Rustic Avocado and Corn Salad with Caprese Chicken
Ingredients Featured in Our Rustic Avocado and Corn Salad with Caprese Chicken
Recipe Overview
This nutrient-dense Rustic Avocado and Corn Salad with Chicken is a health booster you can enjoy all year round. Protein and fiber-packed, this vibrant salad combines the wholesome goodness of grilled chicken, sweet corn, and creamy avocado with the zesty freshness of basil and cherry tomatoes.
Simple to prepare, this salad is hearty, nutritious, and easily adaptable. You can enjoy it with or without goat cheese and customize it with additional proteins, like air-fried tofu or shrimp, to suit your dietary preferences.
About Our
Rustic Avocado and Corn Salad with Chicken
For a salad that’s both vibrant and nutritious, try our Rustic Avocado and Corn Salad with Grilled Chicken. This dish celebrates summer’s bounty with a medley of colors, textures, and flavors that will leave you satisfied and nourished. Note that you will need a grill for this recipe to achieve the perfect smoky flavor and char on the chicken, corn, and croutons.
Grilled chicken provides lean protein to keep you full and energized, while the grilled corn adds a smoky sweetness. Cherry tomatoes offer a burst of freshness, perfectly complemented by the creamy avocado. Fresh basil ties everything together with its bright, herbaceous flavor. Tangy goat cheese and crunchy whole wheat croutons complete the meal, hitting every taste sensation from sweet to salty, sour to umami.
Cycle hacking™ with jihi
The Rustic Avocado and Corn Salad with Chicken is a versatile Cycle Hack™ for various phases of the menstrual cycle. During the follicular phase, the combination of lean protein from chicken and healthy fats from avocado supports rising energy levels and cellular regeneration. In the ovulating phase, the nutrient-dense ingredients like basil, cherry tomatoes, and corn provide essential vitamins and minerals needed for high energy and optimal hormone production. For the luteal phase, the anti-inflammatory properties of ingredients like garlic, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar help reduce PMS symptoms and support hormonal balance. This hearty and nourishing meal is perfect for maintaining overall health and well-being, helping to balance the body naturally and effectively throughout your cycle.
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What You'll Need
AVOCADOS
Creamy, dreamy, and loaded with healthy fats for glowing skin and hormonal balance. Their richness complements the other ingredients, making this salad nice and hearty.
BALSAMIC VINEGAR
The tangy flavor of this vinegar gives the dressing its sharp flavor.
BASIL
Fragrant and slightly sweet, the fresh herb adds a light flavor in both the salad and the dressing.
CHERRY TOMATOES
Bright, acidic, and packed with lycopene for heart health. They add a pop of freshness to every bite.
CHICKEN BREAST
Lean, protein-packed chicken keeps you satisfied and energized. Grilling infuses it with smoky flavor while keeping it juicy and tender.
CORN
Grilling the corn on the cob brings out its natural sugars and the heat adds a subtle smoky char.
DIJON MUSTARD
This condiment gives a subtle kick to the dressing, helping to emulsify the oil and vinegar for a creamier dressing.
EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL
This neutral oil is the foundation of the dressing that’s rich in antioxidants.
GOAT CHEESE
This tangy cheese adds a luxurious texture and depth of flavor. It can be omitted if you are on a dairy-free diet.
LEMON JUICE
Fresh lemon juice is preferred for the best zesty flavor in the dressing.
SPICES
You will need a combination of Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper for the spice mixture to season the protein. This simple combination of seasonings will enhance the flavor of the juicy chicken.
SPRING GREENS
Tender, nutrient-dense greens provide a healthy base for all the toppings. They’re packed with vitamins and minerals for overall wellness.
WHOLE WHEAT BREAD
Toasting the hearty, nutty bread for croutons adds a satisfying crunch to the salad. Use sliced bread, baguette, or any loaf of your choosing.
How to Make
Rustic Avocado and Corn Salad with Chicken
PREPARE INGREDIENTS
Measure out all of the ingredients that do not require additional prep, such as chopping and mincing. Remove the husks and clean the corn cobs. Cut the cherry tomatoes in half. Remove the pits of the avocados and slice the flesh. Chop enough basil leaves to fill ¼ cup for the salad (the basil leaves for the dressing do not need to be chopped). Cut the whole wheat bread into 1-inch cubes. Peel and mince garlic cloves. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and oil the grates.
GRILL THE CHICKEN
Mix together the spices for the chicken. Rub the mixture all over the chicken breasts and set aside. Place the chicken breasts on the oiled grill. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes total, turning halfway through, until cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165˚F. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
GRILL THE CORN
Rub the corn with oil, then season with salt and pepper all over. Add corn to the oiled grill. Cook for 7 to 8 minutes, turning every couple of minutes until charred. Remove from heat. Once the cobs are cool enough to handle, remove the kernels from the cobs.
GRILL THE CROUTONS
Drizzle the bread cubes with oil and spread in an even layer on the baking sheet. Place the baking sheet with the bread cubes on the grill. Cook for about 7 to 10 minutes, tossing occasionally, until browned.
JIHI KITCHEN TIP: Add everything to the grill at the same time if your grill is large enough to handle it!
