Deliciously Fresh Mexican Street Corn Chicken Salad

I’ll share with you a Mexican Street Corn Chicken Salad recipe that’s not only a total hit in my house but also filled with nutrition to keep your family energized through those busy days. The first time I made this Mexican Street Corn Chicken Salad, I was hunting for a meal that combined bold flavors with wholesome ingredients but didn’t take forever to prep. My family’s reaction surprised me—they went back for seconds, and my picky kid even asked for more chicken! It felt like a real mom-win because it balanced familiar Mexican flavors chicken with fresh produce and a creamy corn dressing that’s light but satisfying.

What makes this Mexican Street Corn Chicken Salad even better is how well it supports family health. Corn adds fiber and antioxidants, while the chicken delivers lean protein to keep energy steady. The cilantro lime chicken salad twist adds freshness that’s hard not to love. I learned early on to keep this recipe simple so fellow busy moms can whip it up any night, no stress. If you’re looking for a nourishing salad that feels like a little fiesta in your bowl, this one fits perfectly. And trust me, your family will thank you!

If you love family meals with Mexican flair and a little spice, try pairing this with my spicy Mexican street corn chicken rice bowl for another easy crowd-pleaser. You’ll find the recipe handy when school lunches and after-school snacks demand your time. Or check out delicious alternatives like the Mexican street corn soup for a warm twist or spicy Mexican corn bites recipe when you want bite-sized fun. Keeping simple nutrition at the center, this Mexican Street Corn Chicken Salad fits perfectly in our busy kitchen chaos, and I’m excited to share it with you!

Ingredients for Mexican Street Corn Chicken Salad displayed on a kitchen counter

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For your simple and nourishing Mexican Street Corn Chicken Salad, gather:

  • 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped (I use rotisserie to save time)
  • 2 cups fresh or grilled corn kernels (about 3-4 ears of corn)
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise (for that creamy corn dressing)
  • 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (adds tang and protein)
  • 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta if you want a budget swap)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (essential for that cilantro lime chicken salad vibe)
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (optional for a little spicy chicken salad kick)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (brightens flavors)
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder (Mexican flavors chicken hit)
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin (warm and earthy)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

No worries if you don’t have cotija cheese on hand. I swap it for feta or simply increase the Greek yogurt for a creamy twist in my Mexican Street Corn Chicken Salad.

You can find these wholesome ingredients at your regular grocery store, and the best part is—this Mexican Street Corn Chicken Salad proves nutritious doesn’t mean expensive. Fresh corn stores well frozen if you want to make it all year round. For busy families, using pre-cooked grilled corn kernels or canned whole-kernel corn works great and saves prep time.

I like adding extra bell peppers or cherry tomatoes when in season for an extra vitamin C boost. Trust me, this Mexican Street Corn Chicken Salad ingredient list is simple because busy moms need nutrition without complexity!

Let’s Make it Happen!

1. Prep the chicken and corn
Start by shredding or chopping your cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. If you’re using fresh corn, carefully slice the kernels off the cob. Grilled corn gives a smoky flavor that makes this salad pop—but if life is hectic, canned corn rinsed well works just fine.

2. Make the creamy corn dressing
In a bowl, stir together mayonnaise, sour cream or Greek yogurt, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This creamy corn dressing combines that classic Mexican street corn creaminess with fresh tang, bringing your salad to life.

3. Mix the salad
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken, corn, jalapeño, and cilantro. Pour the creamy corn dressing over and stir gently to coat everything evenly. Your Mexican Street Corn Chicken Salad should start smelling nourishing by now—that’s when you know we’re doing it right!

4. Add the cheese
Sprinkle cotija cheese over the top and fold in some for extra flavor. Don’t worry if your Mexican Street Corn Chicken Salad looks a little messy; this is a good kind of mess. The combo of textures is part of the charm.

5. Taste and adjust
Give your salad a taste. If you want more zing, add extra lime juice or a pinch more chili powder. Sometimes I sneak in a bit more cilantro for that fresh pop.

6. Chill or serve immediately
You can serve this Mexican Street Corn Chicken Salad straight away, or pop it in the fridge for 30 minutes to blend flavors. In my busy kitchen, this takes about 15-20 minutes to prep, making it a quick nutrition win. While it’s chilling, I prep tomorrow’s lunch or grab snacks for the kids.

7. Leftover hacks
If there’s any leftover Mexican Street Corn Chicken Salad, it makes a fantastic filling for whole grain tortillas or a vibrant topping for tacos the next day. I’ve also tossed leftovers into a bed of greens for a quick lunch.

Learn from my experience: the creamy corn dressing is the real star, so don’t skip the mayo/sour cream combo. While your salad is coming together, take a moment to appreciate nourishing your family with ingredients that fuel their busy days.

For more simple nutrition ideas that mix Mexican flavors chicken style, check out this spicy Mexican street corn chicken rice bowl—it’s another family favorite around here!

Mexican Street Corn Chicken Salad served in a bowl with avocado slices and tortilla chips

How We Love to Eat This!

The kids devour this Mexican Street Corn Chicken Salad when I serve it with crunchy baked tortilla chips or simple avocado slices. The creamy corn dressing keeps fingers happy while adding needed fats for brain power.

