Elote Chicken Salad

Mexican Street Corn Chicken Salad is a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that brings the iconic tastes of Mexican street corn (Elote) to a classic chicken salad. This recipe masterfully combines tender, succulent chicken with smoky, charred corn, rich and creamy avocado, and crisp vegetables, all enveloped in an irresistible chili-lime dressing. It’s an explosion of textures and flavors that makes it an instant favorite for picnics, lunches, or light dinners.

From the Kitchen of Chelsea Lords

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If You Crave Mexican Street Corn Flavors, This Is Your Next Obsession!

There’s something truly magical about the flavors of Mexican Street Corn, isn’t there? That unique blend of smoky char, tangy lime, spicy chili, and creamy richness is utterly addictive. I’ve found myself infusing these incredible tastes into everything from pasta salad and loaded sweet potatoes to a comforting corn chowder. Today, I’m thrilled to bring that beloved profile to the timeless comfort of chicken salad. And let me tell you, a chicken salad sandwich, especially one bursting with the vibrant essence of street corn, is something I can never refuse!

This Mexican Street Corn Chicken Salad isn’t just another recipe; it’s a culinary journey. It’s loaded with an enticing array of flavors and textures that tantalize your palate – from the delicate char on the sweet corn kernels and the velvety smoothness of ripe avocado, to the crisp crunch of fresh vegetables and the zesty, slightly spicy chili-lime dressing that harmoniously binds every single ingredient together. Each bite offers a delightful complexity that will leave you craving more.

I truly hope this recipe becomes a cherished staple in your kitchen, just as it has in mine. It’s perfect for a quick lunch, a delightful picnic contribution, or simply a flavorful meal that transports you to a sunny street fair with every spoonful.

The Irresistible Chili-Lime Dressing for Mexican Street Corn Chicken Salad

The heart of any great chicken salad lies in its dressing, and this chili-lime concoction is no exception. It’s the secret weapon that elevates our Mexican Street Corn Chicken Salad from good to absolutely unforgettable. Crafted with care, this dressing brings together creamy, tangy, and subtly spicy notes, creating a symphony of flavor that perfectly complements the other ingredients.

• Good Quality Mayo: This forms the creamy base of our dressing. Don’t skimp here – a full-fat, reputable brand like Hellman’s or Best Foods makes a noticeable difference in richness and texture. It provides the perfect canvas for our vibrant Mexican flavors.
• Fresh Lime Juice and Zest: Fresh lime is absolutely essential for that bright, zesty tang synonymous with authentic street corn. A good citrus juicer will make extracting every last drop effortless, and a mini grater is fantastic for capturing the aromatic zest, which adds an extra layer of citrusy brightness.
• Smoky Spices: A trio of chili powder, paprika, and ground cumin is critical for developing that signature smoky and earthy depth. Chili powder provides a gentle warmth, paprika contributes a mild sweetness and vibrant color, while cumin offers an indispensable aromatic foundation that defines many Mexican dishes.
• Hot Sauce: For a delightful kick, we incorporate a touch of Sriracha or your preferred hot sauce. This ingredient is entirely customizable; feel free to adjust the quantity to match your personal spice tolerance, or omit it if you prefer a milder salad.
• Salt and Pepper: These fundamental seasonings are crucial for balancing and enhancing all the other flavors. Season gradually and taste as you go to achieve perfection.

Essential Salad Ingredients: Crafting Your Perfect Mexican Street Corn Chicken Salad

While the full, detailed recipe is provided below, understanding the role of each component will help you create a truly spectacular Mexican Street Corn Chicken Salad. Each ingredient is chosen not only for its flavor but also for its contribution to the overall texture and visual appeal of the dish.

