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Mexican street corn, or elote, has always been a crowd-pleaser. Charred corn on the cob, coated in a creamy sauce, dusted with chili powder, and sprinkled with cheese is the stuff of summer dreams. But while it tastes indulgent, traditional elote can be heavy. Enter Street Corn Chicken Salad: all of the flavor you crave in a lighter, protein-packed form. By turning this classic into a salad, you get the smoky sweetness of roasted corn, the creaminess of a tangy dressing, and the bold kick of spices without the extra calories.
This recipe isn’t just delicious—it’s smart nutrition. The foundation is lean, juicy chicken breast, grilled or roasted for maximum flavor. Chicken provides high-quality protein to keep you satisfied and energized, whether you’re serving this dish as a hearty lunch, post-workout refuel, or a family-friendly dinner. Pairing chicken with fiber-rich vegetables like corn, tomatoes, peppers, and crisp romaine or leafy greens creates a balanced plate with both substance and crunch.
A Dressing That Loves You Back
Street Corn Chicken Salad swaps out heavy mayo-based dressings for a lighter Greek yogurt sauce. The result is a creamy texture that feels indulgent but is loaded with probiotics, healthy fats, and vitamins. A squeeze of fresh lime juice, a hint of garlic, and a dash of chili powder bring brightness and heat without unnecessary additives. It’s a dressing that doesn’t just coat your salad—it elevates it.
Nutrient-Rich Ingredients That Deliver
This salad reads like a greatest hits of healthy, whole-food ingredients:
Corn: Rich in fiber and antioxidants, especially lutein and zeaxanthin, which support eye health.
Chicken: Lean protein to keep muscles strong and hunger at bay.
Greek Yogurt and Avocado: Creaminess without the guilt, plus calcium, potassium, and heart-healthy fats.
Fresh Vegetables: peppers, onions and corn provide vitamin C, folate, and phytonutrients.
Cilantro and Lime: Herbs and citrus pack flavor while boosting digestion and immunity.
Instead of leaning on processed toppings, this salad highlights natural, nutrient-dense foods that taste as good as they are good for you.
Serving Suggestions
Street Corn Chicken Salad is as versatile as it is nutritious. Scoop it up with tortilla chips or crackers for a satisfying appetizer. Pile it high over a bed of fresh greens for a filling main dish salad. Or tuck it into a sandwich, wrap, or pita pocket for an easy grab-and-go lunch. However you serve it, the flavors shine through and the texture makes every bite crave-worthy.
A Versatile Dish for Any Occasion
Street Corn Chicken Salad is flexible. Serve it warm, right after making the chicken, or make it ahead and serve chilled. It’s perfect for weekday meal prep, potluck gatherings, or as a fresh centerpiece for taco night. Top it with cotija cheese for authenticity, or swap in feta if that’s what you have on hand. Want to go grain-free? Skip the tortilla chips. Want to stretch it into a heartier meal? Add quinoa or brown rice.
Why You’ll Love This Healthy Street Corn Chicken Salad
This salad isn’t about deprivation. It’s about celebrating bold flavors while nourishing your body. With a balance of protein, fiber, and healthy fats, it satisfies cravings without leaving you sluggish. It’s proof that healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring—it can be vibrant, satisfying, and downright craveable.
This easy 10 minute meal combines street corn and rotisserie chicken to create an easy Street Corn Chicken Salad with the perfect crunch. It makes for an easy, wholesome work lunch to pack up into meal prep containers. Just serve with tortilla chips, or veggie sticks for serving.
Ingredients
Scale
Dressing
1/2cupgreek yogurt
1/3cupmayonnaise
1limejuice and zest of
1clovegarlicminced or grated
1tspchili powder or Tajin
1/2tsppaprika
1/2tspcumin
salt and pepper to taste
Salad Ingredients
kernels from 2 – 3 cobs of corn or one can corn,drained well
2cupscooked chickendiced or shredded
1/2red bell pepperdiced
3tablespoonscilantrochopped (more if desired)
1 Jalapeno pepper, seeded and diced
1/2small red onion or shallot minced
Optional toppings: tajin, diced avocado
Instructions
In a small bowl combine greek yogurt, mayo, garlic, lime juice and zest, and seasonings and salt and pepper. Whisk until smooth, taste and adjust the seasonings to your liking.
In a large mixing bowl add corn, bell pepper, cilantro, jalapeno and chicken.
Pour the dressing over everything and use a spoon or spatula to mix until it’s evenly coated. Add in the avocado if using and gently toss to mix it in being careful not to mash them.
Garnish with Tajin, additional chopped cilantro or cojita cheese.
Serve with veggie sticks, tortilla chips or crackers.