Description
A lighter, protein-packed twist on Mexican street corn (elote) featuring grilled chicken, charred corn, and a creamy yogurt-mayo dressing. This vibrant salad is quick to make, perfect for meal prep, and delivers bold flavors without the heaviness.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- Cotija cheese (or feta cheese substitute)
- 1/2 medium red onion, finely diced
- 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- Juice of 2 limes
- Mayonnaise
- Greek yogurt
- Smoked paprika
- Cumin
- Chili powder
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Olive oil
- Lime zest
Instructions
- Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, cumin, and smoked paprika.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil and cook chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Let chicken rest for 5 minutes, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
- In the same skillet, char corn kernels over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes until tender and slightly charred. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lime juice, lime zest, chili powder, and a pinch of salt to make the dressing.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine chopped chicken, charred corn, diced red onion, and cilantro.
- Pour dressing over the mixture and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Fold in cotija cheese.
- Just before serving, add diced avocado and top with a dusting of chili powder.
- Serve immediately chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
Soak diced red onion in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow sharpness. Add avocado right before serving to prevent browning. For meal prep, store dressing and avocado separately. This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but check spice labels. Can be made vegetarian by swapping chicken for chickpeas or black beans.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 25
- Fiber: 5
- Protein: 35
Keywords: Mexican street corn, chicken salad, elote salad, healthy dinner, meal prep, gluten-free, high protein, creamy salad, quick meals