Grilled Romaine, Corn and Chicken Salad with Salsa Dressing

Recipe By:

Juniper

Posted:

July 25, 2025

Updated:

July 25, 2025

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Grilled Romaine, Corn and Chicken Salad with Salsa Dressing is the perfect dish for summer gatherings or a quick weeknight dinner. This vibrant salad combines the smoky flavors of grilled romaine and corn with tender chicken, all topped with a zesty salsa dressing. It’s not only refreshing but also packed with nutrients, making it suitable for various occasions, from family picnics to casual meals.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick to Prepare: This salad takes just 15 minutes to make, perfect for busy evenings.
Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of grilled chicken, fresh vegetables, and salsa dressing creates a delightful burst of flavor.
Healthy Choice: Packed with protein and fiber, this salad supports a balanced diet while still being delicious.
Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as a main course or a side dish; it pairs well with many meals.
Easy Clean-Up: With minimal dishes used, you can enjoy your meal without the hassle of extensive cleanup.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare your Grilled Romaine, Corn and Chicken Salad with Salsa Dressing efficiently, gather these essential tools.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Grill
Cutting board
Sharp knife
Large platter
Basting brush

Importance of Each Tool

Grill: Essential for achieving that smoky flavor in both the chicken and romaine.
Cutting Board: Provides a safe surface for chopping and prepping ingredients.
Sharp Knife: Makes it easy to slice cooked chicken and vegetables cleanly.
Large Platter: Perfect for serving your beautiful salad presentation.

Ingredients

For the Dressing

1/2 cup jarred mild salsa
4 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
1/2 lime

For the Chicken

4 boneless skinless chicken thighs (4 oz each), trimmed of fat
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon cumin

For the Salad Base

2 corn on the cobs (husks removed)
2 romaine hearts
Olive oil spray

For Garnish

4 oz avocado (1 small Hass sliced)
2 tablespoons diced red onion
1/2 cup halved grape tomatoes
Pinch of kosher salt

How to Make Grilled Romaine, Corn and Chicken Salad with Salsa Dressing

Step 1: Prepare the Salsa Dressing

Combine the jarred salsa, extra virgin olive oil, and lime juice in a bowl. Mix well and set aside.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Sprinkle kosher salt, oregano, and cumin over the chicken thighs. Ensure they are evenly coated for maximum flavor.

Step 3: Preheat the Grill

Light your grill to medium heat. Meanwhile, remove any tired outer leaves from the romaine hearts. Halve each head vertically. Place them on a large platter and spray cut sides with olive oil spray. Lightly spray corn with olive oil as well.

Step 4: Grill Chicken and Corn

Place your seasoned chicken thighs and corn on the grill. Cook for about 5 minutes on each side until the chicken is fully cooked through and the corn is tender. Once done, remove them from the grill and transfer them to a cutting board.

Step 5: Grill Romaine

Grill the halved romaine hearts close to the heat source over high heat. Cook cut side down for about 1 to 2 minutes until slightly charred. Remove from heat.

Step 6: Assemble Your Salad

Slice the grilled chicken into strips and cut kernels off the corn cob. Serve over grilled romaine along with sliced avocado, diced red onion, halved grape tomatoes, a pinch of kosher salt, and drizzle generously with salsa dressing on top.

Enjoy your delicious Grilled Romaine, Corn and Chicken Salad with Salsa Dressing!

How to Serve Grilled Romaine, Corn and Chicken Salad with Salsa Dressing

Serving Grilled Romaine, Corn and Chicken Salad with Salsa Dressing is simple and allows for creativity. You can enhance the experience by pairing it with various toppings or sides that complement its fresh flavors.

Add Extra Protein

Grilled Shrimp: Toss grilled shrimp on top for an extra layer of flavor and protein.
Black Beans: Add canned black beans for a hearty touch that pairs well with the salsa dressing.

Include More Veggies

Sliced Bell Peppers: Colorful bell peppers add crunch and sweetness.
Cucumber Ribbons: Fresh cucumber ribbons provide a refreshing bite.

