty every single time. Something about the cool creaminess and crisp vegetables just works.
Make Ahead Magic
I once prepped everything the morning before a party and tossed it right before guests arrived. The vegetables stayed perky while the dressing had time to develop those gorgeous melded flavors.
Serving Ideas
This shines alongside grilled fish or spicy tacos but my favorite way is spooned onto crispy tortilla chips as an elevated dip. The contrast of warm chips against cool creamy salad is restaurant quality.
Customization Options
Swap in diced avocado when you want extra richness or toss in black beans for more protein. I have even added roasted corn from the night before for incredible smoky sweetness.
- Try Tajín on top for authentic Mexican elote flavor
- Go vegan with plant based mayo yogurt and nutritional yeast
- Extra cilantro never hurt anyone
Save to Pinterest This salad captures everything I love about summer cooking simple fresh and impossible to stop eating. Hope it becomes your goto too.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, this salad tastes even better after chilling for 30 minutes to 2 hours. The vegetables marinate in the creamy dressing, enhancing the flavors. Avoid adding the feta cheese until just before serving to prevent it from becoming soggy.
- → What can I use instead of feta cheese?
Goat cheese provides a similar tangy creaminess, while cotija cheese offers a more authentic Mexican street corn flavor. For a dairy-free option, omit the cheese entirely or use a vegan feta alternative made from almonds or cashews.
- → Is grilled corn better than boiled?
Grilled corn adds a smoky char flavor that elevates the dish. Simply grill corn ears for 8-10 minutes until lightly charred, then cut off the kernels. If you don't have a grill, broiling the corn for 5-6 minutes also achieves a similar roasted flavor.
- → How long does this salad stay fresh?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cucumbers may release some water, so give it a quick toss before serving. For best texture, add fresh cilantro and feta just before serving leftovers.
- → Can I make this vegan?
Absolutely. Use vegan mayonnaise and plant-based sour cream or Greek yogurt in the dressing. Replace feta cheese with vegan feta or simply add extra lime juice and chili powder to boost flavor. The salad remains delicious and satisfying.