• The Chicken: The foundation of our salad. You have options here for convenience and flavor. A pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded or diced, offers incredible ease and a lovely savory flavor. Alternatively, freshly grilled chicken, perhaps marinated with a flavorful taco seasoning, adds another layer of smoky depth that pairs beautifully with the charred corn. Ensure your chicken is tender and diced into bite-sized pieces for optimal texture.
• Charred Corn: This is a non-negotiable component for the “street corn” experience. Whether you use fresh or frozen corn, charring it in a hot pan (with a touch of butter for flavor) until it develops those beautiful browned edges is key. This process brings out its natural sweetness and adds a crucial smoky note.
• Creamy Avocado: A ripe avocado is paramount for the luscious, creamy texture it brings to the salad. It should yield slightly to gentle pressure, feeling like the tip of your nose. Dice it just before adding to prevent browning and integrate its buttery goodness into the mix.
• Fresh Herbs (Cilantro & Green Onions): Fresh cilantro adds a bright, distinctive herbaceousness that is a hallmark of Mexican cuisine. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, simply increase the amount of fresh green onions. Green onions offer a mild, crisp onion flavor that complements the richness of the salad.
• Jalapeño (Optional Heat): For those who appreciate a touch of heat, finely diced jalapeño is perfect. Remember to wear gloves when handling and carefully remove the seeds and ribs to control the spice level. For a milder salad, feel free to skip it entirely.
• Crisp Red Bell Pepper: Finely diced red bell pepper contributes a delightful crunch, a hint of sweetness, and a beautiful pop of color to the salad. If red isn’t available or you prefer, an orange or yellow bell pepper makes a wonderful substitute, offering a similar sweetness and vibrant hue.

Assembling Your Mexican Street Corn Chicken Salad: Simple Steps to Deliciousness

Creating this flavorful salad is incredibly straightforward. With your ingredients prepped, the assembly comes together quickly, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend meals.

First, ensure your corn is perfectly charred and completely cooled – this prevents it from warming the other ingredients prematurely. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled charred corn, diced chicken, bell pepper, fresh cilantro, green onions, and optional jalapeño. Once these dry ingredients are mixed, gently fold in the creamy diced avocado. In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together all the dressing ingredients until smooth and well combined. Finally, pour the dressing over the salad mixture and gently toss everything until every piece is beautifully coated. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or lime juice for balance.

Creative Ways to Serve Your Mexican Street Corn Chicken Salad

One of the best things about this Mexican Street Corn Chicken Salad is its incredible versatility. It’s delicious enough to enjoy on its own, but it also shines in a variety of creative presentations.

• On Buttery Croissants: This is a personal favorite! The light, flaky texture and rich, buttery flavor of a fresh croissant perfectly complement the creamy, zesty salad. Add a crisp lettuce leaf for extra freshness and pile on a generous scoop of chicken salad.
• Classic Toasted Bread: For a more traditional approach, spoon the chicken salad onto your favorite toasted bread. A hearty whole wheat or sourdough bread provides a wonderful base that stands up to the substantial filling.
• Crispy Tostada Shells: For a fun, textural experience, spread a layer of guacamole onto a crisp tostada shell, then top with a dollop of chicken salad. This is a huge hit with kids (and adults!) and offers a fantastic crunch.
• With Crunchy Corn Chips: Serve the chicken salad in a bowl alongside a generous helping of sturdy corn chips for an addictive dip-and-scoop experience. It’s perfect for sharing at parties or enjoying as a satisfying snack.
• Over a Bed of Greens: For a lighter, carb-conscious option, heap the Mexican Street Corn Chicken Salad over a crisp bed of mixed greens, romaine, or spinach. It transforms into a complete and satisfying main course salad.
• As a Flavorful Wrap: Roll the chicken salad into a large flour tortilla with some extra lettuce and a sprinkle of cheese for a portable and delicious wrap.

Mexican Street Corn Chicken Salad

By
Chelsea Lords

This Mexican Street Corn Chicken Salad is an absolute must-try! It masterfully combines tender, juicy chicken, deeply smoky charred corn, and luscious creamy avocado with crisp peppers, all beautifully tossed in a zesty, chili-lime dressing. It’s a flavor explosion that’s perfect for a satisfying lunch, a delightful picnic, or a light dinner. Prepare for a truly delicious experience!

Prep Time:
25 minutes

Total Time:
25 minutes

Servings:
6 servings

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Equipment

• Large Pan: Essential for perfectly charring the corn.
• Large Mixing Bowl: For combining all your delicious ingredients.
• Whisk: For effortlessly blending the creamy chili-lime dressing.

