A vibrant no-cook summer salad combining smoky charred corn and crisp cucumber in a creamy chili lime dressing. Perfect for cookouts, potlucks, and easy summer dinners.
4 cups corn kernels, grilled or charred and cut from the cob (fresh, frozen, or well-drained canned)
2 large cucumbers, diced
1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
1/4 cup cotija cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper until completely smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the corn kernels, diced cucumbers, red onion, crumbled cotija cheese, and fresh cilantro. Toss lightly to mix.
Pour the creamy dressing over the salad. Toss gently with a spoon or spatula until everything is evenly coated. Avoid over-mixing to keep cucumbers firm and cotija intact.
Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
Give the salad a gentle stir before serving. Garnish with extra cotija cheese and fresh cilantro if desired. Serve cold.
Notes
If using canned corn, drain thoroughly and pat kernels dry with a paper towel to prevent a watery salad.
For best smoky flavor, grill fresh corn on the cob before cutting off the kernels.
Feta cheese can be substituted for cotija in a pinch.
To make ahead, store the dressing separately and toss 30 minutes before serving for the crispest cucumbers.
Do not freeze – cucumbers and Greek yogurt do not hold up to freezing.