Name: Street Corn Chicken Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 2 min
Total time: 12 min
Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Ingredients: 16 oz Trader Joe’s Hardwood Smoked Pulled Chicken (or your choice of cooked chicken); 16 oz Low Fat Cottage Cheese; 16 oz Frozen Fire Roasted Corn; 2 medium Jalapeño Peppers or 1 large Poblano Pepper, seeded and diced; 2 medium Limes; 2-3 handfuls Cilantro, roughly chopped; 4 Green Onions, thinly sliced; 2 Tablespoons Trader Joe’s Everything But the Elote Seasoning (or substitute with chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt); Cotija Cheese, for garnish

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 41 reviews

If you’re looking for a vibrant, fresh, and utterly satisfying dish, this Street Corn Chicken Salad Recipe is a true winner. It brings together smoky pulled chicken, creamy cottage cheese, zesty lime, and the hallmark flavors of roasted corn and fresh herbs for a salad that feels both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight meal or something to share at your next gathering, this recipe bursts with texture and color, making it an instant favorite on your table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl holds six separate layers of ingredients. Starting from the top right, there is a layer of light beige cooked chicken pieces with a tender texture, followed clockwise by a dark green leafy herb, a layer of bright green sliced scallions, and next to them a mound of orange seasoning powder. Below that is a layer of medium green diced jalapeño peppers, then a pile of bright yellow grilled corn kernels with slight brown char marks. A white creamy sauce is being poured from a white bowl held by a woman's hand from above into the center of the bowl. The bowl sits on a surface with a white marbled texture and in the background is a wooden cutting board with some green herbs. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Street Corn Chicken Salad Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one adds a unique layer of flavor or texture—from the smoky depth of pulled chicken to the brightness of fresh lime and cilantro. Using quality staples ensures a delicious and balanced result.

16 oz Trader Joe’s Hardwood Smoked Pulled Chicken: Adds a smoky, savory base that brings heartiness and a rich flavor.
16 oz Low Fat Cottage Cheese: Provides creamy texture and a subtle tang, making the salad luscious without heaviness.
16 oz Frozen Fire Roasted Corn: Infuses a slight charred sweetness and a pop of golden color.
2 medium Jalapeño Peppers or 1 large Poblano Pepper, seeded and diced: Brings a gentle heat and a hint of earthiness.
2 medium Limes: Their juice and zest brighten the salad with fresh citrus notes.
2-3 handfuls Cilantro, roughly chopped: Lends a fragrant, herbal freshness that balances smoky and creamy elements.
4 Green Onions, thinly sliced: Adds a crisp bite and mild onion flavor.
2 Tablespoons Trader Joe’s Everything But the Elote Seasoning: A perfect seasoning mix reminiscent of classic Mexican street corn seasoning (you can substitute with chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of cumin).
Cotija Cheese, for garnish: Crumbly and salty, it adds a final authentic touch and an extra burst of flavor.

How to Make Street Corn Chicken Salad Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Corn

Start by placing the frozen fire roasted corn in a large bowl and microwaving it for about 2 minutes. The goal is to thaw the corn just enough so it’s no longer frozen but still chilled. This retains the fresh bite and subtle smoky flavor that sets the tone for the salad.

Step 2: Blend the Cottage Cheese

Use an immersion blender or food processor to puree the cottage cheese until it’s smooth and creamy. This creates a luscious base for the salad, replacing heavier dressings while contributing creaminess and a bit of tang without overpowering the other flavors.

Step 3: Add Lime Zest and Juice

Brighten everything up by zesting the limes and adding half the zest to the bowl. Next, squeeze in the juice from both limes. Keeping some zest aside lets you adjust the lime brightness toward the end depending on your taste preferences.

Step 4: Mix in Chicken, Peppers, and Seasonings

Roughly chop the pulled chicken and toss it into the bowl along with the diced jalapeños or poblano pepper, sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, and the Everything But the Elote seasoning. Stir gently to marry the flavors. Taste and add salt or the reserved lime zest as needed to balance all the elements perfectly.

Step 5: Garnish and Final Touches

Before serving, sprinkle generously with crumbled cotija cheese, extra chopped cilantro, and green onion for brightness. Add lime wedges on the side for guests to squeeze more fresh lime juice if desired.

How to Serve Street Corn Chicken Salad Recipe

In this close-up image, a dark bowl is filled with a creamy, chunky dip that has visible bits of corn and green herbs mixed throughout its light orange base. The dip is topped with a small heap of finely chopped green herbs and a mound of crumbly white cheese on one side, with two thin, bright green lime slices resting beside them. Surrounding the bowl are light brown tortilla chips and darker seasoned chips with a dusting of black spices. A woman's hand is holding one of the light brown tortilla chips, dipping it into the creamy dip. The scene is set on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Garnishing with cotija cheese is a must because its salty, crumbly texture perfectly complements the creamy, smoky flavors of the salad. Fresh cilantro and thinly sliced green onions add an extra punch of freshness and a lovely visual contrast. A wedge of lime on the side invites that personal citrus boost.

Side Dishes

Serve this salad alongside crispy tortilla chips for a casual, snackable combo or pile it onto tostadas for a crunchy, handheld treat. It also works wonderfully as a filling for crunchy lettuce wraps, or simply enjoy it on its own with some crackers for a lighter bite. Its versatility makes pairing a breeze.

Creative Ways to Present

For a creative twist, try layering the salad in a clear glass jar for easy picnics or packed lunches. Alternatively, use it as a topping on grilled corn cakes or drizzle a little extra lime crema and hot sauce for a more indulgent version. It’s a wonderfully adaptable recipe that shines however you present it.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Street Corn Chicken Salad Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Flavors meld over time, making it an even tastier leftover with every bite. Just give it a good stir before serving again.

Freezing

Because of the cottage cheese and fresh herbs, freezing isn’t recommended for this salad. The texture and freshness would suffer, so it’s better enjoyed fresh within a few days.

Reheating

This salad is designed to be served cold or at room temperature. If you prefer, you can let it sit out for 10-15 minutes before serving to take the chill off, but heating is not necessary and may alter the delicate balance of flavors and texture.

FAQs

Can I use regular cooked chicken instead of smoked pulled chicken?

Absolutely! While smoked pulled chicken adds a lovely depth of flavor, you can use any cooked chicken you like—grilled, rotisserie, or even leftover roast chicken will work well.

Is there a substitute for the Everything But the Elote seasoning?

If you don’t have that seasoning mix, combine chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of cumin to create a similar flavor profile. Adjust quantities to your taste.

Can I make this salad vegan?

You can create a vegan version by swapping the chicken for seasoned grilled tempeh or chickpeas, replacing cottage cheese with blended silken tofu or vegan sour cream, and using vegan cheese alternatives for the cotija garnish.

How spicy is the salad with jalapeños or poblano peppers?

Jalapeños add a mild to moderate heat, while poblanos are gentler with more earthy flavor. Adjust the amount and type of pepper based on your heat preference.

Can I prepare this salad ahead of time for a party?

Yes, you can prepare it up to a day in advance and refrigerate. The flavors develop nicely as it rests, but add garnishes like cotija cheese and extra lime zest just before serving to keep everything fresh.

Final Thoughts

This Street Corn Chicken Salad Recipe quickly became one of my absolute favorites because it brings together such a delightful blend of smoky, creamy, tangy, and fresh flavors in a way that feels both indulgent and light. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, and that it becomes a go-to dish to brighten up any meal or gathering. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be sharing this vibrant, colorful salad with friends and family again and again!

Street Corn Chicken Salad Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need