Name: Healthy Street Corn-Inspired Chicken Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Mexican-American
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded or chopped); 1 1/2 cups corn kernels (grilled, roasted, or canned and drained); 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt; 2 tablespoons mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon lime juice; 1/2 teaspoon lime zest; 1/2 teaspoon chili powder; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/3 cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta); 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro; 2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion

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Meet your new warm-weather obsession: Healthy Street Corn-Inspired Chicken Salad. This salad is the answer to all your lunch cravings, blending tender shredded chicken, sweet bursts of corn, creamy cotija cheese, and a yogurt-lime dressing that’s anything but average. It’s hearty, protein-packed, and perfect for making ahead, whether you’re prepping for weekday lunches or a sunshine-filled summer picnic. One bite delivers all the festive flavors of Mexican street corn, reinvented into a wholesome meal you’ll want to make again and again!

Healthy Street Corn-Inspired Chicken Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe is how a handful of everyday ingredients come together to deliver so much flavor and color. Each one plays a role in making the Healthy Street Corn-Inspired Chicken Salad both delicious and bursting with texture!

Cooked Chicken Breast: Shredded or chopped, it forms the hearty base and soaks up all that creamy dressing flavor.
Corn Kernels: Use grilled or roasted for smoky sweetness, or canned for convenience—every bite gets a pop of color and juiciness.
Plain Greek Yogurt: Brings creamy tang and keeps things light and protein-rich, while allowing the flavors to shine.
Mayonnaise: Adds traditional creaminess and pulls everything together without being heavy.
Lime Juice: Brightens up the salad and ties it to classic street corn tang.
Lime Zest: Lends zingy lime fragrance that really livens up every bite.
Chili Powder: The signature spice for earthy warmth and mild heat.
Garlic Powder: A touch of savory depth, without overpowering the fresh flavors.
Smoked Paprika: Delivers a subtle smokiness that echoes the grilled flavors of elote.
Salt: Heightens all the individual tastes and ties them together.
Black Pepper: For gentle bite and balance.
Cotija Cheese (or Feta): That classic, slightly salty crumbly cheese—essential for true street corn flair.
Fresh Cilantro: Brings bursts of green freshness that wake up the palate.
Finely Chopped Red Onion: Adds a little crunch and mild sharpness to round out the flavors.

How to Make Healthy Street Corn-Inspired Chicken Salad

Step 1: Make the Creamy Street Corn Dressing

Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl and whisking together the plain Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lime juice, and lime zest. This forms the lusciously creamy, tangy base that will transform your chicken and corn into something crave-worthy! Add in the chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper, whisking until smooth and the spices are fully incorporated.

Step 2: Add the Protein and Veggies

Once your dressing is silky and speckled with spice, pile in your shredded or chopped cooked chicken along with the corn kernels. Toss in the crumbled cotija cheese, generous handfuls of freshly chopped cilantro, and the red onion. The mixture will instantly look vibrant and inviting.

Step 3: Stir Everything Together

Gently fold everything in the bowl so each piece of chicken and every pop of corn is evenly coated with the creamy dressing. Visualize all those glorious colors and textures merging together! Give it a quick taste, then adjust the seasoning if you’d like an extra squeeze of lime or a sprinkle more salt.

Step 4: Chill for Maximum Flavor

Cover the bowl and refrigerate your Healthy Street Corn-Inspired Chicken Salad for at least 15 minutes. This short chill time allows the flavors to mingle and intensify—and trust me, that little bit of patience pays off in every bite!

How to Serve Healthy Street Corn-Inspired Chicken Salad

Garnishes

Give your salad a street corn finish with more crumbled cotija cheese or feta, a sprinkle of chili powder, extra fresh cilantro, or a scatter of thinly sliced jalapeños if you want heat. A little extra lime wedge on the side is always a welcome touch!

Side Dishes

This salad plays well with so many sides. Serve it alongside sliced avocado, fresh salsa, or crunchy tortilla chips for dipping. For a more substantial meal, pair with quinoa salad, black bean soup, or whole-grain pita rounds.

Creative Ways to Present

Take your Healthy Street Corn-Inspired Chicken Salad up a notch by serving it inside crisp butter lettuce cups, spooned over mixed greens for a power lunch, or piled high between slices of multigrain bread for a flavorful sandwich twist. For a party, scoop it into mini bell pepper halves or load spoonfuls onto baked tostada shells for a bite-sized appetizer delight!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Healthy Street Corn-Inspired Chicken Salad covered in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, making it fantastic for meal prep or next-day lunches. Give it a gentle stir to refresh before serving again.

Freezing

While the creamy dressing and fresh veggies aren’t freezer-friendly (they tend to lose their texture upon thawing), you can freeze just the cooked chicken and corn mixture for up to three months. Defrost in the refrigerator, then mix with fresh dressing and toppings when you’re ready to enjoy.

Reheating

This dish is designed to be served cold or at room temperature, making it ultra-convenient for grab-and-go meals. No reheating necessary—just stir to recombine the creamy goodness before plating or adding garnishes.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this salad?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is my favorite shortcut for extra-tender, flavorful chicken. Just shred or chop it, and you’ll have your Healthy Street Corn-Inspired Chicken Salad ready even faster.

What’s the best type Salad

Grilled or roasted corn packs the most flavor, adding a signature smoky-sweet taste. If you’re in a hurry, canned or frozen corn (thawed and drained) works wonderfully too—use whatever you have on hand.

Is there a dairy-free option?

You can swap the Greek yogurt and cotija cheese for dairy-free alternatives (unsweetened coconut yogurt and vegan feta are great choices). The salad will still be rich, creamy, and bursting with street corn personality!

How spicy is the salad?

With only chili powder and smoked paprika, the base recipe has a pleasant and gentle heat. If you love spice, feel free to toss in some diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne for extra kick.

Can I make Healthy Street Corn-Inspired Chicken Salad in advance?

Yes, this dish is a meal-prep hero! The flavors only improve after chilling, so making it a few hours ahead (or even the day before) is perfect. Just store in the fridge and garnish just before serving for the freshest results.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a protein-packed meal that bursts with flavor, color, and healthy satisfaction, give this Healthy Street Corn-Inspired Chicken Salad a try. It’s ridiculously simple and sure to become a staple in your kitchen—invite your taste buds to the fiesta!

Healthy Street Corn-Inspired Chicken Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 18 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Healthy Street Corn-Inspired Chicken Salad is a flavorful and protein-packed twist on traditional chicken salad, featuring ingredients like grilled corn, cotija cheese, and a zesty lime dressing.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Salad:

2 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded or chopped)
1 1/2 cups corn kernels (grilled, roasted, or canned and drained)
1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon lime juice
1/2 teaspoon lime zest
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/3 cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta)
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion

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Instructions

In a large bowl, prepare the dressing: Mix Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lime juice, lime zest, chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
Add ingredients: Combine cooked chicken, corn, cotija cheese, cilantro, and red onion in the bowl. Stir well to coat in dressing.
Adjust seasoning: Taste and add more seasoning if needed. Chill for at least 15 minutes before serving.
Serve: Use as a sandwich filling, in lettuce cups, over greens, or with whole-grain crackers.