Healthy Street Corn-Inspired Chicken Salad

If you’re looking for a dish that brings a burst of flavor and joy to your table, then you’ll absolutely love this Healthy Street Corn-Inspired Chicken Salad! This recipe is one of my go-to favorites because it captures the essence of street corn—think roasted corn, zesty lime, and fresh cilantro—in a hearty chicken salad. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you have friends over for lunch.

What makes this salad truly special is how lightened-up it is without sacrificing flavor. You can serve it on a bed of greens, with crunchy crackers and carrots, or tuck it into a wrap for a satisfying meal. Trust me, once you try it, this will become a recipe you’ll want to make again and again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavor-packed goodness: The combination of roasted veggies, spices, and Cotija cheese creates an irresistible taste explosion.
• Quick and easy: With just 20 minutes of prep and 25 minutes in the oven, you can whip this up in no time!
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this delicious twist on a classic chicken salad.
• Meal prep friendly: Make it ahead of time and enjoy it all week long for lunches or quick dinners!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Healthy Street Corn-Inspired Chicken Salad uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your kitchen. Let’s gather what we need:

For the Roasted Veggies

• 1 red bell pepper
• 1 red onion
• 1 jalapeno
• 16 oz frozen corn (one 16 ounce bag, roughly 2 1/2 cups)
• olive oil spray
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt

For the Salad Base

• 4 cups cooked chicken breast

For the Creamy Dressing

• 1/2 cup light mayo
• 1/2 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
• 1 lime (zested and juiced)
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 2 tsp chili powder

For the Fresh Touch

• 1 bunch scallions
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro
• 1.5 oz Cotija cheese

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to customize it based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

• Swap the protein: Use shredded rotisserie chicken or chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
• Add more veggies: Toss in diced avocado or cherry tomatoes for added freshness.
• Make it spicy: If you love heat, add more jalapeno or incorporate some diced serrano peppers.
• Change up the cheese: Try feta or queso fresco if Cotija isn’t available.

How to Make Healthy Street Corn-Inspired Chicken Salad

Step 1: Roast the Vegetables

Preheat your oven to 400F. Chop your red bell pepper and red onion into bite-sized pieces. Seed and chop the jalapeno to add some zing! Combine these veggies with frozen corn on a sheet pan. Spray them lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with kosher salt. Roasting brings out their natural sweetness and adds depth to our salad.

Step 2: Bake Until Perfectly Tender

Pop the sheet pan into the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they should be tender and slightly caramelized. Once done, let them cool down a bit before mixing them into our salad.

Step 3: Whisk Up the Dressing

While those lovely vegetables are cooling, grab a mixing bowl. Combine light mayo, Greek yogurt, lime zest and juice, cumin, paprika, another pinch of kosher salt, and chili powder. Whisk everything together until smooth and creamy—this dressing will tie all our flavors together beautifully.

Step 4: Assemble Your Salad

Now it’s time for the fun part! Chop your cooked chicken into chunks and add it to the bowl along with those roasted veggies. Chop up scallions and cilantro then toss them in too! Mix everything gently until well-coated with that creamy dressing—every bite should be full of flavor.

Step 5: Finish With Cheese

To top off your delicious creation, sprinkle Cotija cheese over the salad just before serving. It adds that wonderful salty touch that complements all those vibrant ingredients perfectly.

And there you have it—a delightful Healthy Street Corn-Inspired Chicken Salad ready to be enjoyed! Whether it’s packed for lunch or served at a gathering, I guarantee it will be a hit!

Pro Tips for Making Healthy Street Corn-Inspired Chicken Salad

Making a delicious and healthy chicken salad is all about the little details, so here are some pro tips to ensure your dish shines!

• Choose fresh ingredients: Opt for fresh corn when in season, as it enhances the sweetness and flavor of the salad, making it taste even more vibrant.
• Adjust spice levels: If you prefer a milder flavor, consider removing the seeds from the jalapeno or using less chili powder. This allows you to customize heat levels according to your taste.
• Make ahead of time: Prepare the salad a few hours in advance to let the flavors meld together. This can make the dish even tastier!
• Experiment with toppings: Consider adding diced avocado or sliced radishes for added texture and creaminess, enhancing both the visual appeal and flavor profile of your salad.
• Store properly: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. The salad should stay fresh for up to three days, making it perfect for meal prep!

How to Serve Healthy Street Corn-Inspired Chicken Salad

This chicken salad is not only packed with flavor but also versatile in how you can serve it! Here are some fun ideas to present this delightful dish:

Garnishes

• Chopped fresh cilantro: Adds a burst of freshness that complements the other flavors beautifully.
• Lime wedges: Serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra zing that guests can squeeze over their salads.
• Sliced avocado: Provides creaminess and richness, balancing out the spicy notes of the dish.

Side Dishes

• Crispy tortilla chips: Perfect for scooping up the chicken salad, these add a delightful crunch that pairs well with its creamy texture.
• Garden salad: A simple mix of greens and veggies makes for a refreshing accompaniment that lightens up your meal.
• Roasted sweet potatoes: Their natural sweetness contrasts nicely with the spiciness of the chicken salad, making them a hearty side option.
• Quinoa or brown rice: These whole grains are nutritious and filling, serving as a great base if you want to turn this chicken salad into a more substantial meal.

With these serving suggestions and tips, you’re all set to enjoy a colorful plate of Healthy Street Corn-Inspired Chicken Salad that will impress family and friends alike! Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Healthy Street Corn-Inspired Chicken Salad is perfect for meal prep! You can whip it up in advance and store it for easy lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• It will keep well for up to 3 days.
• To maintain freshness, avoid adding Cotija cheese until you’re ready to serve.

Freezing

• While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the chicken salad without the dressing.
• Place the mixture in a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion.
• It will last up to 3 months in the freezer. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

• This salad is best served cold, but if you prefer it warm:
• Gently reheat in the microwave for 30-second intervals until warmed through.
• Stir to ensure even heating, but be careful not to overheat as it may affect texture.

FAQs

If you have questions about this recipe, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries.

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Cotija?

Absolutely! Feta or crumbled queso fresco can be great alternatives if you want a similar flavor profile.

How can I make this Healthy Street Corn-Inspired Chicken Salad vegan?

To make this dish vegan-friendly, substitute cooked chicken with grilled tofu or chickpeas and replace mayonnaise with a plant-based alternative.

What sides pair well with Healthy Street Corn-Inspired Chicken Salad?

This refreshing salad pairs wonderfully with tortilla chips, fresh veggie sticks, or on a bed of greens for a light meal.

Can I use canned corn instead of frozen?

Yes, canned corn works well too! Just drain and rinse before using to reduce sodium content.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Healthy Street Corn-Inspired Chicken Salad becomes a new favorite in your kitchen! It’s not only packed with flavor but also makes meal prep a breeze. Enjoy making it and sharing it with loved ones. Let me know how yours turns out!