Crack Corn Salad Recipe

If you’re looking for that one salad recipe you’ll be bringing to every summer BBQ, potluck, or picnic from now until forever, let me introduce you to your new obsession: Crack Corn Salad. This creamy, crunchy, sweet-and-savory mix is totally addictive – hence the name. Think juicy sweet corn, tangy lime, crisp cucumbers, and a rich dressing you could eat with a spoon. Oh, and don’t worry, this crack corn salad takes just minutes to make. No cooking required (unless you want to grill the corn like a champ).

So yes, you’re in the right place. This is the crack corn salad recipe your summer menu has been begging for.

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Why You Should Try This Crack Corn Salad Recipe

There are a million reasons why this crack corn salad deserves a permanent spot in your recipe box. First, it comes together in 20 minutes flat. No fancy techniques or ingredients here – just simple, delicious food that even a total kitchen newbie can whip up.

Second, it works for pretty much any occasion. Need a fast side for grilled chicken? Done. Looking for an easy potluck salad that doesn’t wilt in five minutes? Here you go. Want something fresh, crunchy, and cool next to your tacos? Crack corn salad is that girl.

And third, it’s super flexible. You can go classic, ranch-style, add bacon or grilled shrimp, or keep it vegetarian and add chickpeas and avocado. More on that below. But the core? Always irresistible.

Ingredients for Crack Corn Salad

Let’s break down what you’ll need for this creamy crack corn salad:

• 4 cups corn (fresh, canned, or grilled)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 English cucumber, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 1/3 cup sour cream
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: chopped cilantro, diced jalapeño, shredded cheddar, cooked bacon, avocado, chickpeas

It’s all the good stuff. Creamy. Tangy. Crunchy. Sweet. You can even throw in some herbs for a fresh corn salad with herbs feel. Totally your call.

How to Make Crack Corn Salad Step-by-Step

This salad could not be easier. Just four main steps and you’re golden.

Step 1: Prepare the Corn

Use fresh corn if you can. Grill it for a smoky, charred flavor that adds another layer to this already dreamy salad. But hey, if you’re using canned or frozen corn, that’s perfectly fine too. Just drain and pat it dry so the dressing doesn’t get watery.

Want to turn it into grilled corn salad? Toss your corn on a hot grill for about 10 minutes, turning often. Then slice the kernels off the cob and toss ’em in.

Step 2: Chop and Mix

Halve your cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, and finely chop the red onion. If your onion’s got too much bite, give it a soak in cold water for 10 minutes.

Then grab a big bowl and toss all your veggies together with crumbled feta.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together your mayo, sour cream, lime juice, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning.

Want a lighter crack corn salad? Swap some of the mayo for Greek yogurt. Or go all in with a homemade ranch-style version (recipe below!).

Step 4: Combine and Chill

Pour your dressing over the salad and mix well. Make sure everything gets coated. Then chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. The flavors settle and blend, and the result is magic.

Pro tip: The longer it chills, the better it gets.

Crack Corn Salad Variations

Here’s where things get fun. This salad is a base you can build on. Here are a few crowd-pleasing ways to switch things up:

Add Protein for a Meal-Worthy Salad

• Grilled chicken or shrimp makes this salad dinner-ready.
• Toss in black beans or chickpeas for a vegetarian protein boost.
• Add chopped hard-boiled eggs for extra richness.

Try pairing it with this Lime Chicken with Corn and Poblano Salad for a corn-on-corn flavor explosion.

Vegetarian and Vegan Options

• Use plant-based feta or skip the cheese.
• Swap mayo/sour cream with vegan alternatives.
• Add creamy avocado chunks and roasted sunflower seeds.

Looking for more fresh, vegetarian summer salads? Don’t miss our Cucumber Tomato Salad and Strawberry Spinach Salad.

Turn Up the Flavor

• Add diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
• Toss in fresh cilantro for brightness.
• Try shredded cheddar for a cheddar cheese corn salad variation.
• Swap lime for lemon juice for a tangy corn salad version.

Crack Corn Salad Cooking Tips

• Soften the onion: Soak it in water if it’s too sharp.
• Grill the corn: Adds deep flavor.
• Balance the dressing: If it feels too thick, add a splash of lime juice.
• Make ahead: This salad is even better the next day.

Bonus: It’s naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your mayo and sour cream labels if needed.

Serving Suggestions for Crack Corn Salad

Crack corn salad doesn’t need much to shine, but here are some killer ways to serve it:

Best Pairings

• As a side to grilled steak or burgers.
• Tucked into tacos or burritos.
• With crispy BBQ chicken or Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad.
• At a potluck alongside Broccoli Raisin Salad or Watermelon Salad with Cucumber and Feta.

Creative Ways to Serve

• In lettuce cups for a low-carb option.
• As a topping for nachos (seriously, try this).
• In a wrap with turkey or grilled veggies.
• Packed into mason jars for picnic-friendly portions.

Time Breakdown

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Chill Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

Nutritional Info (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~180
• Protein: ~5g
• Sodium: ~300mg

Make it lighter by using Greek yogurt or cutting back on feta. Add beans or quinoa for a protein-packed version. It’s one of those healthy corn salads that you can truly adapt to fit your goals.

FAQs

Bonus Recipe: Bacon & Ranch Crack Corn Salad

Wanna go all out? This ranch and bacon version is outrageous. Here’s what you need:

• 4 cups corn
• 1/3 cup mayo
• 1/3 cup sour cream
• 2 tbsp milk
• 1 tbsp buttermilk (or more milk)
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
• 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
• 1 small jalapeño, diced

Whisk the dressing ingredients first, then toss with the rest. Chill before serving. It’s rich, creamy, and full of bold ranch flavor. Perfect for game day or when you just want something a little extra.

Crack Corn Salad

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• Author: Jake
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Creamy, crunchy, sweet, and savory – this crack corn salad is the ultimate summer side dish you’ll bring to every BBQ. No cooking required, just simple ingredients mixed into irresistible magic.

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 cups corn (fresh, canned, or grilled)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 English cucumber, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 1/3 cup sour cream
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: chopped cilantro, diced jalapeño, shredded cheddar, cooked bacon, avocado, chickpeas

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Instructions

1. Grill or prep the corn: Use fresh corn for best results. Grill for a smoky touch or use canned/frozen (drain and pat dry).
2. Chop veggies: Halve cherry tomatoes, dice cucumber, finely chop red onion (soak in water if strong).
3. Mix veggies and feta in a large bowl.
4. Whisk dressing: In a small bowl, mix mayo, sour cream, lime juice, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
5. Combine: Pour dressing over salad ingredients and toss until everything is well coated.
6. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. Flavor improves over time.

Notes

Customize it with jalapeños, avocado, bacon, or grilled shrimp. Make it lighter with Greek yogurt. Great for potlucks, tacos, or as a fresh side to any meal.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 15mg

Final thoughts

This crack corn salad is creamy, crunchy, tangy, and ridiculously easy to make. Whether you’re a home cook, a busy student, or just someone who needs a no-fuss dish to bring to the next potluck, this one delivers. And hey, feel free to make it your own – toss in your favorites, play with the spices, go wild.

Now that you’ve got the recipe, go make it! And while you’re at it, check out our Fresh Cucumber Caprese Salad for your next salad night. Trust me, you’ll be back for seconds.

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