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Mexican cucumber salad with creamy dressing, fresh corn, red onion, and cilantro served in a neutral-toned ceramic bowl

Mexican Cucumber Salad: The Most Refreshing 20-Minute Summer Side Dish

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Fresh, zesty, and bursting with flavor, this Mexican cucumber salad is the ultimate summer side dish—perfect for cookouts, taco nights, and potlucks. Crisp cucumbers, roasted corn, creamy lime dressing, and salty cotija cheese come together in minutes with no fuss. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is fast, easy, and unforgettable. Try it today and taste why this vibrant salad is stealing the spotlight everywhere!

Ready to make it? Scroll back up and start slicing! Your next favorite dish awaits.

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups fresh or thawed frozen corn kernels (about 10 oz)
  • 2 oz cotija cheese (crumbled (about ½ cup), plus more for garnish)
  • 3 tbsp Mexican crema or sour cream
  • 3 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice (from 2 medium limes)
  • 2 tbsp mayonnaise
  • ½ tsp cayenne pepper
  • ¼ tsp garlic powder
  • 1 lb English cucumbers (2 small or large, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced)
  • 1 medium shallot (thinly sliced (about ¼ cup))
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
  • Kosher salt (to taste)
  • Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

Instructions

Roast the Corn:

  1. Heat a large nonstick or cast iron skillet over medium-high. Add corn and dry roast, stirring occasionally, until golden-brown spots appear (5–6 minutes). Remove from heat and let cool for 10 minutes.

Make the Dressing:

  1. In a large bowl, mix cotija cheese, crema, lime juice, mayonnaise, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder. Stir until smooth and creamy.

Prepare Vegetables:

  1. Slice cucumbers into thin half-moons. Thinly slice the shallot. Chop cilantro if using.

Combine the Salad:

  1. Add cooled corn, cucumbers, shallots, and cilantro to the dressing. Toss well until everything is evenly coated.

Season and Serve:

  1. Taste and adjust with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Garnish with more crumbled cotija cheese if desired.

Optional Chill:

  1. Refrigerate for 10–15 minutes before serving for best flavor and texture.

Notes

Nutrient Amount
Calories 220 kcal
Total Fat 14g
Saturated Fat 4.5g
Cholesterol 15mg
Sodium 390mg
Total Carbs 18g
Dietary Fiber 3g
Sugars 4g
Protein 5g
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Salad, side
  • Cuisine: Mexican