Dive into the vibrant flavors of summer with this incredible Cucumber Salad, generously loaded with sweet corn, creamy avocado, and ripe tomatoes. This effortlessly easy-to-make dish is not just a salad; it’s a refreshing culinary experience, bursting with texture and taste, guaranteed to become a new favorite in your recipe collection.

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Ultimate Fresh Cucumber Salad with Corn, Avocado & Balsamic Vinaigrette

There’s a special place in my heart for simple, fresh salads, especially those reminiscent of home. Growing up, my mom often prepared a classic tomato and cucumber salad for our Sunday night dinners. It was a straightforward dish, yet profoundly satisfying, particularly when we were able to use vegetables fresh from the garden. That humble salad laid the foundation for what has now become this elevated, modern version.

I’ve transformed that beloved family recipe by introducing a delightful balsamic dressing and integrating the wonderfully sweet crunch of corn and the luxurious creaminess of avocado. The addition of avocado doesn’t just add flavor; it truly changes the entire dynamic of the salad, offering a smooth, buttery contrast to the crisp vegetables. Meanwhile, fresh corn contributes a pop of natural sweetness and a satisfying bite, and the homemade balsamic vinaigrette meticulously binds all these vibrant components together, creating a symphony of flavors that’s both light and deeply satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Vibrant Cucumber Salad

This isn’t just another side dish; it’s a celebration of fresh produce and effortless cooking. Here are a few compelling reasons why this cucumber salad will quickly become a staple in your kitchen:

Bursting with Freshness: Every bite offers a medley of crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, sweet corn, and rich avocado. It’s like summer in a bowl!
Incredibly Easy to Prepare: With minimal cooking involved and straightforward chopping, this salad comes together in just minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.
Healthy & Nutritious: Packed with vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats, it’s a guilt-free dish that nourishes your body and tantalizes your taste buds.
Versatile & Adaptable: Excellent as a light lunch, a refreshing side, or even a vibrant appetizer. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats, seafood, or other vegetarian dishes.
Customizable: Easily adjust ingredients to your preference, making it unique every time you prepare it. Add your favorite herbs, a touch of spice, or different vegetables to make it your own.
Crowd-Pleaser: Its vibrant colors and refreshing flavors make it an instant hit at potlucks, BBQs, and family meals.

The Star Ingredients: A Closer Look at What Makes This Salad Shine

Perfectly Crisp Cucumbers

The foundation of any great cucumber salad lies in the quality of its cucumbers. For this recipe, I highly recommend using Persian or English cucumbers (often labeled as “salad cucumbers”). These varieties are superior to common garden cucumbers because they typically have fewer, smaller seeds, a thinner skin that rarely needs peeling, and a naturally milder, less bitter flavor. Their firm texture holds up beautifully in a salad, offering that satisfying crunch without becoming watery too quickly. When selecting cucumbers, look for ones that are firm to the touch, bright green, and free of blemishes. Store them in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator to maintain their freshness.

Juicy Tomatoes

Tomatoes bring a burst of sweetness and acidity to balance the salad. Cherry or grape tomatoes are ideal here for their concentrated flavor and appealing size when halved. Their vibrant red color also adds a beautiful visual appeal to the dish. If you have access to fresh, in-season garden tomatoes, they will undoubtedly elevate this salad to another level. The natural sugars and tangy notes of sun-ripened tomatoes are incomparable, making a significant difference in the overall taste profile.

Sweet and Crunchy Corn

Corn is a fantastic addition, providing a delightful crisp texture and natural sweetness that complements the other vegetables perfectly. While fresh corn on the cob is absolutely recommended when available – its raw kernels offer a unique snap and vibrant taste – don’t hesitate to use frozen (thawed) or well-drained canned corn as excellent alternatives. If you’re using corn on the cob, you can slice the kernels right off the cob and add them raw for maximum freshness and crunch. However, if you prefer a slightly softer texture or a deeper flavor, grilling the corn before adding it to the salad introduces a wonderful smoky sweetness that is truly exceptional.

How to Grill Corn on the Cob: For an extra layer of flavor, peel back the husks and remove the silk from your corn cobs. Lightly rub each cob with vegetable oil and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Place them on a preheated grill set to medium-high heat (around 400°F or 200°C). Rotate the corn every 3-4 minutes until lightly charred and tender, which usually takes about 12-15 minutes total. This technique also works beautifully on a grill pan if you don’t have an outdoor grill.

