The Street Corn Chicken Cucumber Salad is a perfect fusion of refreshing textures and bold flavors, making it your new go-to for a protein-packed lunch or light dinner. With a creamy Greek yogurt dressing laced with zesty lime, smoky spices, and crunchy cucumbers, each bite delivers a delightful contrast of coolness and spice.
Rotisserie chicken keeps things simple and fast, while the vibrant mix of vegetables — sweet corn, bell peppers, onions, and jalapeño — adds both crunch and color. Whether you’re prepping weekday lunches or bringing a dish to a summer potluck, this salad is flavorful, satisfying, and delightfully easy to throw together.
Full recipes:
Ingredients:
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1½ English cucumbers, halved and sliced (about 3 cups)
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2 cups rotisserie chicken, chopped
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1 (15.25 oz) can sweet corn, drained
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¼ cup cilantro, finely chopped
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3 green onions, sliced
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1 jalapeño, seeded and finely diced
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¼ red onion, diced
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½ red bell pepper, seeded and diced
Dressing:
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½ cup plain Greek yogurt (2% or higher for creaminess)
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⅓ cup mayonnaise
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Juice and zest of 1 lime
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1 clove garlic, finely grated or minced
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1 tsp chili powder
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½ tsp paprika
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½ tsp cumin
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¼ tsp salt
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¼ tsp freshly cracked pepper
Directions:
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Lay cucumber slices between two layers of paper towels. Press gently to absorb excess moisture. Let sit while prepping other ingredients.
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In a bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lime juice and zest, garlic, chili powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine cucumbers, chicken, corn, jalapeño, red onion, bell pepper, cilantro, and green onions.
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Pour most of the dressing over the mixture and toss well to coat. Add more dressing as needed.
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Chill for at least 15 minutes before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Gently toss before serving again, draining off excess moisture if needed.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 0 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes
Kcal: 290 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
A Modern Twist on a Classic Summer Salad
The Street Corn Chicken Cucumber Salad is a refreshing, high-protein, and flavor-packed dish that beautifully blends the vibrant tastes of Mexican street corn (Elote) with the crisp freshness of a cucumber salad. Designed for modern palates, this fusion salad not only elevates everyday lunch routines but also caters to health-conscious individuals who want more than just greens in a bowl. It’s a dish that merges convenience, flavor, and nutrition — three qualities that every good salad should offer.
Born out of two popular summer staples, creamy cucumber salad and Mexican street corn salad, this recipe became an instant hit on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Foodies and meal preppers alike couldn’t get enough of the creamy dressing, crisp textures, and bold spices. Now it’s making its way into more homes as a go-to lunch or dinner option that can be prepped ahead and enjoyed cold.
Why This Recipe Works So Well
What makes this dish so special is the perfect marriage of flavor and texture. The cucumber slices offer a hydrating crunch that contrasts with the rich creaminess of the Greek yogurt dressing. Meanwhile, the sweet corn adds a touch of sweetness, while the rotisserie chicken bulks up the dish with lean protein, making it both satisfying and nourishing.
The inclusion of lime juice and zest brightens the dish, balancing the warmth of chili powder and cumin. Paprika adds a subtle smokiness, and fresh herbs like cilantro and green onion layer in freshness. The result? A salad that isn’t just creamy or spicy or tangy — it’s all of the above, and more.
This dish is also endlessly versatile. Don’t like spicy food? Leave out the jalapeño. Want to add healthy fats? Toss in some diced avocado. Looking to stretch it further? Add black beans or even a scoop of quinoa for extra fiber and carbs. This flexibility is another reason this recipe has become a crowd favorite.
Nutrition That Doesn’t Compromise Flavor
One of the key selling points of the Street Corn Chicken Cucumber Salad is its impressive nutritional profile. Using Greek yogurt as the base for the dressing, instead of sour cream or heavy cream, keeps the calorie count low while boosting the protein content. Combined with shredded rotisserie chicken, this salad delivers a substantial amount of protein in each serving, helping to support muscle repair, satiety, and overall energy levels.
Cucumbers are high in water content and low in calories, making them excellent for hydration and weight management. Corn brings dietary fiber and antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin, while the herbs offer anti-inflammatory benefits and fresh flavor. Altogether, this salad supports a balanced diet without ever tasting bland or boring.
It’s a fantastic option for those following low-carb, high-protein, or gluten-free diets, and it’s naturally free of refined sugars or processed ingredients.
