why make this recipe

Making a Delicious Healthy Street Corn-Inspired Chicken Salad brings the flavors of a popular street food into a healthy, easy-to-make dish. This salad is fresh, colorful, and packed with proteins and veggies. It’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or a potluck. Plus, it’s a great way to use leftover chicken, and you can tweak it to suit your taste.

how to make Delicious Healthy Street Corn-Inspired Chicken Salad

Ingredients :

1 each Red Bell Pepper (can substitute with yellow or orange pepper)
1 each Red Onion (can replace with green onions)
1 each Jalapeno (omit for non-spicy version)
2 cups Frozen Corn (or use fresh/grilled corn)
2 cups Cooked Chicken Breast (rotisserie chicken works too)
1 bunch Scallions (replace with chives if preferred)
1/2 cup Fresh Cilantro (omit if not preferred)
1/3 cup Cotija Cheese (feta or ricotta salata can be substituted)
1/2 cup Light Mayo (or more Greek yogurt)
1/2 cup Plain Nonfat Greek Yogurt (or sour cream for a richer taste)
1 each Lime (for zest and juice)
1 teaspoon Cumin
1 teaspoon Paprika
1 teaspoon Chili Powder
1 teaspoon Kosher Salt (or sea salt)

Directions :

Start by rinsing and chopping the red bell pepper and red onion into small pieces. If you’re using jalapeno, remove the seeds for less heat and chop it finely.
In a large bowl, add the frozen corn and microwave it for about 2-3 minutes until warm. If you’re using fresh or grilled corn, cut it off the cob and add it to the bowl.
Add the cooked chicken breast to the bowl. If you are using rotisserie chicken, shred it before adding.
Chop the scallions and cilantro (if using), and add them to the mix.
In a separate bowl, mix the light mayo, plain Greek yogurt, lime zest, lime juice, cumin, paprika, chili powder, and kosher salt. Stir until well combined.
Pour the dressing over the chicken and veggie mix. Toss everything together until all the ingredients are well coated.
Finally, sprinkle the Cotija cheese on top and give it one final gentle toss.

how to serve Delicious Healthy Street Corn-Inspired Chicken Salad

This salad can be served as is in a bowl, or you can make tacos by using tortilla wraps. It’s delicious with added avocado and some tortilla chips on the side for crunch. You can also place it over a bed of greens for a heartier meal.

how to store Delicious Healthy Street Corn-Inspired Chicken Salad

Store the chicken salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep for about 3-4 days. Just remember to give it a good stir before serving again, as the dressing may settle.

tips to make Delicious Healthy Street Corn-Inspired Chicken Salad

Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Grilling the corn can add a nice smoky taste.
Adjust the spice level based on your preference. You can omit jalapenos entirely or add more if you like it spicy.
Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese or add other toppings like avocado for creaminess.

variation (if any)

You can easily switch up the protein by using shrimp or grilled tofu for a vegetarian version. You could also add black beans for extra fiber and taste.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance. Just keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

What can I serve with this salad?
This salad goes well with tortilla chips, on a bed of mixed greens, or wrapped in tortillas for a delicious taco.

Can I freeze leftovers?
It’s not recommended to freeze this salad, as the texture of the veggies and dressing may change after thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh.