This Mexican Street Corn Salad with Grilled Chicken is a fun and tasty dish! It features sweet corn, juicy grilled chicken, and zesty spices, all mixed together for a colorful treat.
I love how easy it is to whip up—just grill the chicken, toss everything together, and enjoy! Perfect for barbecues or a quick dinner at home. Plus, it’s bursting with flavor! 🌽
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Corn Kernels: Fresh corn is best for this salad as it adds sweetness. If fresh isn’t available, frozen corn works well. Just make sure to thaw and drain it before cooking.
Cotija Cheese: This cheese gives a salty kick to the dish. If you can’t find it, crumbled feta is a great alternative. It won’t have the same sharpness, but will still add creaminess.
Olive Oil: I recommend using a good quality extra virgin olive oil for flavor. If you’re out, avocado oil is another tasty option with a high smoke point.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds brightness to this salad. If you’re not a fan, consider using parsley or even chopped green onions for a different taste.
Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice really ties the flavors together. If you’re in a pinch, bottled lime juice can be used, but fresh is always better!
How Do I Get Perfectly Charred Corn for My Salad?
Charred corn adds an amazing smoky flavor, making the salad special. Here’s how to achieve that perfect char:
- Heat your skillet over medium heat before adding oil and corn.
- Don’t stir the corn too often—let it sit for a bit so it can brown well.
- Cook for about 5-7 minutes, watching closely for a nice golden color.
- Feel free to adapt the spices—add more chili powder for more kick!
With these tips, your corn will shine in this delicious salad!
How to Make Mexican Street Corn Salad with Grilled Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 avocado, diced
- 2 grilled chicken breasts, sliced
- 1 lime, juiced
- Optional: tortilla chips, crushed (for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus about 7 minutes for cooking the corn. You can enjoy this fresh and flavorful dish in approximately 22 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Corn:
Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Then, toss in the corn kernels and sprinkle them with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir occasionally and allow the corn to cook until it’s slightly charred, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once it’s done, remove the skillet from the heat and set it aside to cool a bit.
2. Preparing the Salad Base:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, crumbled cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, and diced avocado. This mix will create a beautiful and colorful base for your salad!
3. Combining the Ingredients:
Now, add the charred corn you prepared earlier to the salad mixture. Gently toss everything together to ensure all the ingredients are well mixed and evenly distributed.
4. Adding the Dressing:
Next, squeeze fresh lime juice over the salad and give it another gentle toss. This will add a zesty flavor and help to bring all the ingredients together.
5. Topping with Grilled Chicken:
Arrange the sliced grilled chicken breasts on top of the salad. If you love a little crunch, go ahead and sprinkle some crushed tortilla chips over everything as an optional topping.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Mexican street corn salad with grilled chicken is ready to be served! Dive in immediately and enjoy this refreshing and tasty dish!
Can I Use Frozen Corn Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen corn, just make sure to thaw it before cooking. You can quickly thaw it in the microwave or add it directly to the skillet and cook a bit longer until heated through. This will still give you that nice charred flavor!
What Can I Substitute for Cotija Cheese?
If you can’t find cotija cheese, feta is a great alternative! It has a similar crumbly texture and will still add that delicious salty flavor to the salad. You could also try using queso fresco if you prefer a milder taste.
Can I Prep This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep the ingredients in advance! Just keep the dressing (lime juice) separate until you’re ready to serve to prevent the lettuce from wilting. Store the corn, chicken, and other veggies in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Toss everything together just before serving to keep it fresh!
How Should I Store Leftover Salad?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s best eaten within 1-2 days. If the salad has tortilla chips on top, consider storing the chips separately to keep them crunchy!