Perfect for Meal Prep and Busy Lifestyles
Another reason this recipe is a standout is its convenience. With a prep time of about 15 minutes, it’s a lifesaver for anyone juggling a hectic schedule. Rotisserie chicken saves time and effort while ensuring juicy, flavorful meat in every bite. All the vegetables are raw and require just simple chopping — no need for roasting, sautéing, or elaborate prep steps.
Once prepared, the salad stores beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. In fact, letting it sit for a few hours enhances the flavor, as the dressing has more time to marinate the ingredients. It’s ideal for packing into lunch containers, bringing to potlucks, or even serving as a quick weeknight dinner when it’s too hot to cook.
If you’re someone who meal preps on Sundays, this is a must-have recipe in your rotation. Just remember to drain any excess liquid before eating again — the cucumbers may release some moisture, but a quick stir will bring it back to life.
How to Customize the Salad for Any Occasion
One of the greatest strengths of this salad is how easily it can be modified based on season, dietary needs, or personal preference. For example:
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Make it vegetarian: Swap out the chicken for black beans, chickpeas, or even marinated tofu for a plant-based protein boost.
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Add more healthy fats: Avocado cubes or sliced almonds not only provide creaminess and crunch but also support heart health.
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Turn it into a wrap: Scoop the salad into butter lettuce leaves or stuff it into pita pockets for a handheld meal.
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Make it spicy: Include an extra jalapeño, a dash of cayenne pepper, or even a few dashes of hot sauce for heat lovers.
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Boost fiber: Add cooked quinoa, farro, or brown rice for a more filling, grain-based salad.
This adaptability is key in today’s diverse households, where dietary needs can vary greatly from one person to another.
Serving Suggestions and Presentation Ideas
The Street Corn Chicken Cucumber Salad shines as a main course, but it also works beautifully as a side dish. Serve it alongside grilled meats, tacos, or even burgers at your next barbecue. It’s also fantastic at potlucks, picnics, or holiday gatherings, where people are looking for refreshing yet hearty options.
For presentation, consider serving it in a large shallow bowl topped with extra cilantro, a sprinkle of paprika, and a few thin lime wedges on the side. You can also plate it with fresh tortilla chips or crispy pita wedges to add a fun dipping component. Individual mason jars or meal-prep containers work well for on-the-go lunches or portion control.
What People Are Saying About This Dish
Since gaining popularity on social media, this salad has earned rave reviews from people who were skeptical at first but became instant fans after the first bite. Many say it’s one of the few salads they look forward to eating more than once in a week. Others love that it keeps well in the fridge and tastes even better the next day.
Food bloggers, nutritionists, and even busy parents have sung its praises for being that rare recipe that checks all the boxes: tasty, nutritious, affordable, and quick.
The Benefits of Using Rotisserie Chicken
While this recipe can be made with any cooked chicken, rotisserie chicken is a secret weapon that turns this dish into a true time-saver. It’s tender, flavorful, and widely available at almost any grocery store. Plus, using rotisserie chicken means you don’t have to deal with marinating, seasoning, cooking, and cooling — all of which can be time-consuming.
You can either shred it for a more rustic texture or dice it finely for an even bite. White or dark meat works equally well, though many prefer a mix for richness.
For those who are health-conscious, look for organic or low-sodium rotisserie options, or simply poach or grill chicken breasts if you have the time.
Tips for Best Results
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Use English cucumbers: They have thinner skin, fewer seeds, and a more delicate crunch compared to regular slicing cucumbers.
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Dry your cucumbers: This is crucial! Layering them between paper towels helps remove excess water so your salad doesn’t become soggy.
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Adjust seasoning to taste: Lime juice can vary in acidity, so always taste your dressing and tweak as needed. A pinch of sugar can balance overly tangy flavors.
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Let it chill: This salad tastes best when served cold and after the flavors have melded. A short rest in the fridge can really enhance the dish.
Conclusion
The Street Corn Chicken Cucumber Salad isn’t just another trendy recipe — it’s a powerhouse meal that delivers bold flavor, balanced nutrition, and effortless preparation. Whether you’re trying to eat healthier, pack more protein into your meals, or just want a salad that doesn’t feel like a chore, this dish delivers on every front. With its creamy-yet-light dressing, crunchy fresh vegetables, and customizable options, it’s no wonder this salad has gone viral.Give it a try and you may find yourself making it week after week — and sharing it with everyone you know. Because good food should be easy, nutritious, and unforgettable. This recipe is all that and more.