high-protein Mexican street corn salad — Makes: *4 Servings*
Per Serving: *20g Protein | 375Cal*

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This Mexican Street Corn Salad is a bit different than versions you’ve likely had before. With fire-roasted corn and the addition of plenty of chicken sausage for a high-protein twist, this salad is perfect for lunch or dinner, especially on a hot, steamy day. Whether served on its own or as the perfect side dish alongside tacos, this Mexican street corn salad recipe is packed with flavor, nutritious ingredients, and a bit of a spicy kick that will keep your taste buds happy.

My higher protein Mexican street corn salad is the kind of dish that makes you feel good about what you're eating, without sacrificing any of the flavors you love. It's full of fresh flavors and simple ingredients, making it an easy side dish or main whenever you need to pull something together quickly. Whether you're trying to eat healthier, need a quick lunch option, or want something tasty to bring to your summer potlucks, this salad has got you covered.

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. It's a crowd-pleaser that combines the smoky sweetness of fire-roasted corn with the spicy kick of jalapeño chicken sausage, all brought together with a creamy, tangy cilantro lime vinaigrette. Plus, it's so easy to customize! Not a fan of spicy food? No problem. Prefer a different type of cheese? Go ahead and swap it out. This salad is all about making it work for you and your taste buds. Let’s dive in.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Bursting with Flavor: The combination of fire-roasted corn, jalapeño chicken sausage, and a medley of fresh veggies creates the perfect blend of flavors in every bite.
Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time and very little cooking, this salad is perfect for busy weeknights or a quick lunch.
Healthy and Delicious: Packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins, this salad is a delicious, nutritious meal that will keep you satisfied.
Customizable: You can easily swap out ingredients based on your preferences or what's available in your kitchen. Consider adding extra cilantro, salty cotija cheese, cherry tomatoes, or red bell pepper for an even more vibrant flavor.

Mexican street corn salad recipe graphic with photo of the salad and recipe title

Ingredients

1 cup corn (fire-roasted frozen corn from Trader Joe's is great! You could also use fresh sweet corn when it's in season!)
1 cup frozen chopped bell peppers
1 jalapeño chicken sausage (or a milder sausage if preferred)
1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup crumbled fat-free feta cheese or a Mexican cheese like cotija or queso fresco
1/2 jalapeño pepper, seeded and chopped
1 green onion, chopped
1/4 cup red onion, chopped
1/2 bag chopped romaine lettuce or butter lettuce, or 1 heart of romaine chopped
1.5 tbsp Everything But the Elote Seasoning from Trader Joe’s (or 1 tsp paprika, 1/4 tsp cumin, 1/4 tsp chili powder)
Salt & black pepper to taste

For the dressing:

1/4 cup cilantro lime vinaigrette from Trader Joe's
Squeeze of 1/2 a lime

If you’re making the dressing from scratch:

1/4 cup fresh lime juice
2 tbsp light mayonnaise or plain Greek yogurt (0% Fat)
1/2 cup fresh cilantro
1/2 tsp smoked paprika

Instructions

Warm Up: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a medium frying pan over medium heat.
Cook Veggies: Add the corn and bell peppers to the pan and cook until they are tender. Once cooked, remove from the heat and let them cool.
Mix It Up: In the cooled pan of corn and peppers, add the chopped red onion, green onion, jalapeño, Parmesan cheese, Everything But the Elote seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
Add Sausage: Slice or dice the cooked chicken sausage (you can serve it warm or cold) and add it to the mixture.
Make the Creamy Lime Dressing: In a small bowl, stir the dressing ingredients together until mixed well.
Prepare Salad Base: In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce with the creamy dressing. Stir until the lettuce is well-coated.
Combine & Serve: Add the corn mixture to the large bowl with the salad base. Top with a sprinkle of crumbled feta or cotija cheese, and enjoy! Want your salad to be a bit spicier? Add a little bit of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to add heat. Serve with a handful of tortilla chips for added crunch!

Suggested Pairings

This salad is delicious on its own, but if you're looking to create a complete meal, here are a few suggestions for dishes that pair perfectly with it:

Grilled Shrimp Skewers: The smoky, savory flavors of grilled shrimp complement the spicy and tangy elements of the salad.
Avocado Slices: Fresh avocado slices provide a creamy contrast to the crisp veggies and can enhance the overall flavor profile.
Quinoa: A side of fluffy quinoa can add extra protein and make the meal more filling.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes: The natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes pairs wonderfully with the savory and spicy notes of the salad.