• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Recipe box
  • Resources
    • Business
    • Photography
  • About
    • Contact
  • Peach Perfect Financials
    • Blogger MBA School
    • Bookkeeping Template

The Fit Peach logo

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • About
  • Accounting
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • About
    • Accounting
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Type of Meal » Sides and Salads » Chicken Elote Salad

    Published: Mar 13, 2023 by Ansley Beutler

    Chicken Elote Salad

    • Share
    Jump to Recipe

    This chicken elote salad, also known as a Mexican street corn salad recipe, is a bright and flavorful dish perfect for easy lunches or nutritious dinners. Seasoned chicken combines with fresh veggies, tangy Cotija cheese, and crunchy tortilla strips. Tossed with a creamy Greek yogurt dressing, it’s satisfying, delicious, and so easy to make! 

    Elote salad with sliced chicken and avocados.

    Inspired by my avocado Mexican corn salad, this elote corn salad recipe transforms the original side dish into a super satisfying meal with the addition of chicken! It’s the perfect summer salad. However, it’s so delicious you’ll find yourself making it all year long. Loaded with a variety of flavors and textures, it’s easy to whip up for a meal you’ll look forward to eating again and again. 

    If you’re looking for more satisfying salad recipes, be sure to check out my refreshing Mediterranean quinoa salad and zesty Italian pasta salad, too! 

    Jump to:
    • Why You’ll Love This Elote Salad
    • Ingredients & Notes
    • Step by Step Instructions
    • Expert Tips
    • How to Serve
    • How to Store
    • Can I Make This Ahead of Time
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Recipe

    Why You’ll Love This Elote Salad

    • High-protein and full of nutrients
    • Naturally nut free and gluten free-friendly
    • Quick and easy to prepare
    • One batch makes multiple servings, making it great for feeding a crowd
    • It stores well in the fridge for several days for quick meals in a pinch

    Ingredients & Notes

    Chicken elote salad ingredients on a green surface.

    Chicken 

    • Chicken - I recommend using chicken thighs for this elote salad as they’re juicier and have more flavor. However, chicken breasts can be used, if preferred. 
    • Spices - Paprika, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, and sea salt combine to create a warm, Mexican-inspired flavor with just a hint of spice. 
    • Oil - I prefer to use olive oil to coat the chicken, locking in moisture and helping the spices stick. However, avocado oil would work, too. 

    Elote Corn Salad

    • Veggies - A combination of romaine lettuce, purple cabbage, green onion, cilantro, red onion, and corn forms the base of this Mexican street corn salad recipe creating a crisp texture and providing lots of nutrients and a bit of crunch. 
    • Avocado - The creaminess of avocado chunks pairs perfectly with the crisp veggies and adds a boost of healthy fats, making this salad well-rounded and filling. 
    • Cotija cheese - A traditional Mexican cheese, Cotija has a soft, crumbly texture and the perfect amount of bite to balance out the dish. Crumbled feta can also be used. 
    • Tortilla chips - Technically optional, these are sprinkled on top for a satisfying crunch. 

    Dressing

    • Greek yogurt - Make sure you use plain flavored yogurt. This takes the place of mayonnaise, replicating the same creamy texture with less fat and more protein. 
    • Agave - Used to sweeten the dressing. Honey or maple syrup work well, too. 
    • Lime juice - The acidity helps cut through some of the heaviness of the fats. 
    • Spices - Paprika, chili, powder, and sea salt are mixed with the yogurt for a touch of spice. 
    • Jalapeño - Just one adds plenty of heat to this elote salad recipe. 
    • Cotija cheese - This makes the dressing extra creamy and helps tie all the components of the dish together evenly. 
    Chicken thigh strips on a salad with elote salad dressing.

    Step by Step Instructions

    The only real cooking you have to do to create this elote corn salad is preparing the chicken. Just season it in a bowl or on a plate, and cook it in a large skillet. Then, mix your dressing, combine the ingredients together in a bowl, and your elote salad is ready to go! 

    Step 1: Cook the chicken. Place the chicken in a bowl or plate, and season it well with all of the spices. Next, heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat, and add the chicken thighs to the pan. Let the chicken cook for a few minutes on each side, and transfer it to a plate. 

    Chicken thigh with spices on a plate about to be cooked.
    Cooked chicken thigh in a cast iron skillet.

    Step 2: Combine the ingredients for the salad. Add the vegetables to a large bowl, starting with the lettuce, cabbage, green onion, and cilantro. Toss to combine. Then, add the remaining vegetables and cheese, and toss again. 

    Overhead view of a wooden cutting board with chopped romaine lettuce.
    Chopped lettuce and herbs in a glass bowl.

    Step 3: Prepare the dressing. Place all of the ingredients except the jalapeño and Cotija in a small bowl or jar, and mix until smooth. Add the remaining ingredients, and mix again. 

    Elote greek yogurt salad dressing in a glass bowl.

    Step 4: Combine all of the ingredients. Pour the dressing over the salad, and toss to coat. To serve, add your chicken and toppings of choice, and enjoy! 

    Salad tossed in elote greek yogurt salad dressing in a large bowl.

    Expert Tips

    • Chop the lettuce and cabbage well into small pieces. This is key to a crunchy, crisp Mexican street corn salad recipe. I also recommend only using the crunchy parts of the romaine lettuce leaves and removing the top leafy section to use later.
    • Taste test the salad dressing before you toss it over the salad. Adjust as needed. If you want it a little sweeter, add another dash of agave or lime juice. Or, if you prefer more heat, add more chili powder.
    • Wait to toss the elote salad in the dressing until you are ready to serve it. This allows the lettuce to remain as crunchy as possible!
    Overhead look into a bowl of elote salad with chicken.

