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A glass bowl filled with creamy chicken corn salad, topped with sliced grilled chicken breast and fresh dill garnish.

Street Corn Creamy Cucumber Chicken Salad

A vibrant and refreshing chicken salad featuring tender air-fried chicken, crisp cucumber, and the zesty, smoky flavors of Mexican street corn, all tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or a delightful dinner.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course, Salad
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Calories: 480

Ingredients
  

For the Air-Fried Chicken
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/8 tsp black pepper
For the Street Corn Elements
  • 2 cups frozen corn kernels or 3 ears fresh corn, cut off cob
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/4 cup crumbled Cotija cheese
  • 2 tbsp fresh cilantro chopped
  • 1 lime zested and juiced
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder more for garnish, optional
For the Creamy Cucumber Dressing
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt for a lighter option
  • 2 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 tbsp fresh cilantro chopped
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1/2 tsp honey or agave nectar
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/8 tsp black pepper
For the Salad Base
  • 1 large English cucumber diced (about 2 cups)
  • 1/2 red onion finely diced (optional)

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Small Mixing Bowl
  • Cutting Board
  • Sharp Knife
  • Whisk
  • Large Skillet (optional, for corn)

Method
 

Prepare the Chicken
  1. Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. In a medium bowl, toss chicken with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper until evenly coated.
  2. Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place seasoned chicken breasts in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 16-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes before shredding or dicing into bite-sized pieces.
Roast the Corn
  1. While the chicken cooks, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add corn kernels and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes until lightly charred and tender. Alternatively, you can roast the corn in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway. Transfer the roasted corn to a bowl and let cool slightly.
Prepare the Dressing
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, 2 tbsp lime juice, 1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, minced garlic, honey, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed for your preference.
Assemble the Salad
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded or diced chicken, roasted corn, diced English cucumber, and finely diced red onion (if using).
  2. To the chicken and vegetable mixture, add the 1/4 cup crumbled Cotija cheese, 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, and the zest and juice of 1 lime. Toss gently to combine all the street corn elements.
  3. Pour the creamy cucumber dressing over the chicken mixture. Fold gently until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
  4. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Serve chilled, garnished with extra chili powder, cilantro, or Cotija cheese if desired.

Notes

This Street Corn Creamy Cucumber Chicken Salad is best served within 1-2 days. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For a lighter dressing, you can substitute half or all of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt. If fresh corn is out of season, high-quality frozen corn works perfectly and requires no thawing before roasting.