Go Back
+ servings
Mexican Cucumber Salad

Mexican Cucumber Salad: A Refreshing Twist with Turkey Bacon

A fresh and zesty Mexican Cucumber Salad featuring corn, cotija cheese, and a creamy dressing, perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 6 minutes
Cooling Time 10 minutes
Total Time 26 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4 servings
Calories 200 kcal

Equipment

  • large nonstick skillet
  • large bowl
  • cutting board
  • knife

Ingredients
  

Vegetables and Cheese

  • 2 cups fresh or thawed frozen corn kernels (about 10 ounces)
  • 2 ounces cotija cheese, crumbled (about ½ cup), plus more for garnish
  • 1 pound English cucumbers (2 small or 1 ½ large), halved lengthwise and thinly sliced crosswise
  • 1 medium shallot thinly sliced (about ¼ cup)
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro (coarsely chopped, about 12 sprigs, optional)

Sauces and Seasonings

  • 3 tablespoons Mexican crema or sour cream
  • 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice (from 2 medium limes)
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions
 

Cooking Instructions

  • Place 2 cups corn kernels in a large nonstick or cast iron skillet and cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until browned in spots, 5 to 6 minutes. Transfer to a large plate and let cool for about 10 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, stir 2 ounces crumbled Cotija cheese, 3 tablespoons Mexican crema, 3 tablespoons lime juice, 2 tablespoons mayonnaise, ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper, and ¼ teaspoon garlic powder together in a large bowl.
  • Stir in the cooled corn, 1 pound English cucumber cut into half-moon slices, 1 thinly sliced medium shallot, and ¼ cup coarsely chopped fresh cilantro if using. Taste and season with kosher salt and black pepper as needed. Garnish with more crumbled Cotija cheese if desired.

Notes

Substitutions: 1 (15.25-ounce) can corn kernels, drained and rinsed, can be used in place of fresh or frozen corn. More Mexican crema can be used in place of the mayonnaise. Crumbled feta cheese can be substituted for the cotija cheese. Make ahead: The corn can be charred up to 1 day ahead and refrigerated in an airtight container. The dressing, without the cotija cheese, can be made ahead up to 1 day ahead and refrigerated in an airtight container. Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 1 day.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 5gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 230mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 0.5mg
Keyword cotija cheese, Mexican cucumber salad, Refreshing Salad, salad with corn, turkey bacon, vegetarian salad
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!