    How to Serve

    Serve the tossed elote corn salad in a bowl or on a plate, and top it with the chicken, avocado chunks, and crushed tortilla chips. You can also sprinkle more cotija cheese on top, if desired.

    How to Store

    If you anticipate having leftovers, reserve some of the salad mix without the dressing, and store it in an airtight container. Do the same with the salad dressing. The salad mix will keep for 2 - 3 days in the fridge. The salad dressing will keep for up to 2 weeks in the fridge - shake or stir well before serving. 

    Chicken elote salad in a wooden bowl.

    Can I Make This Ahead of Time

    To prepare this dish ahead of time, prepare the elote salad and the dressing as directed. Store both in separate containers with a lid in the fridge. When ready to eat, toss the salad mix with the dressing, and serve as directed.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is an elote made of? 

    Elote is a classic Mexican street food with grilled corn on the cob coated in cotija cheese and a blend of spices.

    How is elote traditionally served? 

    Traditionally, it’s served on a stick from a street food vendor. This elote Mexican street corn salad recipe is a spin on the traditional dish and is made in a salad form with chicken.

    What kind of cheese is cotija? 

    Cotija cheese is dry and firm, similar to Parmesan, and made from cow’s milk. It has a creamy salty flavor.

    For more easy, delicious salad recipes, check out my:

    • Southwest Chicken Chili
    • Easy Creamy Avocado Mexican Corn Salad (no mayo!)
    • Easy Taco Casserole

    PS : If you make this recipe, be sure to leave a star review and comment below! Also be sure to follow along with me on Instagram and Pinterest to stay up to date on all tasty recipes here at The Fit Peach!

    Recipe

    Elote salad with sliced chicken and avocados.

    Chicken Elote Salad Recipe

    This chicken elote salad, also known as a Mexican street corn salad recipe, is a bright and flavorful recipe perfect for easy lunches or nutritious dinners!
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Dinner, Lunch
    Cuisine: American, Mexican
    Keyword: easy corn salad recipe, elote, elote salad, eote corn salad, mexican street corn salad recipe, salad recipe
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Servings: 4 -6 servings
    Calories: 575kcal

    Ingredients
      

    For the chicken

    • 1 lb chicken thigh - about 4 -6 large thighs, sub. chicken breasts if desired
    • 2 teaspoon paprika
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 teaspoon cumin
    • ½ teaspoon chili powder
    • ½ teaspoon sea salt
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil

    For the salad

    • 2 cups romaine lettuce - chopped (try to use the crunchy part)
    • 2 cups purple cabbage - chopped
    • 2 stalks green onion - chopped
    • 1 cup cilantro - lightly packed, chopped
    • ½ cup red onion - diced
    • 2 cups roasted corn - you can also use 2 8 oz cans of corn that have been drained
    • 1 avocado - diced
    • ½ cup cotija cheese
    • Tortilla chips - crushed, to garnish, optional

    For the dressing

    • 1 cup greek yogurt - plain and unsweetened
    • 1 tablespoon agave - substitute honey or maple syrup
    • 1 lime - juice
    • 1 teaspoon paprika
    • ½ teaspoon chili powder
    • ½ teaspoon sea salt
    • 1 jalapeno - finely chopped
    • 2 tablespoon cotija cheese

    Instructions

    • Place the chicken thighs in a bowl or plate. Sprinkle the paprika, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, and sea salt over top and toss to coat the chicken in the spices. Use your hands if needed to make sure both sides of the chicken are seasoned well.
    • Heat a skillet over medium heat with the olive oil. Once simmering, add the chicken thighs to the pan. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan. Work in two batches if needed. Cook the chicken thigh for 4 - 5 minutes on each side until cooked all the way through. Transfer the chicken to a separate plate and set aside.
    • Add the chopped romaine, cabbage, green onion, and cilantro to a large bowl and gently toss to combine. Add the chopped red onion, corn, and cotija cheese and toss again to distribute. Set aside while you prepare the dressing.
    • In a small bowl or jar, add the greek yogurt, agave, lime juice, paprika, chili powder, and sea salt and mix to combine. Add the chopped jalapeno and cotija cheese and mix again.
    • When ready to serve, pour the dressing over the salad mix and toss well to coat. Serve the salad with the chicken thigh, avocado, and crushed chips and enjoy!

    Notes

    Storing : If you anticipate having leftovers, reserve some of the salad mix without the dressing, and store it in an airtight container. Do the same with the salad dressing. The salad mix will keep for 2 - 3 days in the fridge. The salad dressing will keep for up to 2 weeks in the fridge - shake or stir well before serving. 

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1serving | Calories: 575kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 32g | Fat: 37g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 17g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 138mg | Sodium: 1197mg | Potassium: 966mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 3506IU | Vitamin C: 51mg | Calcium: 260mg | Iron: 3mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @the.fit.peach or tag #thefitpeach!
    « Raspberry and White Chocolate Muffins

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar


    Welcome to The Fit Peach where I share elevated everyday recipes for the health-focused foodie.

    Read more about Ansley here!

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest


    New Year New You

    • Zucchini Involtini
    • Southwest Chicken Chili
    • Triple Berry Smoothie
    • Firecracker Bang Bang Shrimp

    Trending

    • Edible Brownie Batter
    • Air Fried Teriyaki Salmon Bites Rice Bowl
    • Ricotta Cheese Egg Bites with Peppers and Onion
    • Almond Flour Peanut Butter Cookies


    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    More

    • About
    • Resources
    • Peach Perfect Financials
    • Contact

    Newsletter

    Subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more deliciousness!

    Recipes

    • Chocolate
    • Cookies
    • Savory
    • Drinks

    COPYRIGHT © 2020 THE FIT PEACH ALL RIGHTS RESERVED


    Accessibility Statement | Privacy Policy


    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.