MAKE THE DRESSING
Add the basil leaves, garlic, balsamic vinegar, dijon mustard, and lemon juice to a blender or food processor. Blend until combined and the herbs have broken down. With the machine on low, slowly drizzle in the oil until combined. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper, as desired.
ASSEMBLE THE SALAD
To assemble the salad, add the spring greens to a large salad bowl. Top with tomatoes, corn kernels, sliced chicken, basil, croutons, avocado, and goat cheese.
FAQs
What if I don’t have a grill?
No grill? No problem! The chicken can be cooked in a skillet over medium-high heat until cooked through, about 8 minutes per side. You can use a grill pan or simply sear the corn cobs in a skillet over medium-high heat for about 7 to 10 minutes, until charred. Be sure to turn the cobs every few minutes. The croutons can be baked at 375˚F for about 10 minutes, until browned. Toss the croutons halfway through to ensure even browning.
Can I make this dairy-free or gluten-free?
This salad can be made dairy-free by simply removing the goat cheese from the salad. You can use dairy-free cheese instead, if preferred. To make this recipe gluten-free, do not use the whole wheat bread or use a gluten-free bread instead.
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes, the dressing can be made up to 3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Shake or whisk the dressing well before serving to recombine the ingredients.
How can I add more protein to this salad?
To add more protein, you can include additional grilled chicken or add other proteins like grilled shrimp, tofu, or air-fried chicken sausage. These options will complement the flavors and enhance the nutritional profile of the salad.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate to prevent the salad from becoming soggy. Add the dressing just before serving.
Still hungry?
For another delicious and health-supporting meal, try our Air Fryer Halibut with Lemon Thyme Butter Sauce. This dish pairs perfectly with our Rustic Avocado and Corn Salad, offering a flavorful and nutritious dinner that supports your overall well-being.
If you’re craving a classic, our Lemon Kale Caesar Salad is hard to resist. It features a tangy homemade dressing and fresh, simple ingredients that make every bite irresistible.
Rustic Avocado and Corn Salad with Chicken
Equipment
- Grill
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 lb chicken breasts boneless, skinless
- 1 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper freshly cracked
Croutons
- 1 loaf whole wheat bread baguette for boule
- 2 tsp olive oil extra virgin
Salad
- 2 tsp olive oil extra virgin
- 3 cobs sweet corn
- 10 oz cherry tomatoes
- 2 avocados
- 1/4 cup basil
- 4 oz goat cheese
- 5 cups spring greens
Dressing
- 1/2 cup basil
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp dijon mustard
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1/2 cup olive oil extra virgin
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
Preparing the Salad
- First, wash and prepare the product. Wash basil, cherry tomatoes, and spring greens. Husk and wash the corn. Cut the cherry tomatoes in half. Peel and mince the garlic. Remove the pits of the avocados and slice the flesh.10 oz cherry tomatoes, 2 avocados, 1/4 cup basil, 5 cups spring greens, 2 cloves garlic, 1/2 cup basil
- Chop the basil leaves for the salad. The basil leaves for the dressing don't need to be chopped.1/4 cup basil
- Cut the whole wheat loaf of bread into 1-inch cubes.1 loaf whole wheat bread
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and oil the grates.
- In a small bowl, stir together the spices for the chicken.1 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Rub the spice mixture all over the chicken breasts and set them aside.1 lb chicken breasts
- Rub the corn with oil, then season with salt and pepper. Set aside.3 cobs sweet corn, 2 tsp olive oil
Cooking the Croutons
- Place the bread cubes on a sheet pan and drizzle with olive oil. Using your hands, toss the bread and olive oil until all the pieces are coated.1 loaf whole wheat bread, 2 tsp olive oil
- Grill Option:Drizzle the bread cubes with olive oil and spread them in an even layer on a baking sheet. Place the baking sheet with the bread cubes on the grill. Cook for about 7 to 10 minutes, tossing occasionally, until browned and crispy.
- Oven Option:Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Drizzle the bread cubes with olive oil and spread them in an even layer on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10 to 12 minutes, tossing halfway through, until browned and crispy.
Grilling the Chicken & Corn
- Grill the chicken breasts for 10-15 minutes, turning them halfway through. The chicken is done cooking when the internal temperature reaches 165˚F. Remove from the grill and let rest 5 minutes before slicing.1 lb chicken breasts
- Grill the corn for 7-8 minutes, turning every couple of minutes until charred. Remove from the heat. Once the cobs are cool enough for you to handle, remove the kernels from the cobs.3 cobs sweet corn
Making the Dressing
- Add the basil leaves, garlic, balsamic vinegar, dijon mustard, and lemon juice to a blender or food processor. Blend completely, until herbs have broken down.1/2 cup basil, 2 cloves garlic, 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar, 1 tsp dijon mustard, 1 tsp lemon juice
- With the machine on low, slowly drizzle in the oil until combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.1/2 cup olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper
Assembling the Salad
- Add the spring greens to a large salad bowl.5 cups spring greens
- Top greens with tomatoes, corn kernels, sliced chicken, basil, croutons, avocado, and goat cheese. Toss & serve! 🥗4 oz goat cheese