Introduction
Have you ever tried Mexican street corn, also called Elote? It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Now imagine mixing that tasty goodness with grilled chicken and fresh salad ingredients. Sounds great, right? That’s what this recipe is all about!
This Healthy Street Corn-Inspired Chicken Salad brings you all the fun flavors of street corn but in a lighter and healthier form. It’s full of protein, fiber, and color. Plus, it’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or even meal prep for the week. Whether you’re trying to eat better, need something easy to make, or just love corn and chicken—this salad will make your taste buds happy!
Ingredients – Corn-Inspired Chicken Salad
Here’s what you’ll need to make this yummy salad. All the ingredients are simple and easy to find.
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
For the Corn Salad Mix:
- 2 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- ¼ cup red onion (finely chopped)
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
- 1 jalapeño (optional, chopped finely)
- ¼ cup feta or cotija cheese (crumbled)
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Juice of 1 lime
For the Dressing:
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (or low-fat sour cream)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- Salt to taste
For the Base:
- 4 cups chopped romaine or mixed greens
- 1 avocado (sliced or diced)
- Extra lime wedges for serving
Step by Step Process – Corn-Inspired Chicken Salad
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
- Rub your chicken breasts with olive oil, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Grill the chicken on a pan or outdoor grill for about 5–6 minutes on each side or until fully cooked.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes, then cut it into bite-sized cubes or strips.
Step 2: Prepare the Corn
- If using fresh corn: Cook it on a hot pan or grill until lightly charred, then cut the kernels off the cob.
- If using frozen or canned corn: Sauté it in a pan for a few minutes until warm and slightly browned.
Step 3: Mix the Corn Salad
- In a bowl, add the corn, red onion, cilantro, jalapeño (if using), cheese, paprika, and lime juice.
- Stir everything gently so the flavors mix well.
Step 4: Make the Dressing
- In another bowl, mix together Greek yogurt, olive oil, lime juice, honey, chili powder, and a pinch of salt.
- Whisk until smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Assemble the Salad
- In a large serving bowl or plate, add the chopped greens as your base.
- Place the cooked chicken on top.
- Spoon over the corn salad mixture.
- Drizzle the creamy dressing on top.
- Add avocado slices and extra lime wedges on the side.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 370 kcal |
| Protein | 30g |
| Total Fat | 18g |
| Saturated Fat | 4g |
| Carbohydrates | 24g |
| Fiber | 6g |
| Sugar | 6g |
| Cholesterol | 70mg |
| Sodium | 420mg |
| Vitamin C | 30% DV |
| Calcium | 15% DV |
| Iron | 10% DV |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep everything ahead, but keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat so the salad stays fresh.
Q2: What if I don’t like spicy food?
No problem! Just skip the jalapeño and reduce or remove chili powder from the dressing.
Q3: Can I use rotisserie chicken instead?
Absolutely! Store-bought rotisserie chicken works great and saves time.
Q4: What can I use instead of Greek yogurt?
You can use low-fat sour cream or plain regular yogurt as an alternative.
Q5: Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this salad is naturally gluten-free. Just check your seasoning labels to be sure.
Q6: Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Use a dairy-free yogurt and skip the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese option.
Final Thoughts
This Healthy Street Corn-Inspired Chicken Salad is everything you want in a meal—fresh, colorful, tasty, and easy to make. It gives you the creamy, cheesy street corn flavor without the guilt, thanks to lighter ingredients like Greek yogurt and grilled chicken.
Plus, it’s flexible! You can swap out ingredients based on what you like or what you have in the kitchen. Want more crunch? Add some roasted chickpeas. Want more heat? Throw in some hot sauce.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or making lunch for the week—this salad will make you feel good inside and out. Give it a try and enjoy every bite!