Creamy Avocado

The avocado is the secret ingredient that transforms this simple cucumber salad into a truly gourmet experience. Its rich, buttery texture adds an unparalleled creaminess that beautifully contrasts the crispness of the cucumbers and corn. Beyond its delightful mouthfeel, avocado is packed with healthy monounsaturated fats, fiber, and various essential vitamins and minerals, making this salad not only delicious but also incredibly wholesome. The key is to use a perfectly ripe avocado; an underripe one will be hard and flavorless, while an overripe one might be mushy. See our quick tip below for how to pick the perfect avocado every time!

The Zesty Balsamic Vinaigrette

A simple yet potent balsamic dressing ties all these fresh ingredients together. The tanginess of balsamic vinegar, combined with a hint of red wine vinegar, the sharp bite of Dijon mustard, and the aromatic depth of minced garlic, all emulsified with good quality olive oil, creates a vinaigrette that perfectly balances the sweetness of the corn and tomatoes and the richness of the avocado. It’s a light, refreshing dressing that enhances rather than overpowers the natural flavors of the vegetables.

Essential Shortcut Tips for Speedy Salad Prep

Making this delightful salad is already quick, but these clever shortcuts can shave off even more time, making meal prep a breeze:

Efficient Cucumber Slicing: For perfectly thin and uniform cucumber slices in a flash, a mandoline slicer is your best friend. No mandoline? No problem! The flat side of a box grater can also produce beautifully thin pieces with a bit of care, or simply use a sharp knife and steady hand for consistent slices.
Quickly Halve Cherry Tomatoes: This genius trick will save you precious minutes! Place all your cherry or grape tomatoes inside the lip of an upside-down plate on a solid surface. Secure them gently but firmly with the bottom lip of another plate placed on top. With your hand holding the top plate securely, carefully slice through all the tomatoes at once using a sharp serrated knife. Voila! All halved in one swift motion.
Effortless Corn Kernel Removal: To quickly strip kernels from the cob without a mess, invert a small bowl inside a larger bowl. Place the corn cob vertically on the small inverted bowl. Slice downwards with a sharp knife, allowing the kernels to fall neatly into the larger bowl. A Bundt pan can also be used in a similar fashion, with the cob placed in the center hole!

Mastering the Recipe: Expert Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Salad

Achieving the perfect balance in this cucumber salad is all about paying attention to a few key details. These tips will ensure your salad is always a resounding success:

Choose the Right Cucumbers: As mentioned, Persian or English cucumbers are truly the best choices. Their mild flavor, minimal seeds, and thin skin contribute to a superior texture and taste, avoiding the bitterness sometimes found in standard garden cucumbers.
Seasoning is Crucial: Cucumbers and tomatoes, while flavorful, truly come alive with the right amount of salt and pepper. Don’t be shy with seasoning! Taste the salad multiple times before serving and adjust as needed. You’ll be surprised how much difference a little extra seasoning can make to help all the flavors “sing.”
Dress to Your Preference: The recipe provides a generous amount of dressing, giving you flexibility. Start by adding a smaller amount, then gradually add more until the salad is dressed to your personal liking. Some prefer a lightly coated salad, while others enjoy a more intensely flavored one. Any leftover dressing can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week and is fantastic on other garden salads.
Perfectly Ripe Avocado is Key: For that ultimate creamy texture and rich flavor, a ripe avocado is non-negotiable. It makes all the difference in the salad’s overall experience.

Quick Tip: How to Pick a Ripe Avocado

To ensure your avocado is perfectly ripe, gently press near the stem. If it yields slightly to gentle pressure (much like pressing the tip of your nose), it’s ready to enjoy! Avoid avocados that feel rock hard or excessively soft and mushy.

Versatile Serving Suggestions & Delicious Variations

This cucumber salad is wonderfully versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways, making it a fantastic addition to various meals. It serves as an exceptional side dish for summer barbecues, grilled chicken or fish, or even a simple sandwich lunch. Its light and refreshing nature also makes it a great starter or palate cleanser.

