Easy & Zesty Mexican Street Corn Chicken Salad: A Flavor-Packed Elote-Inspired Recipe

This Mexican Street Corn Chicken Salad recipe brings together the vibrant, smoky, and zesty flavors of authentic Mexican street corn (elote) with the satisfying heartiness of a classic chicken salad. It’s a quick, incredibly flavorful, and truly versatile dish that can effortlessly transition from a light and fresh lunch to a picnic-perfect side or a simple yet exciting weeknight dinner. With the tangy kick of lime and the unique seasoning of Tajín, every bite is a celebration of fresh ingredients and bold Mexican-inspired tastes.

About This Mexican Street Corn Chicken Salad

If you’re a fan of the irresistible street food known as elote (Mexican street corn), then prepare for this chicken salad to become your absolute favorite. This recipe is my unique and delicious spin on ensalada de pollo, a beloved classic Mexican chicken salad, infused with all the vibrant characteristics of street corn. It features a creamy, rich dressing, the natural sweetness of corn kernels, a kick from chili-lime seasoning and Tajín, the salty tang of Cotija cheese, and a burst of freshness from cilantro. All these incredible ingredients are generously tossed with tender, juicy chicken, resulting in a hearty, flavor-packed salad that stands out from any ordinary chicken dish.

One of the greatest appeals of this easy recipe lies in its incredible versatility. It can be enjoyed in so many ways: scoop it up with your favorite tortilla chips for a delightful snack or appetizer, pile it high onto crispy tostadas for a simple yet satisfying dinner, or tuck it into crisp lettuce wraps when you’re craving something light and refreshing. This makes it perfect for meal prepping, entertaining, or simply enjoying on a busy weeknight.

What’s more, this fantastic salad comes together in approximately 15 minutes, especially if you have pre-cooked chicken on hand. I often rely on the convenient shortcut of using a store-bought rotisserie chicken, which significantly cuts down on prep time. There’s no endless chopping or complex cooking steps involved—just straightforward preparation that delivers bold, street corn-inspired flavor while still honoring the comforting traditions of ensalada de pollo.

Key Ingredients for Mexican Street Corn Chicken Salad

Crafting this flavorful chicken salad starts with selecting the right ingredients. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need and why each component is essential:

• Light Mayonnaise: This forms the creamy base of our dressing. Using light mayonnaise provides richness without making the salad feel overly heavy. For an even richer flavor, or if you prefer, full-fat mayonnaise works wonderfully as well.
• Aromatic Spices: A thoughtful blend of spices is crucial for that authentic street corn taste. You’ll need kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper for basic seasoning, along with garlic powder, chili powder, smoked paprika (for that undeniable smoky depth), Tajín (the iconic chili-lime seasoning that defines elote), and cumin for an earthy warmth.
• Fresh Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice is a non-negotiable ingredient. It provides a bright, zesty tang that cuts through the creaminess, elevates all the other flavors, and truly brings the street corn essence to life.
• Cooked Chicken Breast: Approximately 2 cups of chopped or shredded cooked chicken breast are needed. This is where the “chicken” in chicken salad comes from! Leftover rotisserie chicken is an excellent time-saving hack and adds fantastic flavor and moisture. You can also cook chicken breasts specifically for this recipe by boiling, grilling, or baking them.
• Sweet Corn Kernels: The star of the show! While fresh corn sliced directly off the cob offers the best texture and sweetness, thawed frozen corn is a perfectly acceptable and convenient alternative, especially when fresh corn isn’t in season. Avoid canned corn if possible, as it can be overly soft.
• Crisp Red Onion: Finely chopped red onion adds a delightful crisp texture and a sharp, piquant bite that balances the other flavors. If you find red onion too strong, a quick rinse under cold water after chopping can mellow its intensity, or you can opt for a milder white onion.
• Salty Cotija Cheese: This crumbly, salty Mexican cheese is a cornerstone of elote. Its unique texture and savory flavor are hard to beat. If Cotija is unavailable, queso fresco makes a good substitute. For a widely accessible alternative, crumbled feta cheese also works well, offering a similar salty and tangy profile.
• Fresh Jalapeño: Diced jalapeño provides a pleasant warmth and subtle spice. For a milder salad, make sure to remove all the seeds and white membranes. If you crave more heat, feel free to leave a few seeds in or add a touch more jalapeño.
• Fragrant Cilantro: Just a couple of tablespoons of freshly chopped cilantro add a burst of vibrant green color and a fresh, herbaceous note that complements the Mexican flavors beautifully. Don’t skip this for authentic taste!