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cups frozen corn or fresh corn kernels (see Note 1 for fresh corn preparation)
• 3 cups diced rotisserie chicken (or grilled chicken for extra flavor)
• 1 large red bell pepper, finely diced (or orange/yellow bell pepper)
• 1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro (see Note 2 if you prefer no cilantro)
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• 1 tablespoon finely diced jalapeño (optional, remove seeds and ribs for less heat)
• 1 large ripe avocado, diced (see Note 3 for ripeness and browning prevention)

For the Chili-Lime Dressing:

• 1/2 cup good quality full-fat mayo (Hellman’s or Best Foods recommended, see Note 4)
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon Sriracha or your preferred hot sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1 to 2 large limes (for fresh juice and zest)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Serving suggestions (see Note 5 for creative ideas)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Charred Corn: In a large skillet or pan, melt the unsalted butter over high heat. Add the corn kernels (if using fresh corn, cut from the cob first) and cook for 6–10 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the corn to develop beautiful browned and slightly charred spots, which is key for that smoky street corn flavor. Once charred, season lightly with salt (about 1/2 teaspoon, or to taste). Transfer the cooked corn to a large mixing bowl and allow it to cool completely before proceeding. This step is crucial for preventing the salad from becoming warm and watery.
2. Assemble the Salad: To the bowl with the cooled corn, add the diced rotisserie chicken, finely diced red bell pepper, chopped cilantro, and green onions. If you’re using jalapeño, add the finely diced pieces now. In a separate small bowl, whisk together all the dressing ingredients: mayo, chili powder, paprika, ground cumin, Sriracha, and the zest and juice from 1 to 2 large limes. Begin with the juice of one lime and add more to achieve your desired tanginess. Season the dressing with salt (about 1/4 teaspoon initially) and pepper (about 1/8 teaspoon), adjusting to your preference.
3. Combine and Serve: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients in the large bowl. Gently stir until all components are thoroughly coated and well combined. Finally, add the diced ripe avocado and gently fold it into the salad. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
4. Serving Suggestions: Refer to Note 5 for delightful ways to enjoy your Mexican Street Corn Chicken Salad, from classic sandwiches to creative tostadas.

Recipe Notes

Note 1: Fresh Corn Preparation: If opting for fresh corn on the cob, carefully cut the kernels from the cobs using a sharp knife. Three medium-sized ears of corn will typically yield about 3 cups of kernels. Proceed with charring as instructed.

Note 2: Cilantro & Green Onion Alternatives: If cilantro is not to your liking, simply omit it entirely. You can compensate by adding a bit more green onion or another fresh herb like parsley, though the flavor profile will shift slightly. Ensure you measure 1/4 cup of herbs after chopping or slicing them.

Note 3: Avocado Ripeness and Browning: The key to a great avocado is ripeness – it should feel slightly soft when gently pressed. To prevent your diced avocado from browning too quickly, add it to the salad as the very last step, just before serving. The lime juice in the dressing also helps slow down oxidation.

Note 4: Mayo Quality: For the richest, creamiest dressing, choose a high-quality, full-fat mayonnaise. Brands like Hellman’s (or Best Foods on the West Coast) have a superior flavor and texture that truly makes a difference in the overall taste of the salad.

Note 5: Versatile Serving Suggestions:

• Cotija Cheese: For an authentic touch, sprinkle some crumbled Cotija cheese over your serving. Its salty, slightly tangy flavor is fantastic.
• Croissant Sandwiches: Serve generously on soft, buttery croissant rolls with a fresh lettuce leaf.
• Toasted Bread: A great classic! Use your favorite sturdy toasted bread, perhaps a whole wheat or sourdough.
• Tostada Delight: Spread a thin layer of guacamole on a crispy tostada shell, then top with a scoop of chicken salad.
• Chip & Dip Style: Serve in a large bowl with crunchy corn chips for dipping – perfect for entertaining!
• Quick Wraps: Spoon the salad into large tortillas, add some extra greens, and roll them up for a convenient meal.

Nutrition Note: The provided calorie count and nutrition information below are for the salad filling only. The calories will vary significantly depending on your choice of bread or serving method.

Storage: As mentioned in Note 3, for optimal freshness and to prevent avocado browning, it’s best to store any leftover salad and avocado separately. Without the avocado, the chicken salad will last well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. If you’ve already mixed in the avocado, consume within 1-2 days for best quality.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 serving |
Calories: 288kcal |
Carbohydrates: 23.4g |
Protein: 12.9g |
Fat: 23.3g |
Cholesterol: 55.6mg |
Sodium: 99.6mg |
Fiber: 5g |
Sugar: 7.7g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.

Love this recipe? Leave a comment below and let me know how you enjoyed it!