Creative Variations to Try:

Add Protein: For a heartier meal, toss in grilled chicken, shrimp, chickpeas, or crumbled feta cheese.
Herb Power: Fresh herbs like chopped dill, parsley, cilantro, or mint can add another layer of aromatic complexity.
Spice it Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a finely diced jalapeño can introduce a subtle kick.
Cheese Please: Crumbled goat cheese or cotija cheese would be a delightful addition.
Citrus Twist: A squeeze of fresh lime or lemon juice can brighten the flavors even further.
Different Dressings: While balsamic vinaigrette is superb, consider a lemon-herb dressing, a light yogurt dressing, or even a spicy peanut dressing for an Asian-inspired twist.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Cucumber Salad

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

While the salad is best enjoyed fresh, especially with the avocado, you can prepare the cucumbers, tomatoes, and corn a few hours in advance and store them in the refrigerator. The dressing can also be made ahead and stored separately. Add the diced avocado and toss with the dressing just before serving to maintain the best texture and prevent the avocado from browning.

How long does cucumber salad last?

Once dressed and combined with avocado, this salad is best consumed immediately or within a few hours. Leftovers might become watery, and the avocado can start to brown. However, the prepared vegetables (without avocado or dressing) can last up to 2-3 days in an airtight container in the fridge, and the dressing can last up to 2 weeks.

What if I don’t like raw corn?

No problem! The recipe offers a fantastic alternative: grilling the corn. Grilling brings out a wonderful sweetness and a slightly smoky flavor, providing a different but equally delicious texture. You can also quickly blanch or steam the corn kernels if you prefer them cooked but not grilled.

Can I use regular garden cucumbers?

Yes, you can, but I highly recommend Persian or English cucumbers for their superior texture and less bitter taste. If using regular garden cucumbers, you might want to peel them and scoop out the larger seeds to minimize bitterness and wateriness.

Is this recipe vegan and gluten-free?

Absolutely! This cucumber salad is naturally vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free, making it suitable for a wide range of dietary preferences. It’s a healthy and inclusive dish everyone can enjoy.

More Refreshing Salad Recipes to Explore

If you’re looking for more delicious and easy salad ideas, check out these other favorites:

Garbanzo Bean Salad with an Italian-inspired dressing
Chicken Salad with dried cranberries and pecans
Thai Quinoa Salad with a peanut dressing
Israeli Salad – a classic cucumber and tomato salad
Tomato Salad with a simple olive oil dressing

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Cucumber Salad

By Chelsea Lords

This refreshing Cucumber Salad is packed with juicy tomatoes, sweet corn, and creamy avocado for the perfect mix of flavors and textures. It’s fresh, vibrant, and comes together in minutes!

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Servings: 6 servings

Equipment

Large bowl

Ingredients

2-1/3 cups cherry tomatoes (1 pint, halved)
2-1/4 cups Persian cucumbers (coined, approx. 5 small cucumbers)
2 cups avocado (2 large avocados, diced)
1 large corn on the cob (corn cut off the cob, 1 cup; or use frozen (thawed) or canned (well-drained))

Dressing

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon-style mustard
1 teaspoon minced garlic (1 clove)
1/4 cup olive oil
Salt and pepper

Instructions

Optionally Grill Corn: If you prefer grilled corn, peel back the husks and remove silk from the cob. Rub vegetable oil on all sides and sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper. Place on a heated grill (400°F/200°C) and rotate every 3-4 minutes until charred, for a total of 12-15 minutes. This also works well on a grill pan. Otherwise, raw corn kernels are delicious and add a great crunch!
In a large salad bowl, gently combine the halved cherry tomatoes, coined (sliced) cucumbers, diced avocados, and the corn kernels (whether raw or grilled) cut from the cob.
Prepare the Dressing: In a jar with a tight-fitting lid (or a small bowl), combine all the dressing ingredients: balsamic vinegar, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and olive oil. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper, or to taste. Shake the dressing vigorously (or whisk well) just before pouring it over the salad.
Assemble and Serve: This salad is best enjoyed immediately after preparation, especially with the avocado and dressing added. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the combined salad ingredients. Start with a smaller amount and add to your desired preference (you may not use all the dressing). Gently toss the salad to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated. Taste for seasoning and add more salt and pepper as needed to make the flavors truly pop. Serve and enjoy immediately for the freshest taste and best texture!

Recipe Notes

Storage: The dressed salad with avocado does not store well due to the avocado browning and vegetables becoming watery. It’s best eaten fresh. However, leftover dressing stores nicely for up to 2 weeks in an airtight container in the fridge. The undressed vegetables (cucumbers, tomatoes, corn) can be stored separately for 2-3 days.

Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation. Individual results may vary based on ingredient brands and preparation methods.

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