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Ingredients for Grilled chicken and corn salad

Grilled chicken and corn salad

A composed salad of charred chicken cubes, caramelized corn kernels, red onion and fresh herbs tossed in a tangy, creamy lime dressing. Serve warm or chilled as a main dish or side.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes trimmed
  • 3 ears or cups fresh corn or frozen corn kernels 3 ears fresh or 3 cups thawed frozen
  • 1 small red onion, finely diced
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 whole limes, zested and juiced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
  • 1 tablespoon butter optional, for skillet-charred corn
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • to taste salt
  • to taste black pepper
  • 1/3 cup fresh cilantro, chopped plus extra for garnish
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped optional
  • 1 teaspoon honey or sugar optional, to balance acidity
  • 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • 2 tablespoons neutral oil for grilling canola or vegetable
  • to taste lime wedges for serving
  • to taste mixed salad greens or baby lettuce optional, for serving
  • 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon neutral oil or oil for cooking corn if charring corn in skillet
  • to taste additional cilantro for garnish
  • to taste lime wedges for serving

Equipment

  • Grill or grill pan
  • Cast iron skillet (optional)
  • Mixing bowls
  • Sharp Knife
  • Cutting Board
  • measuring spoons
  • instant-read thermometer (recommended)

Method
 

  1. Pat the cubed chicken dry, then season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, cumin and chili powder. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and toss to coat; let sit 10–15 minutes at room temperature.
  2. Shuck and prepare fresh corn, or thaw frozen kernels and pat dry. For grilled ears, brush with neutral oil and grill until charred on all sides, then cut kernels off the cob. For skillet corn, heat 1 tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon neutral oil in a hot skillet and cook kernels until brown and slightly charred.
  3. Whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lime zest and juice, vinegar, honey (if using), 1 tablespoon olive oil, red pepper flakes and a pinch of salt and pepper until smooth and glossy.
  4. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high and brush with neutral oil. Grill the seasoned chicken cubes in a single layer, turning occasionally, until well charred and an instant-read thermometer reads 160–165°F. Allow chicken to rest 5 minutes.
  5. In a large bowl, combine the charred corn, diced red onion, chopped cilantro and parsley. Toss with a pinch of salt and pepper so flavors mingle.
  6. Add about half the dressing to the corn mixture and toss gently. Add the grilled chicken, fold to combine, and add more dressing to taste until the salad is creamy but not soggy.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper or extra lime juice. Garnish with additional cilantro and serve with lime wedges and optional mixed greens.

Notes

Cooking times depend on equipment and cube size; use an instant-read thermometer for best results.
This recipe is designed to be flexible — swap proteins and herbs as desired.