This grilled romaine, corn, and chicken salad with salsa dressing is a delightful blend of smoky and fresh flavors. The charred romaine, juicy corn, and perfectly seasoned chicken meld beautifully with a tangy salsa dressing for a vibrant and satisfying meal.
Photos of Grilled Romaine, Corn and Chicken Salad with Salsa Dressing Recipe
You might not always have jarred mild salsa and romaine hearts readily available at home. Jarred mild salsa can usually be found in the condiment aisle, while romaine hearts are typically located in the produce section. Be sure to pick fresh avocado and grape tomatoes for the best results.
Ingredients for Grilled Romaine, Corn, and Chicken Salad with Salsa Dressing
jarred mild salsa: A pre-made tomato-based sauce with a mild heat level, perfect for dressings and dips.
extra virgin olive oil: A high-quality oil used for dressing and grilling; it adds rich flavor and moisture.
lime: Fresh citrus juice to add brightness and acidity to the dressing.
chicken thighs: Juicy and flavorful cuts of chicken, perfect for grilling.
kosher salt: A coarse salt that helps enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients.
dried oregano: A fragrant herb that adds earthy notes to the chicken seasoning.
cumin: A warm spice that provides depth and a slight smokiness to the chicken.
corn on the cobs: Fresh ears of corn that, when grilled, add sweetness and a bit of char.
romaine hearts: The inner, tender cores of romaine lettuce, ideal for grilling.
olive oil spray: A convenient way to lightly coat ingredients with oil for grilling.
avocado: Creamy fruit that adds richness and texture to the salad.
red onion: Adds a sharp, tangy crunch to the salad.
grape tomatoes: Small, sweet tomatoes that add a pop of color and flavor.
kosher salt: Used again to season the final salad for enhanced flavor.
One reader, Decca Hornsby says:
This grilled romaine, corn, and chicken salad with salsa dressing is a delightful summer dish! The smoky flavors from the grill combined with the fresh salsa dressing make it incredibly tasty. The avocado and tomatoes add a perfect touch. Highly recommend for a light and satisfying meal!
Cooking Techniques for Grilled Romaine, Corn, and Chicken Salad
How to season chicken: Combine kosher salt, dried oregano, and cumin, then rub the mixture evenly over the chicken thighs.
How to light a grill: Follow the manufacturer's instructions to safely light your grill to medium heat.
How to halve romaine hearts: Remove any tired outer leaves, then use a sharp knife to cut each romaine heart vertically in half.
How to spray olive oil: Use an olive oil spray bottle to lightly coat the cut sides of the romaine and the corn.
How to grill chicken and corn: Place the chicken and corn on the grill, cooking for about 5 minutes on each side until the chicken is cooked through and the corn is tender.
How to grill romaine: Place the romaine hearts cut side down close to the heat source and grill for about 1 to 2 minutes over high heat.
How to slice chicken: Once the chicken is cooked and slightly cooled, use a sharp knife to cut it into strips.
How to cut corn kernels off the cob: Stand the corn cob vertically on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to slice downward, removing the kernels.
How to assemble the salad: Arrange the grilled romaine on a platter, then top with sliced chicken, corn kernels, avocado, grape tomatoes, red onion, a pinch of kosher salt, and the salsa dressing.
How To Make Grilled Romaine, Corn and Chicken Salad with Salsa Dressing
Serve a quick healthy dish with this grilled chicken salad. It’s served over romaine hearts, tomato, avocado, and salsa adding flavor and color to the dish.
Serves:
Ingredients
For the Dressing:
- ½cupjarred mild salsa
- 4tspextra virgin olive oil
- ½lime
For the Chicken:
- 16ozchicken thighs,(4 boneless, skinless), trimmed of fat
- ¾tspkosher salt
- ¼tspdried oregano
- ¼tspcumin
For the Grilled Salad:
- 2corn on the cobs,husks removed
- 2romaine hearts
- olive oil spray
- 4ozavocado,(1 small hass), sliced
- 2tbspred onion,diced
- ½cupgrape tomatoes,halved
- pinchkosher salt
Instructions
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Combine the salsa, olive oil, and lime juice. Set aside.
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Season the chicken.
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Light the grill to medium heat. Remove any tired outer leaves from the romaine, then halve each head vertically.
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Place on a large platter and spray cut sides with olive oil spray. Lightly spray corn with olive oil.
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Place chicken and corn on the grill and cook for bout 5 minutes on each side, until the chicken is cooked through and the corn is tender. Remove and place on a cutting board.
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Grill romaine for about 1 to 2 minutes close to the heat source over high, cut side down. Remove.
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Slice the chicken into strips, cut the kernels off the corn, and serve over Romaine with avocado, tomatoes, onions, salt, and dressing on top.