Kitchen Essentials

You won’t need any specialized or fancy kitchen gadgets to whip up this delicious Mexican street corn chicken salad. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. To prepare your ingredients, a trusty sharp chef’s knife and a sturdy cutting board will be your best friends for chopping the chicken, onion, jalapeño, and cilantro. For mixing the salad, reach for the largest metal mixing bowl you own. This ensures you have plenty of room to combine all the ingredients without making a mess. A good quality whisk will be perfect for blending the dressing until it’s smooth and creamy, and a wooden spoon or silicone spatula will help you gently fold all the salad components together, ensuring everything is thoroughly coated in that incredible dressing.

How to Make This Mexican Chicken Salad

Creating this flavorful chicken salad is incredibly straightforward. Just follow these simple steps for a quick and satisfying meal:

Prepare the Creamy Dressing

Begin by making the heart of your salad: the dressing. In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the light mayonnaise, kosher salt, freshly cracked black pepper, garlic powder, chili powder, smoked paprika, Tajín, cumin, and the fresh juice of one lime. Whisk these ingredients vigorously until they are thoroughly combined and the dressing is smooth and creamy. Ensure there are no lumps and all the spices are evenly distributed for consistent flavor.

Combine and Toss the Salad Ingredients

Once your dressing is ready, it’s time to add the main components of the salad. To the same bowl, add your chopped cooked chicken, fresh corn kernels, chopped red onion, crumbled Cotija cheese, finely diced jalapeño, and fresh cilantro. Using a large spoon or spatula, gently fold and stir all the ingredients until every piece is well-coated in the flavorful dressing. Take care not to overmix, which can sometimes break down the chicken or corn.

Serve Immediately or Chill

Your Mexican Street Corn Chicken Salad is now complete! You have the option to serve it right away and enjoy its fresh flavors. However, for an enhanced taste experience, I highly recommend covering the bowl with plastic wrap and chilling the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to an hour. This resting period allows all the incredible flavors to meld and deepen, resulting in an even more delicious and cohesive salad. Serve when ready, and prepare for a burst of amazing flavor!

Delicious Variations to Try

This Mexican Street Corn Chicken Salad is fantastic as is, but it also serves as a wonderful canvas for your culinary creativity. Here are a few ways you can customize it:

• Avocado Chicken Salad: For an extra layer of creamy texture and healthy fats, fold in some diced ripe avocado just before serving. The avocado will add a buttery richness that perfectly complements the zesty dressing.
• Loaded with More Vegetables: Make this salad even heartier and more nutrient-dense by stirring in additional diced vegetables. Think colorful bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange), protein-rich black beans (rinsed and drained), or even finely diced cucumbers for an added crunch. Pickled jalapeños can also add a tangy, spicy twist.
• Boost the Spicy Kick: If you crave more heat, don’t hesitate to amp up the spice. Beyond leaving some jalapeño seeds, you can mix in a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or an extra sprinkle of Tajín for a fiery zing.
• Low-Carb Friendly: Transform this into a perfect low-carb meal by serving it in crisp lettuce wraps instead of traditional tortillas or crackers. Large romaine or butter lettuce leaves work beautifully to hold the generous filling.
• Add Grains for a Full Meal: For a more substantial and filling meal, consider adding cooked grains like quinoa or brown rice directly into the salad. This transforms it into a robust grain bowl, perfect for meal prep or a hearty lunch.
• Herbaceous Twist: While cilantro is traditional, try experimenting with other fresh herbs. A small amount of chopped fresh mint or even a hint of oregano could add interesting aromatic layers.

More chicken salad recipes to enjoy: Mango Chicken Salad | Curried Chicken Salad | Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad | Buffalo Chicken Salad

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I prepare this salad in advance?

Absolutely! This Mexican Street Corn Chicken Salad is an excellent make-ahead dish. You can prepare it up to 2 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. In fact, making it ahead often allows the flavors to meld and deepen, making it even more delicious. Just give it a good stir before serving to ensure the dressing is evenly distributed.

Is it possible to freeze this chicken salad?

No, we strongly advise against freezing this recipe. The mayonnaise-based dressing, which gives the salad its creamy texture, will separate and become watery and unappealing when thawed. This will significantly compromise the texture and overall quality of the salad. It’s best enjoyed fresh or after refrigeration.

What is the best way to store leftovers?

Any leftover Mexican Street Corn Chicken Salad should be transferred to an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator. When properly stored, it will remain fresh and delicious for up to 2 to 3 days. Always ensure it’s kept cold to maintain food safety and quality.

Can I substitute canned chicken for fresh?

While you technically can use canned chicken for convenience, we highly recommend using freshly cooked chicken breast or, even better, shredded rotisserie chicken. Canned chicken tends to have a softer, sometimes mushy texture and a less vibrant flavor, which might detract from the overall quality and enjoyment of this specific salad. Freshly cooked chicken provides superior texture and taste.