Top It Off

Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta adds a tangy flavor that contrasts nicely with the chicken and corn.
Chopped Cilantro: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro enhances the salad’s freshness.

Serve as a Wrap

Lettuce Wraps: Use large romaine leaves to create wraps filled with the salad mix for a fun twist.

How to Perfect Grilled Romaine, Corn and Chicken Salad with Salsa Dressing

Perfecting this dish involves attention to detail during preparation and grilling. Here are some tips to elevate your salad.

Bold Marinate Your Chicken: Allow the chicken to marinate in salsa or spices for at least 30 minutes before grilling for deeper flavors.
Bold Keep an Eye on the Grill: Monitor the grill closely to prevent overcooking. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Bold Choose Fresh Ingredients: Select ripe avocados and sweet corn for maximum flavor in your salad.
Bold Grill on High Heat: Start with high heat when grilling the romaine to achieve those beautiful grill marks quickly.
Bold Mix It Up: Experiment with different salsas, like mango or pineapple, for unique flavor profiles.

Best Side Dishes for Grilled Romaine, Corn and Chicken Salad with Salsa Dressing

Pairing side dishes with your Grilled Romaine, Corn and Chicken Salad can enhance your meal. Here are some excellent options to consider.

Cornbread: A sweet cornbread complements the savory flavors of the salad.
Mexican Street Corn: This dish adds a rich, creamy texture that pairs well with grilled ingredients.
Guacamole: A side of guacamole enhances the avocado already in your salad while adding creaminess.
Pico de Gallo: Fresh pico de gallo adds extra zest and freshness that elevates your meal.
Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf is a great way to absorb any leftover salsa dressing from your salad.
Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal grilled vegetables offer a smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with this dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Grilled Romaine, Corn and Chicken Salad with Salsa Dressing, it’s easy to overlook some important details. Here are a few common mistakes to avoid:

Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning the chicken properly can lead to bland flavors in your salad. Always season generously with salt and spices before grilling.
Overcooking the chicken: Cooking the chicken for too long can make it dry. Check for doneness around 5 minutes per side, ensuring it remains juicy.
Neglecting the grill temperature: Grilling at too high or low a temperature affects cooking time and texture. Medium heat is ideal for both the chicken and corn.
Failing to prepare ingredients ahead: Not prepping all your ingredients before grilling can slow down the cooking process. Have everything ready to go to keep things efficient.
Ignoring the freshness of produce: Using wilted romaine or old corn will impact taste. Always select fresh ingredients for the best flavor and texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover salad in an airtight container.
Consume within 2-3 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Grilled Romaine, Corn and Chicken Salad with Salsa Dressing

This salad is best enjoyed fresh; freezing is not recommended.
If you must freeze, separate components (chicken, corn) from fresh vegetables before freezing.

Reheating Grilled Romaine, Corn and Chicken Salad with Salsa Dressing

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes.
Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish; reheat in 30-second intervals until warm.
Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring gently until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other types of lettuce for this salad?

Yes! While romaine provides great crunch, feel free to substitute with iceberg or butter lettuce if preferred.

How can I customize my Grilled Romaine, Corn and Chicken Salad with Salsa Dressing?

You can add different proteins like shrimp or tofu, or toss in additional veggies such as bell peppers or cucumbers for more variety.

What if I don’t have salsa on hand?

No problem! You can create a quick dressing using diced tomatoes, onions, lime juice, and spices as an alternative to store-bought salsa.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! Just keep the dressing separate until serving to maintain freshness. It’s perfect for lunches throughout the week.

How do I make this salad vegan?

To make a vegan version of Grilled Romaine, Corn and Chicken Salad with Salsa Dressing, simply replace chicken with grilled chickpeas or tofu and skip any dairy-based toppings.

Final Thoughts

Grilled Romaine, Corn and Chicken Salad with Salsa Dressing is not just quick to prepare; it’s also versatile enough for any summer gathering. With its bright flavors and satisfying textures, you can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Give it a try this season and enjoy its deliciousness!