Grilled Corn and Cucumber Salad with Creamy Lime Dressing

When you think of fresh summer flavors, nothing beats the combination of sweet, smoky grilled corn and crisp, refreshing cucumbers.
This Grilled Corn and Cucumber Salad is tossed in a creamy, zesty dressing that brings all the flavors together — perfect for barbecues, potlucks, or a light lunch on a hot day.

It’s quick to make, incredibly flavorful, and can easily be customized based on what you have on hand!

✨ Ingredients:

(Scale: 1x, 2x, 3x)

• 2 cups grilled corn kernels (about 3 ears of corn)
• 1 large English cucumber, diced
• 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1/3 cup crumbled feta or cotija cheese (optional)

🥄 Instructions:

Step 1: Grill the Corn

Brush fresh corn on the cob lightly with oil and grill over medium-high heat until charred in spots.
Let it cool slightly, then slice the kernels off the cob.
(Short on time? You can sauté frozen corn in a dry skillet until golden.)

Step 2: Prep the Veggies

Dice the cucumber into small, bite-sized pieces.
Finely chop the red onion.
Pro Tip:
If raw onion feels too strong, soak it in cold water for 10 minutes to soften its flavor.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together:

• Mayonnaise
• Sour cream
• Lime juice
• Chili powder
• Smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper

This creamy, slightly tangy dressing adds richness without being too heavy — with a smoky hint from the spices.

Step 4: Toss It Together

In a large mixing bowl, combine:

• Grilled corn
• Diced cucumber
• Red onion
• Chopped cilantro

Pour the dressing over the top and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.

Step 5: Add the Cheese

If using feta or cotija cheese, sprinkle it over the salad.
It adds a salty, creamy dimension that perfectly complements the smoky-sweet corn and refreshing cucumber.

Step 6: Chill and Serve

While you can serve it immediately, this salad tastes even better after chilling for about 30 minutes.
This allows the flavors to meld and creates an extra refreshing bite on hot days.

💡 Tips for the Best Grilled Corn and Cucumber Salad:

• Use fresh corn when possible — the smoky char makes a big difference.
• Adjust the heat: Add a pinch of cayenne or fresh diced jalapeños for an extra kick.
• Make it ahead: Prep all the components ahead of time and toss together just before serving.
• Vegan option: Use vegan mayo and sour cream substitutes and skip the cheese, or use a vegan cheese alternative.

🥗 Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

(Nutrition is estimated based on typical ingredient values and serving sizes.)

🌟 Why You’ll Love This Salad:

• It’s fresh, colorful, and packed with flavor.
• Ready in under 30 minutes.
• Great make-ahead side for summer gatherings.
• Naturally gluten-free with a simple option for making it vegetarian or vegan.

Whether you’re serving it alongside grilled meats or enjoying it on its own, this Grilled Corn and Cucumber Salad will add a bright, delicious touch to your table.

Enjoy every smoky, creamy, and refreshing bite!🌽🥒✨