Looking for cheap meals? This is another favorite dense bean salad that packs a lot of flavor and can help stretch the food budget for the week. This is a cost effective and nutritious salad option that can be changed up so many ways. Check out one option below.

Ingredients:

1 lb of chicken thighs or breasts

1 can of chickpeas

1-2 ears of fresh corn

1 cup cucumber

1/2 cup diced onion (sweet onion or purple)

1/2 cup diced tomato

1 head of garlic

1/2 tbsp onion powder

1/2 tbsp garlic powder

1/2 tbsp smoked paprika (optional)

2 tsp salt

1/2 tbsp coarse black pepper

2 1/2 tbsp olive oil

Dressing:

2-3 cloves of garlic

1/2 cup fresh basil

juice of 1 lemon

2 tbsp of olive or avocado oil

1/2 cup of greek yogurt

salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. If using corn, shuck the corn and soak in a bowl of water to remove the husk hairs. A great substitute in this dish would be 1 cup of cooked quinoa or another whole grain of choice.

2. Place a pan over medium heat and add one tbsp of oil. Season chicken with salt and pepper and add seasoned side down to the pan. Season the other side and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side. Set aside.

3.. Make the dressing by adding everything to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.

4. Cut corn off cob directly into the bowl in a downward motion away from you body.  After the corn is removed, run the back of the knife over the cob to extract any corn milk.

5. Rinse and dice vegetables and add to a large bowl. Rinse chickpeas and add to the bowl. Dice chicken and add to a small container for vegetarian night options.

6.  Add dressing and mix well. 

7. Enjoy!