Simple and Easy 3 Ingredient Salad with Cucumber and Corn
This 3-ingredient Cucumber and Corn Salad is my go-to for both summer and fall.
It’s the perfect combination of sweet, crisp, and refreshing, with minimal effort required. It pairs beautifully with just about any BBQ or cookout spread, and it’s a lifesaver on those nights when I’m skipping the charcoal grill.
For an easy and delicious meal, I love serving this salad alongside hot, crispy Air fryer chicken wings. It’s light, refreshing, and provides a cool contrast to the heat of the wings!
Why I love making this Cucumber and Corn Salad
There’s nothing quite like the fresh, vibrant flavors of this salad, especially when cucumbers and corn are at their peak in the summer and fall.
It’s a favorite of mine when my garden cucumbers are thriving or when I pick up fresh ones from the farmers market. Plus, cucumbers are so easy to grow, making this dish not only tasty but rewarding too! I will make a double batch of this recipe for meal prep and delicious lunches all week long!
This 3 Ingredient Salad is Versitile
This salad has simple ingredients and is delicious on its own, but can easily be customized with some extra ingredients to fit your mood.
- Vegetables: Boost the fresh flavors with additions like cherry tomatoes, green onions, or bell peppers for added crunch and color.
- Cheese: Elevate the creaminess and flavor by mixing in a soft cheese like goat cheese, feta cheese, or blue cheese. Each cheese adds its own unique richness and flavor.
- Pasta: Craving something more substantial? Turn this into a pasta salad by tossing in your favorite short pasta like penne, bow tie, or macaroni.
- Protein: Make it a protein-packed lunch by pairing it with a classic egg salad, roasted chicken, or baked tofu is also a good choice. It’s a light yet satisfying option that complements a variety of dishes!
Easy Plant-based Protein Tip: The next time you are grocery shopping, be on the lookout for baked tofu. Baked Tofu is an easy way to add in plant-based protein to any meal. Many times the tofu is already flavored. Baked Tofu can be found in most grocery stores where ever you would find the plant-based products such as tofu and Tofurkey.
Here are some brands I enjoy.
The Main Ingredients
This salad has three basic ingredients.
- Corn: Corn on the cob is best enjoyed in-season for its sweet, juicy flavor. Growing up, I had my fair share of disappointing, flavorless corn from off-season batches my dad would bring home, so now I always wait for peak season to buy it fresh. When it’s out of season, I happily turn to canned or frozen corn, both of which are pantry staples in my kitchen.
- Cucumber: Crisp and refreshing, cucumbers add the perfect crunch to balance the sweetness of the corn.
- Onion: I opted for red onion in this recipe because it adds a sharp, zesty bite. If you prefer something milder, green onions or chives work well as substitutes.
Optional Ingredients:
- Fresh Herbs: I used Thai basil in this version, which pairs wonderfully with the flavors of rice wine vinegar and sesame oil. However, cilantro, mint, or any other variety of basil would work beautifully.
- Sesame Seeds: I often add sesame seeds for a bit of crunch, but forgot to include them in the photos for this recipe! If you’re looking for extra texture, feel free to substitute with sliced almonds, peanuts, cashews, or sunflower seeds. These add both crunch and a little extra protein to the salad, making it more filling.
- A Bit of Salt: A sprinkle of salt ties everything together, enhancing all the fresh flavors.
Corn Tip: An Easy Way to Cut Corn Off the Cob
Here’s a simple and mess-free method to cut corn off the cob:
- Start with two bowls, one large and one smaller.
- Place the smaller bowl upside-down inside the larger bowl, so the small bowl’s bottom is elevated above the rim of the larger one.
- Break the corn cob in half, and place the flat end of the cob against the surface of the upside-down small bowl.
- As you slice the corn kernels off, they’ll neatly fall into the large bowl below!
This method keeps the process so easy, less messy, and oh-so-satisfying!
The Three Ingredient Salad Dressing
This dressing is better than any store-bought dressing and a perfect match for the Cucumber and Corn Salad It’s so versatile you can use it with many other salad recipes too.
The key ingredients are:
- Rice Wine Vinegar: You can also substitute apple cider vinegar or lime juice for a different flavor twist.
- Honey: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the acidity.
- Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
- Sesame Oil: Brings a rich, nutty flavor.
- Soy Sauce: For less sodium, use reduced-sodium soy sauce.
- Black Pepper
I especially love this dressing on cucumbers because it gives a nod to Chinese cucumber salad with its tangy and slightly sweet notes. The honey and corn bring a natural sweetness, which pairs beautifully as a side to spicy dishes and is a sweet and spicy combination I can’t get enough of.
Try A Different Dressing!
Another dressing I enjoy for a corn, cucumber, and onion salad is my Basil Balsamic Dressing made with balsamic vinegar.
Option to make it with red wine vinegar. This dressing made with simple ingredients but packs big flavor, with little bits of basil throughout. For extra tang and creaminess, you can add Dijon mustard, which also acts as an emulsifier to bring the dressing together.
Step By Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Corn
If using fresh corn, cook the corn on the cob, then cool and cut the kernels off (see tip above for an easy method!). If using canned or frozen corn, simply drain or thaw.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the rice wine vinegar, honey, olive oil, sesame oil, soy sauce, and black pepper until well combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
In a large mixing bowl, combine the corn, cucumber, and red onion. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
Step 4: Optional Add-ins and Serve
Directly in the salad bowl, layer in any additional ingredients like herbs, seeds, cheese for extra flavor and texture.
Chill the salad for about 15 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld. Serve as a refreshing side dish, or enjoy it as part of a light meal with chopped eggs, rotisserie chicken, or baked tofu.
FAQ (Ask A Dietitian!)
What are the 5 basic parts of salad?
The five basic parts of a salad are the base (usually leafy greens), the body (main ingredients like vegetables, fruits, or proteins), the dressing, garnishes (such as nuts, seeds, or cheese), and a topping (like croutons or crispy elements).
What makes salad taste better?
To make a salad taste better, focus on balancing flavors (sweet, salty, tangy) and adding texture through crunchy or creamy components.
Like this 3 ingredient salad? You might also like some of these other summer salads.
3 Ingredient Salad with Cucumber and Corn
Equipment
- large bowl
- rubber spatula
- measuing cups and spoons
Ingredients
Salad
- 3 cucumbers, halved and sliced see notes
- 2 cups corn
- ½ red onion, diced
- 1 tbsp thai basil, julienned optional - see notes
- 2 tbsp sesame seeds optional
Dressing
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup rice wine vinegar
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp soy sauce to taste
- ⅛ tsp black pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Corn
- If using fresh corn, cook the corn on the cob, then cool and cut the kernels off (see tip above for an easy method!). If using canned or frozen corn, simply drain or thaw.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together the rice wine vinegar, honey, olive oil, sesame oil, soy sauce, and black pepper until well combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the corn, cucumber, and red onion. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
Step 4: Optional Add-ins and Serve
- Directly in the salad bowl, layer in any additional ingredients like herbs, seeds, cheese for extra flavor and texture.Chill the salad for about 15 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld. Serve as a refreshing side dish, or enjoy it as part of a light meal with chopped eggs, rotisserie chicken, or baked tofu.
Notes
Nutrition
Hi, I’m Sarah Harper, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist passionate about cooking, eating, and sharing all things food! At The Addy Bean, you’ll find a variety of flexitarian recipes designed to inspire and empower you to explore the delicious world of plant-based eating. My mission is to make plant-forward meals approachable, enjoyable, and part of your everyday life!
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