How can I make this salad healthier?

To make this salad a healthier option, you have several choices. You can replace half of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt to reduce fat content while maintaining creaminess. Increase the amount of vegetables by adding diced bell peppers, black beans, or even some leafy greens directly into the salad. Serving it in lettuce cups instead of with chips or tortillas also reduces carbohydrates and calories. Opting for leaner chicken breast is also beneficial.

Need more inspiration for healthy salads? Check out my salads recipe page!

Serving Suggestions for Mexican Chicken Salad

The versatility of this Mexican Street Corn Chicken Salad makes it incredibly adaptable to various meals and occasions. We absolutely love serving it as a light, quick lunch alongside crunchy tortilla chips or classic crackers like saltines for a delightful scoop-and-eat experience. But don’t stop there! You can easily transform it into a more substantial meal by stuffing generous spoonfuls into warm tortillas for instant, flavorful tacos or wraps. For a lighter, fresher take, spoon it over a bed of crisp leafy greens, such as romaine lettuce or mixed spring greens, to create a vibrant salad bowl. It also pairs wonderfully with rice or quinoa for a more filling option, making it an ideal choice for meal prep. Don’t forget, it’s also a fantastic addition to any potluck spread or as the star filling in a delicious chicken salad sandwich.

Storage Best Practices

To keep your Mexican Street Corn Chicken Salad fresh and delicious, proper storage is key. Transfer any leftovers into an airtight container promptly after serving. This prevents air exposure and helps maintain its quality. Store the sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s important to keep it chilled to ensure food safety and preserve its vibrant flavors and creamy texture. Remember, due to its mayonnaise base, this salad does not freeze well, as the dressing will separate upon thawing.

More Delicious Chicken Recipes to Explore

If you’re eager to infuse more exciting flavors into your weeknight chicken meals, check out some of our other favorite recipes:

• Want to add incredible taste to your poultry? Try this easy Mexican chicken marinade for grilling, baking, or pan-frying.
• These Chipotle Braised Chicken Thighs are rich, smoky, and incredibly flavorful, making them ideal for a comforting fall or winter evening.
• For another fantastic salad option, this Southwest chicken salad is hearty, features a delightful kick of spice, and boasts a smoky homemade chipotle dressing that you’ll adore.

Finally, if you make this Mexican street corn chicken salad recipe, please be sure to give this recipe a star rating on the recipe card and/or leave a comment below! I truly cherish hearing about your experiences with my recipes, and I always make time to respond to every single comment. Your feedback means the world to me!

Feel free to drop any questions you might have in the comments section below, and I’ll do my best to help!

Oh, and be sure to tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest if you whip up this delicious recipe! I absolutely love seeing these dishes come to life in your kitchens—it’s my favorite part of what I do to look through those photos. It truly means the world to me!

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Mexican Street Corn Chicken Salad

This street corn Mexican chicken salad is quick, flavorful, and satisfying. It’s fresh, a little smoky, and just the right amount of zesty.

Prep Time:

15 minutes
mins

Total Time:

15 minutes
mins

Servings:
6

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Ingredients

• 1/2 cup light mayonnaise
• 1/2 tsp salt
  more to taste
• 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
  more to taste
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp Tajin
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• Juice of 1 lime
• 2 cups chopped, cooked chicken breast
• 2 cups fresh corn kernels
  you can also use frozen corn
• 1/2 cup chopped red onion
• 1/4 cup Cojita cheese
• 1 jalapeno
  finely diced (seeds removed)
• 2 Tbsp chopped cilantro

Instructions

• Add mayonnaise, salt, pepper, garlic powder, chili powder, smoked paprika, Tajin, cumin, and lime juice to a large bowl. Whisk until combined.
• Add chicken, corn, red onion, Cojita cheese, jalapeno, and cilantro. Toss to coat evenly.
• Taste and season with additional salt and pepper to taste.

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Nutrition

Calories:
169
kcal

|

Carbohydrates:
13
g

|

Protein:
14
g

|

Fat:
7
g

|

Saturated Fat:
2
g

|

Polyunsaturated Fat:
3
g

|

Monounsaturated Fat:
2
g

|

Trans Fat:
0.1
g

|

Cholesterol:
38
mg

|

Sodium:
500
mg

|

Potassium:
381
mg

|

Fiber:
2
g

|

Sugar:
5
g

|

Vitamin A:
559
IU

|

Vitamin C:
5
mg

|

Calcium:
42
mg

|

Iron:
1
mg

Calories:

169
kcal