Bursting with bright flavors and textures, the Healthy Street Corn-Inspired Chicken Salad is a crave-worthy twist on the classic Mexican elote. Juicy morsels of seasoned chicken blend with sweet corn, creamy Greek yogurt, zesty lime, chili, and a shower of cotija cheese, all tossed together in one bowl. Whether you’re craving a protein-packed lunch or a dish that wows at any gathering, this lighter spin on street corn salad will have you hooked from the first tangy, smoky, crunchy bite!

Healthy Street Corn-Inspired Chicken Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Healthy Street Corn-Inspired Chicken Salad is chosen for a reason! With a handful of fresh basics and a couple of bold flavor boosters, you’ll create layers of color, crunch, and zesty personality—no complicated shopping list required.

Cooked and shredded chicken breast: The hearty, lean protein backbone for your salad, making it extra satisfying.
Corn kernels (canned or grilled): Sweet, juicy pops throughout—use grilled for smoky depth, or canned for ultimate convenience.
Plain Greek yogurt: Creamy tang with fewer calories than sour cream, plus a healthy protein boost.
Mayonnaise (or more Greek yogurt): Adds silky smoothness; swap for more yogurt if you want it extra light.
Cotija cheese (or feta): Delivers that signature salty, crumbly punch—just what your salad needs to feel like real street corn.
Red onion, finely diced: A splash of color and gentle bite that balances all the creamy and sweet elements.
Jalapeño, seeded and minced: Brings gentle heat (leave seeds in for a kick—or out for mild).
Fresh cilantro, chopped: The herbal, citrusy freshness that ties all the Mexican-inspired flavors together.
Lime juice: Adds bright acidity that makes every other flavor pop.
Chili powder: Delivers smokiness and a faint red glow reminiscent of street vendor elote.
Smoked paprika: For that added barbecue essence and color.
Salt and pepper to taste: Helps all the flavors shine—don’t skip the tasting step!
Optional: diced avocado or chopped romaine: Serve with these extras for added creaminess or crunch and a touch of green.

How to Make Healthy Street Corn-Inspired Chicken Salad

Step 1: Make the Salad Base

Start by adding your shredded chicken, sweet corn, diced red onion, minced jalapeño, chopped cilantro, and crumbled cotija cheese into a large mixing bowl. It will look fresh and colorful right from the start! Using a big bowl isn’t just about space—it makes tossing everything together later so much easier and ensures every bite is pure joy.

Step 2: Combine the Dressing

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the creamy Greek yogurt, mayonnaise (or extra yogurt for a lighter salad), tangy lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, and your pinch of salt and pepper. Mixing the dressing on its own lets you balance the flavors and achieve that smooth, dreamy texture before bringing everything together.

Step 3: Dress and Toss

Pour the zesty, spiced dressing over all the chicken and veggies, then toss gently until every shred and kernel is glossy and coated. This is the moment where the magic happens—the yogurt mixture clings to the chicken, some corn nestles into cheese, and every herb gets its chance to shine.

Step 4: Taste and Adjust

Before you call it done, grab a spoon and taste! Adjust the salt, pepper, lime, or chili until you’re thrilled. If you like a little heat, now’s the time to add more jalapeño or even a touch of hot sauce. Personalizing this Healthy Street Corn-Inspired Chicken Salad really puts your stamp on the dish.

Step 5: Chill to Let Flavors Meld

Cover the bowl and let it chill in the fridge for 15 to 30 minutes if you have time. This not only makes the salad cold and refreshing, but it also allows the flavors to mingle and intensify, taking your salad from great to unforgettable.

How to Serve Healthy Street Corn-Inspired Chicken Salad

Garnishes

Never underestimate the power of a good garnish! Sprinkle on extra cotija, a flurry of chopped fresh cilantro, or lay a couple of lime wedges alongside. If you love a creamy touch, diced avocado looks gorgeous and adds lusciousness to each forkful.

Side Dishes

This Healthy Street Corn-Inspired Chicken Salad pairs beautifully with a pile of crispy tortilla chips, toasted baguette rounds, or even inside warm corn tortillas for a street food-style taco moment. Want greens? Serve it over crisp chopped romaine or butter lettuce for a full meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try piling spoonfuls into lettuce cups for a light, fun appetizer at parties—a sure crowd-pleaser! Or, make a chopped salad bowl layered with romaine, sliced radishes, and crunchy pepitas with the salad at center stage. For picnics, just pack individual jars or containers and garnish with fresh herbs right before serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Healthy Street Corn-Inspired Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, and you may even find it tastes better the second day! If you’ve added avocado, just know it might brown a bit but will still taste great.

Freezing

While you can freeze plain cooked chicken on its own, this salad is best enjoyed fresh. The dairy in the dressing can separate or become watery after freezing. If you absolutely must freeze, portion into single servings and thaw overnight in the fridge, then stir well before serving.

Reheating

This Healthy Street Corn-Inspired Chicken Salad is meant to be eaten chilled or at room temperature, so there’s no need to heat it. If you prefer it warm, gently microwave in short bursts, stirring between each, just until it takes the chill off—keep in mind the dressing will change texture.

FAQs

Can I make Healthy Street Corn-Inspired Chicken Salad dairy-free?

Absolutely! Just skip the cotija cheese and swap the Greek yogurt and mayonnaise for your favorite plant-based alternatives. You’ll still get all the zippy, creamy flavor with none of the dairy.

What kind of chicken is best for this salad?

Poached, grilled, or rotisserie chicken all work beautifully. If you’re in a hurry, grab a store-bought rotisserie chicken and shred it for ultimate convenience and flavor.

Is there a way to make it spicier?

Definitely! Leave the seeds in your jalapeño, add an extra chile, or splash in your favorite hot sauce with the dressing for some extra sizzle.

Can I meal prep this Healthy Street Corn-Inspired Chicken Salad?

Yes! It’s a fantastic meal prep option. Just keep any crunchy additions (like tortilla chips or extra romaine) separate until you’re ready to serve to preserve texture.

What else can I add to the salad?

Try mixing in black beans, diced bell peppers, or halved cherry tomatoes for more nutrients and color. The Healthy Street Corn-Inspired Chicken Salad is endlessly customizable to suit whatever’s in your fridge.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a mouthwatering, good-for-you dish that’s as much fun to make as it is to eat, the Healthy Street Corn-Inspired Chicken Salad should be at the very top of your list. Give this recipe a try and let your tastebuds do a happy little dance!