Nutrition
- Calories: 459.17kcal
- Fat: 33.21g
- Saturated Fat: 7.21g
- Trans Fat: 0.10g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 17.49g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 5.91g
- Carbohydrates: 20.84g
- Fiber: 6.75g
- Sugar: 7.08g
- Protein: 23.34g
- Cholesterol: 111.13mg
- Sodium: 917.85mg
- Calcium: 72.13mg
- Potassium: 978.93mg
- Iron: 2.82mg
- Vitamin A: 594.95µg
- Vitamin C: 17.74mg
Pro Tip for Perfecting Grilled Romaine, Corn, and Chicken Salad
When grilling romaine, make sure to keep a close eye on it as it can char quickly. Grilling for just 1 to 2 minutes on high heat will give it a nice smoky flavor without making it too wilted.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Salad Recipe
Prepare ingredients in advance: Marinate the chicken and chop the vegetables the night before to save time on cooking day.
Use pre-made salsa: Opt for jarred salsa to quickly whip up the dressing without extra prep.
Grill multiple items together: Grill the chicken, corn, and romaine simultaneously to reduce cooking time.
Preheat the grill: Ensure the grill is hot before starting to cook for faster and more even grilling.
Use a sharp knife: A sharp knife speeds up slicing the chicken and cutting the corn kernels off the cob.
Substitute Ingredients For Grilled Romaine, Corn and Chicken Salad with Salsa Dressing Recipe
jarred mild salsa - Substitute with homemade salsa: Making your own salsa allows you to control the ingredients and adjust the flavors to your preference.
extra virgin olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar healthy fat profile and a neutral flavor that works well in dressings.
lime - Substitute with lemon: Lemon provides a similar acidic brightness to the dressing.
chicken thighs - Substitute with chicken breast: Chicken breast is leaner and can be grilled similarly to thighs.
kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt has a similar texture and flavor profile.
dried oregano - Substitute with dried thyme: Thyme offers a slightly different but complementary herbaceous flavor.
cumin - Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika adds a smoky depth that complements grilled dishes.
corn on the cobs - Substitute with frozen corn kernels: Frozen corn kernels can be grilled in a pan and provide a similar sweetness and texture.
romaine hearts - Substitute with butter lettuce: Butter lettuce has a tender texture and mild flavor that works well when grilled.
olive oil spray - Substitute with canola oil spray: Canola oil spray has a high smoke point and neutral flavor, making it suitable for grilling.
avocado - Substitute with mango: Mango adds a sweet and creamy element to the salad, similar to avocado.
red onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder flavor and can be used raw in salads.
grape tomatoes - Substitute with cherry tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes have a similar size and sweetness.
kosher salt - Substitute with Himalayan pink salt: Himalayan pink salt has a similar texture and can add a subtle mineral flavor.
Presentation Tips for Grilled Romaine, Corn, and Chicken Salad
Create a base layer: Place the grilled romaine hearts cut side up on a large, elegant white plate. This will serve as the foundation of your dish, showcasing the beautiful grill marks and adding a smoky flavor.
Arrange the proteins: Slice the grilled chicken thighs into thin, uniform strips and fan them out over the romaine hearts. This not only adds visual appeal but also ensures that each bite has a bit of everything.
Add vibrant colors: Scatter the kernels from the grilled corn on the cob evenly over the romaine hearts and chicken. The bright yellow kernels will add a pop of color and a sweet crunch.
Incorporate creamy elements: Dice the avocado into small cubes and distribute them evenly across the plate. The creamy texture of the avocado will contrast beautifully with the crisp romaine and tender chicken.
Introduce acidity and sweetness: Halve the grape tomatoes and place them strategically around the plate. Their juicy, slightly acidic flavor will balance the richness of the avocado and chicken.
Add a touch of sharpness: Finely dice the red onion and sprinkle it sparingly over the dish. The sharpness of the red onion will add a subtle bite and enhance the overall flavor profile.
Season with precision: Lightly sprinkle a pinch of kosher salt over the entire dish to enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients without overpowering them.
Drizzle the dressing: Combine the salsa, extra virgin olive oil, and lime juice to create a vibrant dressing. Drizzle it artfully over the salad, ensuring that each component gets a touch of the tangy, spicy dressing.
Garnish with finesse: Finish the dish with a few delicate sprigs of fresh herbs, such as cilantro or parsley, to add a touch of elegance and a burst of fresh flavor.
Serve with style: Present the dish on a large, pristine white plate to highlight the vibrant colors and textures. Ensure that each element is visible and arranged thoughtfully to create a visually stunning and appetizing presentation.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making This Salad Recipe
Grill: Used to cook the chicken, corn, and romaine hearts, providing a smoky flavor and char marks.
Large platter: Used to hold the romaine hearts and corn before grilling, and to spray them with olive oil.
Olive oil spray: Used to lightly coat the romaine hearts and corn to prevent sticking and to promote even grilling.
Cutting board: Used to place the grilled chicken and corn for slicing and cutting.
Chef's knife: Used to slice the chicken into strips, cut the kernels off the corn, and chop the avocado, tomatoes, and red onion.
Mixing bowl: Used to combine the salsa, olive oil, and lime juice for the dressing.
Tongs: Used to handle the chicken, corn, and romaine hearts on the grill.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure the kosher salt, dried oregano, and cumin for seasoning the chicken.
Juicer: Used to extract the juice from the lime for the dressing.
Serving bowl: Used to assemble and serve the grilled salad with all the ingredients and dressing.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for This Salad Recipe
- Refrigerate any leftover grilled chicken, corn, and romaine lettuce separately in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days.
