A creamy, flavor-packed chicken salad inspired by street corn, fresh cucumber, and zesty spices — perfect for a light lunch or crowd-pleasing side.
1. Prepare the Chicken: If you haven’t already, grill or roast your chicken until it’s fully cooked, then dice into bite-sized pieces.
2. Cook the Corn: If using fresh corn, grill it until slightly charred, then cut the kernels off the cob. Alternatively, you can use canned corn that has been drained.
3. Chop the Vegetables: Dice the cucumber and finely chop the red onion.
4. Mix the Base: In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lime juice, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir until smooth and well combined.
5. Combine Ingredients: Add the diced chicken, corn, cucumber, and red onion to the dressing. Gently fold to ensure all ingredients are coated evenly.
6. Add Cilantro: Toss in the chopped cilantro for an extra burst of flavor and mix well.
7. Taste and Adjust: Sample the salad and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more salt or lime juice to suit your preference.
8. Chill (Optional): For the best flavor, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
9. Serve: Transfer the salad to a serving bowl and garnish with crumbled feta cheese if desired.
10. Enjoy: Dig in with family or friends and relish the blend of flavors!
For extra texture, you can add chopped red bell pepper or a sprinkle of crushed tortilla chips just before serving. This salad also makes a great filling for lettuce wraps or sandwiches.