Delicious creamy elote-inspired chicken salad with corn and spices

Creamy Elote-Inspired Chicken Salad Recipe

ByCasey Monroe

why make this recipe

Creamy Elote-Inspired Chicken Salad is a delightful twist on traditional chicken salad, bringing vibrant flavors and textures to your plate. This dish combines the classic taste of elote, or Mexican street corn, with tender chicken, making it perfect for lunch, dinner, or a snack. It’s a great way to use leftover chicken, and the combination of spices and fresh ingredients creates a dish that’s both satisfying and refreshing. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be enjoyed in various ways!

how to make Creamy Elote-Inspired Chicken Salad

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 3 tablespoons mayonnaise or additional yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon lime zest (about 1 small lime)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 3/4 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 3 cups cooked and diced chicken breast (about 3/4 pound after cooking or 3 small chicken breasts)
  • 2 1/2 cups fire-roasted corn kernels
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, diced small
  • 1/2 medium red onion, diced small
  • 1 small jalapeno pepper, ribs and seeds removed, finely diced
  • 1/2 cup roughly chopped cilantro
  • 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese (can substitute feta)

Directions

  1. Start by whisking all the dressing ingredients together in a large bowl.
  2. Next, add all the salad ingredients to the bowl with the whisked dressing.
  3. Toss everything together to combine well. Taste and add additional salt and black pepper as needed.
  4. You can serve the salad immediately or refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  5. The salad is delightful on its own, but you can also serve it inside a pita or wrap or enjoy it with tortilla chips.

how to serve Creamy Elote-Inspired Chicken Salad

You can serve this chicken salad in many ways. It is fantastic on a bed of greens, in a sandwich, or stuffed into pita bread. For a crunchy snack, use tortilla chips to scoop up the salad. It also complements fresh vegetable sticks, making it a versatile option for lunch or a light dinner.

how to store Creamy Elote-Inspired Chicken Salad

To store your leftover chicken salad, place it in an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure to seal it tightly to maintain its freshness and flavor.

tips to make Creamy Elote-Inspired Chicken Salad

  • For a creamier texture, you can add more Greek yogurt or mayonnaise to the dressing.
  • If you prefer a spicier kick, leave some seeds in the jalapeno or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
  • Feel free to use grilled chicken for added flavor or rotisserie chicken for convenience.

variation

You can customize this salad by adding other ingredients like avocado for creaminess or swapping the corn for black beans. Any additional vegetables like diced cucumber or shredded carrots can also add more texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use shredded chicken instead of diced chicken?
Yes, shredded chicken works well too! It will mix nicely with the other ingredients.

What if I can’t find cotija cheese?
Feta cheese is a great substitute and will still give a delicious flavor to the salad.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This salad stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it a great option for meal prep.