- Store the remaining salsa dressing in a separate container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- To maintain optimal freshness and crispness, store the avocado, red onion, and grape tomatoes separately in the refrigerator until ready to assemble the salad.
- When ready to serve, reheat the grilled chicken and corn in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
- Assemble the salad by placing the grilled romaine on a plate, topped with the warmed chicken and corn, and freshly chopped avocado, red onion, and grape tomatoes.
- Drizzle the reserved salsa dressing over the top of the salad and enjoy immediately.
- If you have leftover grilled chicken and corn that you won't be using within 3-4 days, you can freeze them for longer storage:
- Allow the chicken and corn to cool completely before placing them in separate freezer-safe containers or resealable bags.
- Remove as much air as possible from the bags before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the containers or bags with the date and contents for easy reference.
- Freeze the grilled chicken and corn for up to 2-3 months.
- To thaw, transfer the frozen chicken and corn to the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave.
- Note that the grilled romaine, avocado, red onion, and grape tomatoes do not freeze well and are best enjoyed fresh.
How To Reheat Leftover Salad
To reheat leftover grilled romaine, place it on a baking sheet and warm it in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until it's slightly crispy and heated through. Alternatively, you can quickly reheat it on a hot grill for 1-2 minutes, cut side down, to restore its smoky flavor and crisp texture.
For the grilled corn, microwave the kernels in a covered dish with a splash of water for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. You can also sauté the corn kernels in a pan with a bit of butter or olive oil over medium heat until warmed through and lightly caramelized.
Reheat the grilled chicken in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent it from drying out. Cover the skillet and let the chicken simmer for 3-5 minutes until heated through. Alternatively, place the chicken on a baking sheet, cover it with foil, and warm it in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.
To maintain the freshness of the avocado, tomatoes, and red onion, it's best to store them separately and add them to the salad just before serving.
Reheat the salsa dressing in a microwave-safe bowl for 20-30 seconds, or in a small saucepan over low heat until warmed through. Stir well before drizzling over the reheated grilled romaine, corn, and chicken.
To assemble the reheated salad, place the warm grilled romaine on a plate, top it with the reheated corn and chicken, and add the fresh avocado, tomatoes, and red onion. Drizzle the warm salsa dressing over the top, and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Interesting Trivia About Grilled Romaine, Corn, and Chicken Salad
A unique aspect of this grilled romaine, corn, and chicken salad is the use of grilled romaine lettuce, which adds a smoky flavor and slightly charred texture, enhancing the overall taste and presentation of the salad.
Is Making This Salad Recipe at Home Cost-Effective?
This grilled romaine, corn, and chicken salad with salsa dressing recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients like chicken thighs, corn on the cob, and romaine hearts are generally affordable. The use of avocado, grape tomatoes, and red onion adds a fresh touch without significantly increasing the cost. Overall Verdict: 8/10. Approximate cost for a household of 4 people: $20-$25 USD.
Is This Salad Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
This grilled romaine, corn, and chicken salad with salsa dressing recipe is a healthy and nutritious option. The salad incorporates a variety of fresh vegetables, including romaine lettuce, corn, avocado, tomatoes, and red onion, which provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Grilling the romaine and corn adds a unique flavor profile while maintaining their nutritional value. The chicken thighs are a good source of lean protein, which is crucial for building and repairing tissues in the body. The salsa dressing is a low-calorie alternative to traditional high-fat dressings, and the lime juice adds a burst of vitamin C.
To further enhance the nutritional value of this recipe, consider the following suggestions:
- Opt for skinless chicken thighs to reduce the overall fat content
- Use a whole grain tortilla or lettuce wrap instead of serving the salad on its own to increase the fiber content
- Add additional colorful vegetables, such as bell peppers or carrots, to boost the antioxidant content
- Replace the salsa dressing with a homemade vinaigrette using olive oil, lime juice, and fresh herbs to control the sodium content
- Sprinkle some chopped nuts or seeds, like almonds or pumpkin seeds, for added healthy fats and a crunchy texture
Editor's Opinion on Grilled Romaine, Corn, and Chicken Salad
This recipe offers a delightful blend of smoky, grilled flavors and fresh, vibrant ingredients. The salsa dressing adds a zesty kick, complementing the seasoned chicken and sweet corn perfectly. Grilling the romaine imparts a subtle char, enhancing its natural crispness. The addition of creamy avocado and juicy grape tomatoes provides a refreshing contrast, while the red onion adds a sharp bite. Overall, it's a well-balanced, nutritious dish that's both visually appealing and satisfying.
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Why trust this Grilled Romaine, Corn and Chicken Salad with Salsa Dressing Recipe:
This recipe combines the smoky flavors of grilled romaine and corn with the savory goodness of chicken thighs. The salsa dressing adds a zesty kick, making it a well-balanced dish. Using fresh ingredients like avocado, grape tomatoes, and red onion ensures a vibrant and nutritious meal. The step-by-step instructions are easy to follow, making it perfect for both novice and experienced cooks. Trust this recipe for a delightful and healthy dining experience.
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