Grilled Chicken & Corn Chopped Salad with Maple Lemon Vinaigrette
This salad came together on one of those late summer afternoons when I wanted something light, fresh, and still satisfying enough to count as dinner. It’s the kind of meal that checks all the boxes: vibrant veggies, clean protein, healthy fats, and a dressing you’ll want to drizzle on everything.
What I love most about this salad besides how beautiful it looks in a bowl is the mix of sweet, savory, and tangy in every bite. The grilled corn brings smoky depth, the goat cheese adds creaminess, the almonds give it a good crunch, and the chopped dates? Little pops of natural sweetness that make it feel special.
The real magic, though, is in the dressing. Made with extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, white wine vinegar, and maple syrup, it’s bright, balanced, and free of any refined sugars or preservatives. It ties the whole thing together with just the right amount of zing.
This meal is also incredibly customizable. Swap the chicken for grilled tofu or salmon, use spinach instead of romaine, or toss in any leftover roasted veggies you have on hand. It makes a beautiful weeknight dinner or an elevated meal prep lunch you’ll actually look forward to.
My Favorite Brands to Use in this Recipe:
- Bell & Evans Organic Chicken – Their chickens are raised without antibiotics or added hormones, fed a 100% organic, all-vegetable diet, and humanely cared for from hatch to harvest. What truly sets them apart is their air-chilled process. Instead of using chlorinated water baths like many brands, Bell & Evans air-chills their chicken resulting in better flavor, improved texture, and no added water weight. It means a crispier sear, juicier bites, and a more pure, natural taste. I trust it every time I want to serve something clean, simple, and truly delicious.
- Organic Vegetables– Organic produce is grown without synthetic pesticides or GMOs, preserving natural nutrients and flavors while reducing exposure to toxins. Opting for fresh, organic vegetables ensures you’re getting the cleanest, most nutrient-dense ingredients in every bit.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil – When it comes to olive oil, quality matters and single-sourced extra virgin olive oil is best. Unlike blended oils, which can be made from olives grown in multiple regions or even countries (sometimes using lower-quality fruit), single-sourced olive oil comes from one farm or mill. This means better traceability, fresher harvests, and a higher concentration of antioxidants and polyphenols the powerful compounds that support heart health and fight inflammation.


Summer Date & Chicken Salad
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 4 cups Organic Romaine Lettuce
- 1 cup Organic Tomatoes (halved)
- 1 cup Fire Roasted or Grilled Corn
- 1 lb Organic Chicken
- 1 cup Almonds (sliced)
- 1/3 cup Goat Cheese (crumbled)
- 3 Dates (chopped)
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1/4 cup White Wine Vinegar
- 1/4 cup Lemon Juice
- 1/4 cup Maple Syrup (or honey)
- Salt & Pepper
Instructions
- Season the chicken with a pinch of salt and pepper (add garlic powder or paprika if you'd like). Grill or pan-sear the chicken over medium heat until cooked through (internal temp 165°F), about 5–7 minutes per side depending on thickness.
- If using fresh corn, brush lightly with olive oil and grill or roast until lightly charred. Cut the kernels off the cob and set aside.
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, white wine vinegar, lemon juice, and maple syrup (or honey). Season with a pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Shake or whisk until well combined.
- In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped romaine, halved tomatoes, grilled corn, sliced almonds, goat cheese, chopped dates, and cooked chicken. Drizzle the dressing over the top. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.