I’ll share with you one of my favorite dishes I’ve made recently – Corn Avocado Chicken Salad. This is a simple, but incredibly delicious recipe that I think you’ll love as much as I do. This salad recipe is fresh, healthy and full of vibrant flavors, perfect for a light but satisfying meal anytime. The combination of tender, juicy chicken, sweet corn, creamy avocado and other colorful ingredients creates a dish that is not only delicious but also very nutritious.
What is Corn Avocado Chicken Salad?
Corn Avocado Chicken Salad recipe is a healthy, delicious dish that includes grilled chicken, corn, avocado and other fresh veggies like tomatoes, onions and cilantro. All these ingredients are combined with a simple lemon or lime dressing, giving it a bright and tangy flavor. You will feel refreshed after every bite of this dish.
Where it’s popular?
This type of salad recipe is especially popular in the U.S. during the summer or warmer seasons. It’s so popular because it’s so refreshing and light. People love making it for barbecues, picnics, or just for a quick, healthy lunch or dinner. And the best part is you don’t need any fancy cooking skills to prepare it.
Why you’ll love this recipe
Easy to make: Whether you’re new to cooking or have some experience, this recipe is very simple. You only need a few key ingredients and it comes together quickly.
Full of flavor: The chicken gives a delicious flavor, the corn is sweet and juicy, while the avocado makes everything smooth and creamy. Add some fresh herbs and lemon juice, and you’ll get an explosion of flavor with every bite.
Healthy ingredients: This salad is full of ingredients that are great for your body. The chicken is full of protein, the avocado provides healthy fats, and the corn is full of fiber. Plus, all of the veggies provide vitamins and nutrients that are good for your body’s health.
Great for any meal: This is perfect for lunch, dinner, or even meal prep for busy days. You can eat it alone or pair it with some whole grain bread for an even more filling meal.
Ingredients for Corn Avocado Chicken Salad
Cooked and chopped chicken: You can use leftover chicken, rotisserie chicken, or cook up some fresh chicken breasts. Chopping it up makes it easier to add to the salad.
Fresh corn (grilled or canned): If you have time, grilling corn gives it a smoky flavor. But if you’re in a hurry, canned corn works great too.
Ripe avocados (2 large, chopped): Avocados give a creamy texture that balances out the other ingredients. Make sure they’re ripe but not too mushy.
Red onion (¼ cup, finely chopped): Red onion adds a slight tang to the salad, giving it a refreshing flavor.
Cherry tomatoes (1 cup, halved): These juicy little tomatoes add color and sweetness to the salad.
Fresh cilantro or parsley (¼ cup, chopped): Any herb works great, depending on your taste. They feel refreshing.
Lemon juice (2 tbsp.):- Lemon juice prevents the avocado from browning and gives the salad a tangy flavor.
Olive oil (2 tbsp.):- Olive oil helps bring all the flavors together while keeping the salad light.
Salt and pepper (to taste):- All you need is a little salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.
Step-by-step cooking instructions
Step 1: Cook the chicken and corn
If your chicken and corn are not cooked yet, you can grill or boil them.
Once cooked, let them cool for a few minutes. Cooling the chicken and corn will make them easier to handle when cutting.
Step 2: Chop the chicken
Take your cooked chicken breasts and chop them into small pieces.
This makes the salad easier to eat and allows all the flavors to blend well together.
Step 3: Prepare the vegetables
Avocado: Cut your avocados in half, remove the seed and carefully cut them into cubes. The avocado adds creaminess to the salad.
Onion: Chop the red onion into small pieces. The red onion gives the salad a nice crunch and a little spice.
Cherry tomatoes: Cut the cherry tomatoes in half. These will add a splash of color and a juicy sweetness to the salad.
Cilantro or parsley: Finely chop a handful of cilantro or parsley to use as a garnish at the end.
Step 4: Mix the ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded chicken, cooked corn, avocado cubes, onion, and chopped cherry tomatoes.
Make sure the bowl is large enough to easily mix everything together.
Step 5: Add the dressing
- Drizzle the olive oil and lemon juice over the salad. The olive oil makes it rich, while the lemon juice brings a tangy flavor that balances out the flavors.
- Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste. You can always adjust this later, so don’t worry about adding too much at once.
Step 6: Mix the salad
Gently mix the salad with a spoon or your hands. Be careful not to mash the avocado too much—you want those creamy pieces in every bite.
Mixing everything together allows the flavors to blend beautifully.
Step 7: Garnish and serve
Once the salad is mixed, sprinkle some fresh coriander or parsley on top for a boost of color and a refreshing taste.
Serve the salad immediately, or chill it in the refrigerator for a while to let the flavors meld even better.
Serving Suggestions
Here are some ways to enjoy this salad:
- Serve it with warm tortillas or whole grain bread for a light and filling meal.
- Use it as a taco topping – spoon the salad onto soft tacos for a refreshing taste.
- Pair it with a refreshing beverage like iced tea or lemonade for a perfect summer dinner.
Common problems and solutions that occur when cooking
Problem: Avocado turns brown too quickly.
Solution: Toss avocado pieces in lemon juice immediately after cutting them. This keeps them fresh and green for a long time.
Problem: Chicken is too dry.
Solution: Use freshly cooked or grilled chicken for the best texture. If you are using leftover chicken, adding a little more olive oil or dressing will add moisture.
Problem: Over mixing makes avocado soft.
Solution: Always mix salads gently at the end so that the avocado remains in fine pieces. Over mixing can mash the avocado.