This salad shines for busy weeknight dinners when we want good nutrition fast and a meal that doesn’t feel like a chore. I like to set it up as a make-your-own taco station with some warmed corn tortillas and a side of black beans for extra fiber.

For guests, this Mexican Street Corn Chicken Salad feels festive without extra fuss. I’ve brought it to potlucks alongside spicy Mexican corn bites recipe—it’s a hit every time, and friends always ask for the recipe after tasting this creamy, spicy chicken salad combo.

Sometimes I swap fresh corn for grilled corn when summer rolls in, adding sweet, smoky notes to our meals. In cooler months, I enjoy pairing it with a side of warm Mexican street corn soup for ultimate comfort without giving up nutrition.

Leftovers? We love piling the salad on top of leafy greens to make a quick cilantro lime chicken salad bowl, turning yesterday’s dinner into a fresh lunch without any waste.

If your kids love this wholesome recipe, they’ll go crazy for these links to other favorites like the Mexican street corn soup or spicy Mexican corn bites recipe for family-friendly snacks.

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Is this Mexican Street Corn Chicken Salad really nutritious enough for growing kids?
Absolutely! This salad balances lean protein from chicken with fiber and antioxidants from corn and fresh herbs. The creamy corn dressing adds some healthy fats which help kids absorb vitamins better. My children’s energy and eating have improved since I started making this often.

What if my picky eater won’t try this healthy Mexican Street Corn Chicken Salad?
I’ve been there! Start by serving components separately—grilled corn salad on the side or just plain chicken. Gradually combine once they get comfortable with flavors. Adding familiar tacos or tortilla chips as dippers helped us. Check my spicy Mexican street corn chicken rice bowl recipe for another milder introduction to similar flavors.

Can I meal prep this Mexican Street Corn Chicken Salad for busy weeks ahead?
Definitely! Store components separately — chicken, corn salad, and dressing. Mix just before eating to keep that fresh texture. It keeps well for 3-4 days and is perfect for quick school lunches or dinner when time is short.

Is the creamy corn dressing high in calories?
While it has some mayo and sour cream, the portions are small, and this adds flavor that encourages kids to eat veggies. You can swap mayo for Greek yogurt to lower fat and boost protein. It’s all about balance, and this dressing keeps our family satisfied without extra calorie overload.

Can I add more vegetables to the Mexican Street Corn Chicken Salad?
Yes! I love tossing in chopped bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or even some black beans when fresh veggies are in season. It enhances the fiber and adds nutrients without complicating the recipe.

Does it freeze well?
I don’t recommend freezing once mixed because the creamy dressing can separate. However, freeze cooked chicken and corn separately to save prep time later.

How spicy is the jalapeño?
It’s mild with seeds removed, and my kids handle it well. You can leave it out if sensitive. If your family loves heat, this spicy chicken salad version can have more jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce!

If you want more simple nutrition ideas for busy families, check out this Mexican street corn chicken rice bowl recipe or the spicy Mexican corn bites recipe for snack-time wins.

Final Thoughts:

This Mexican Street Corn Chicken Salad supports my family’s nutrition goals by offering a satisfying meal filled with lean protein, fiber, and fresh ingredients. It fits perfectly on busy days when I want wholesome food without the overwhelm.

My Mexican Street Corn Chicken Salad Nutrition Hacks:

  • Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt to add protein and cut fat.
  • Use rotisserie chicken for less prep and more time with the family.
  • Add extra cilantro and lime juice for fresh vitamin C and flavor boosts.

My family loves variations like adding black beans for fiber, extra jalapeños for spice lovers, or swapping cotija cheese for feta to stretch the budget. My kids prefer the simple creamy version, while my husband likes it with all the jalapeños!

This recipe is designed for you to make it your own. You’ll find that simple nutrition with familiar Mexican flavors chicken style can bring joy and health to your table. I hope it becomes one of your go-to dinnertime nutrition wins!

Remember, if you want more ideas with this nutritious Mexican Street Corn Chicken Salad vibe, visit Mexican Street Corn Chicken Salad – Chef Allie’s Kitchen or Mexican Chicken Salad Recipe with Cilantro Lime Crema | Mary’s for inspiring takes. For a fresh corn twist, the corn salad with chile and lime from corn salad with chile and lime – smitten kitchen is divine!

You’ve got this, fellow nutrition-seeker. Here’s to nourishing chaos made simple with a Mexican Street Corn Chicken Salad on your table soon!

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Mexican Street Corn Chicken Salad

This vibrant Mexican Street Corn Chicken Salad combines juicy grilled chicken with zesty street corn flavors and a creamy, tangy dressing for a fresh and satisfying meal.

  • Author: Juliette
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Grilled
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
  • 2 cups grilled corn kernels
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup crumbled Cotija cheese
  • 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 small jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Mixed greens or romaine lettuce, for serving

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, grilled corn kernels, diced red bell pepper, jalapeño, and chopped cilantro.
  2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  3. Pour the dressing over the chicken and corn mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.
  4. Stir in the crumbled Cotija cheese, reserving a small amount for garnish if desired.
  5. Serve the salad over a bed of mixed greens or romaine lettuce.
  6. Garnish with extra Cotija cheese and a sprinkle of chili powder for added flavor and presentation.

Notes

For extra spice, add diced avocado or a dash of hot sauce before serving.

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