Description
Street Corn Creamy Cucumber Chicken Salad is a vibrant, refreshing meal that combines juicy grilled chicken, smoky turkey bacon, sweet street-style corn, and crisp cucumbers. Tossed in a luscious, tangy dressing made from plant-based mayonnaise and Greek yogurt (plant-based) with fresh herbs and spices, this salad is perfect for lunch, dinner, or a picnic. It offers a harmonious blend of creamy and crunchy textures with a balance of smoky and fresh flavors, making it a nutritious, filling, and easy-to-prepare meal for any season.
Ingredients
Protein and Vegetables
- 2 grilled chicken breasts, seasoned and sliced
- 1 cup street style corn kernels (fresh off the cob)
- 1 large fresh cucumber, diced
- 4 slices smoky turkey bacon, cooked and chopped
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Dressing
- ½ cup plant-based mayonnaise
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt (plant-based)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Pinch of natural gelling agent (optional)
Optional Add-Ins and Variations
- Chopped jalapeño or a dash of cayenne pepper for heat
- Grilled tofu or chickpeas (in place of chicken for vegan option)
- Crumbled plant-based feta
- Diced red bell peppers or cherry tomatoes
- Fresh parsley or basil (as herb substitute)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Grill or pan-sear until cooked through and golden brown. Let rest for a few minutes before slicing into bite-sized pieces.
- Cook the Turkey Bacon: In a non-stick skillet, cook turkey bacon until crisp. Allow to cool, then chop into small pieces.
- Prepare the Vegetables: Shave corn kernels off the cob using a sharp knife, dice the cucumber, and finely chop green onions and cilantro.
- Make the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together plant-based mayonnaise, Greek yogurt (plant-based), apple cider vinegar (natural), lime juice, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add a small pinch of natural gelling agent if a thicker dressing is desired.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the grilled chicken, corn kernels, diced cucumber, turkey bacon pieces, green onions, and cilantro. Pour the dressing over and gently toss until everything is well coated.
Notes
- Use fresh corn for the best natural sweetness and texture.
- Avoid overcooking chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
- Chill the salad in the refrigerator for 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Add green onions and cilantro just before serving to maintain freshness and color.
- Adjust the acidity and creaminess of the dressing by balancing apple cider vinegar (natural) and plant-based yogurt to your preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Grilling and Pan-Searing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
Keywords: street corn salad, cucumber chicken salad, creamy chicken salad, grilled chicken salad, fresh summer salad, plant-based dressing, smoky bacon salad