Shrimp Cucumber Corn Salad with Cilantro Vinaigrette

by Danielle Cochran

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When the weather starts warming up, this Shrimp Cucumber Corn Salad with Cilantro Vinaigrette is one of my favorite meals to keep in the refrigerator. It is light, colorful, packed with flavor, and comes together without much effort.

The combination of juicy shrimp, sweet corn, crunchy cucumber, salty feta, and bright cilantro vinaigrette makes every bite taste like summer. It works as an easy lunch, a light dinner, or a side dish for cookouts and backyard gatherings.

One Of My Favorite Summer Salads

There are some recipes that only get made once or twice a year, and then there are the ones that somehow end up on the table all summer long. This shrimp cucumber corn salad falls into that second category.

The combination of juicy shrimp, sweet corn, crunchy cucumber, salty feta, and homemade cilantro vinaigrette just works. It feels fresh and light, but still filling enough to call dinner. We make it for quick weeknight meals, lunches the next day, and just about every summer cookout because it always disappears first.

Why You’ll Love This Shrimp Cucumber Corn Salad

  • Ready in about 25 minutes
  • Packed with fresh summer ingredients
  • Great for meal prep
  • Naturally gluten free
  • High protein lunch or dinner
  • Homemade cilantro vinaigrette
  • Perfect for cookouts and potlucks

Ingredients For Shrimp Cucumber Corn Salad

  • Shrimp: Large shrimp work best because they stay juicy after roasting and are easy to toss throughout the salad.
  • Olive oil
  • Corn: Fresh corn adds incredible flavor during summer, but frozen corn works perfectly year-round.
  • Red bell pepper
  • Butter
  • English cucumber: English cucumbers stay crisp and have fewer seeds, making them ideal for salads.
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Feta cheese: Feta adds a salty bite that balances the sweetness of the corn and shrimp.
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Coconut oil
  • Onion powder
  • Coriander
  • Garlic powder
  • Honey
  • Optional:
  • Avocado
  • Chopped romaine
  • Mixed greens

How To Make Shrimp Cucumber Corn Salad

  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
  • Place the shrimp on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
  • Roast for 7 to 10 minutes until the shrimp are bright pink and cooked through.
  • While the shrimp cooks, melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
  • Add the corn and diced bell pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes.
  • Slice the cucumber lengthwise. Cut into ¼-inch slices and gently smash with the palm of your hand for extra texture.
  • Prepare the vinaigrette by adding the cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, coconut oil, onion powder, coriander, garlic powder, salt, and honey to a blender.
  • Blend until smooth.
  • Add the shrimp, cucumber, corn mixture, feta cheese, and cilantro to a large bowl.
  • Pour the cilantro vinaigrette over the salad and toss until combined.
  • Serve immediately or chill before serving.

Ways To Serve Shrimp Cucumber Corn Salad

This shrimp cucumber corn salad is filling enough to serve as a meal on its own, but it also pairs well with grilled chicken, burgers, fish tacos, sandwiches, wraps, or fresh fruit. For a heartier meal, serve it over chopped romaine lettuce or mixed greens and add sliced avocado.

Storage

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
  • For the best texture, keep the cilantro vinaigrette separate until serving. If the salad has already been dressed, give it a gentle toss before eating since the dressing may settle at the bottom.
Shrimp cucumber corn salad with roasted shrimp, corn, cucumber, feta, and cilantro vinaigrette.

Shrimp Cucumber Corn Salad With Cilantro Vinaigrette

Danielle Cochran
Fresh shrimp, sweet corn, crisp cucumber, feta cheese, and homemade cilantro vinaigrette come together in this easy summer salad recipe.
No ratings yet
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Equipment

Ingredients
  

Salad

  • 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)
  • 1 tsp olive oil
  • Pinch of salt
  • Pinch of pepper
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 1/2 cups corn (fresh or frozen)
  • 1/3 red bell pepper (diced)
  • 1 English cucumber (sliced)
  • 1/4 cup feta cheese
  • 1/4 cup cilantro (chopped)

Cilantro Vinaigrette

  • 1 cup fresh cilantro
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil
  • 1/4 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp coriander
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tbsp honey
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Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly spray with cooking spray.
  • Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Place on the prepared baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Season lightly with salt and pepper and toss to coat.
  • Spread the shrimp into a single layer and roast for 7 to 10 minutes, or until the shrimp are bright pink and opaque throughout. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.
  • While the shrimp cooks, melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the corn and diced red bell pepper and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and the corn is warmed through.
  • Slice the cucumber in half lengthwise. Cut into ¼-inch slices, then gently press down on the pieces with the palm of your hand to lightly smash them. This helps them absorb more of the dressing.
  • To make the cilantro vinaigrette, add the cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, coconut oil, onion powder, coriander, garlic powder, salt, and honey to a blender. Blend until smooth and creamy.
  • Add the cucumber, corn mixture, shrimp, feta cheese, and chopped cilantro to a large serving bowl.
  • Pour the desired amount of cilantro vinaigrette over the salad and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
  • Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving for even more flavor.

Notes

  • Fresh or frozen corn both work well in this recipe.
  • Add avocado just before serving for the best texture.
  • Store the dressing separately if making ahead.
  • Leftover vinaigrette is delicious on grilled chicken, tacos, and grain bowls.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving
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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Frozen shrimp works great in this recipe. Thaw completely, pat dry with paper towels, and proceed with the recipe as written.

Can I make shrimp cucumber corn salad ahead of time?

Yes. You can prepare the shrimp, vegetables, and dressing several hours ahead of time. For the best texture, store the dressing separately and toss everything together right before serving.

What should I serve with shrimp cucumber corn salad?

This salad works as a meal on its own, but it also pairs well with grilled chicken, burgers, sandwiches, tacos, or fresh fruit.

How long does shrimp cucumber corn salad last?

The salad is best within the first 24 hours but will keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 days in an airtight container.

Can I add avocado?

Absolutely. Avocado adds creaminess and makes the salad more filling. Add it right before serving to prevent browning.

What kind of corn works best?

Fresh corn cut from the cob gives the best flavor during peak summer months, but frozen corn is a great year-round option and cooks quickly.

Can I use a different cheese?

If you don’t have feta, cotija cheese, queso fresco, or even goat cheese all work well with the flavors in this salad.

Is this salad gluten free?

Yes. All of the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten free.

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