BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad

$- 2 grilled chicken breasts, sliced - 4 cups mixed salad greens (romaine, spinach, arugula) - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned) - 1/2 cup black beans, rinsed and drained - 1/2 red bell pepper, diced - 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced - 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 avocado, sliced - 1/3 cup BBQ sauce - 1/3 cup ranch dressing - Salt and black pepper to taste - Fresh cilantro, for garnish The ingredients for my BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad are simple yet packed with flavor. You need two grilled chicken breasts, sliced for easy eating. The salad greens mix includes romaine, spinach, and arugula. I love adding cherry tomatoes, corn, and black beans for a pop of color and taste. The red bell pepper and red onion give the salad a nice crunch. I also like to toss in some shredded cheddar cheese and creamy avocado for richness. To finish, I drizzle BBQ sauce and ranch dressing on top. A dash of salt and pepper brings everything together. Finally, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds a lovely touch. Each ingredient plays a part in making this salad fresh and satisfying. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, grill the chicken breasts. First, season them with salt and black pepper. This simple step adds great flavor. Grill over medium heat for about 6-7 minutes on each side. You want the chicken to be cooked through, so check the temperature. Once done, remove it from the heat. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps keep the juices inside. Now, let's assemble the salad. In a large bowl, combine your salad greens. I like to use romaine, spinach, and arugula for a fresh mix. Add the halved cherry tomatoes, corn, black beans, diced red bell pepper, and thinly sliced red onion. Mix these ingredients well. Next, it's time to add the sliced grilled chicken. Drizzle the BBQ sauce and ranch dressing on top. Toss the salad gently to coat everything evenly. For the final touches, fold in the sliced avocado. This adds creaminess to the salad. Then, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top. Taste your salad and adjust the seasoning with more salt and black pepper if needed. Serve the salad right away. Garnish each plate with fresh cilantro for a pop of color and flavor. Enjoy your meal! Grilling chicken can be tricky. Here are some common mistakes to avoid: - Too much heat: High heat can burn the outside while leaving the inside raw. - Not resting: Always let the chicken rest after grilling. It helps keep it juicy. For grilling times, aim for about 6-7 minutes per side. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The chicken should reach 165°F. Marinades add great flavor. A simple mix of olive oil, lemon juice, and spices will work wonders. Let your chicken soak for at least 30 minutes before grilling. Fresh herbs can make your salad pop. Try adding cilantro or parsley for brightness. Balancing flavors is key. The BBQ sauce adds sweetness, while ranch dressing brings creaminess. Adjust the ratios to fit your taste. For crunch, consider adding nuts or seeds. Toasted pumpkin seeds or walnuts can elevate your salad. Prepping ingredients in advance saves time. Chop veggies like bell peppers and onions the day before. Store them in airtight containers. Keep salad components separate to maintain freshness. Mixed greens can wilt quickly if dressed too early. For best practices, store dressings in small jars. This keeps flavors fresh until you're ready to eat. Pro Tips Perfectly Grilled Chicken: To ensure juicy chicken breasts, let them rest for at least 5 minutes after grilling before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist. Mixing Dressings: For a unique flavor, consider mixing your BBQ sauce and ranch dressing in a separate bowl before adding it to the salad. This helps achieve a more balanced taste. Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh ingredients whenever possible, especially for the salad greens and vegetables. This enhances the flavor and nutritional value of your salad. Customize Your Salad: Feel free to customize the salad by adding other proteins like shrimp or tofu, or additional toppings like crispy bacon or crunchy tortilla strips for extra texture. {{image_2}} You can swap grilled chicken for turkey or shrimp. This change adds a new taste. Turkey has a mild flavor, while shrimp gives a nice bite. If you want a vegetarian option, try adding tofu or chickpeas. Tofu absorbs flavors well, making it a tasty choice. Chickpeas are hearty and add protein, too. You can also explore other proteins like beef or fish. Each option brings a unique flavor to your BBQ ranch chicken salad. Using seasonal vegetables keeps your salad fresh and exciting. In the summer, add ripe peaches or cucumbers for a crisp touch. In the fall, try roasted sweet potatoes or squash. These ingredients blend well with BBQ flavors. You can also highlight fruits that pair nicely. Pineapple and mango add a sweet twist. Adapting with different types of beans, like kidney or pinto beans, can change the texture and taste. This variety lets you enjoy the salad year-round. Customizing with homemade BBQ sauce can elevate your salad. You can mix ketchup, brown sugar, and a dash of vinegar for a quick sauce. Trying different ranch dressing flavors can also be fun. Consider spicy ranch or garlic ranch for a kick. If you want something lighter, explore vinaigrettes. A simple lemon vinaigrette adds brightness. These options let you create your perfect BBQ ranch chicken salad. To keep your BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad fresh, follow these tips: - Use airtight containers: Place leftovers in a sealed container. This helps prevent spoilage. - Separate chicken and greens: Store chicken and salad greens apart. This keeps everything crisp. - Dressings on the side: Keep BBQ sauce and ranch dressing in separate containers. This stops sogginess. Grilled chicken can be reheated, but keep it simple: - Use low heat: Warm the chicken slowly in a pan or microwave. High heat can dry it out. - Avoid reheating salad: Salads are best fresh. If you must, just warm the chicken. - Add fresh toppings: After reheating, add fresh greens or avocado for crunch and flavor. Knowing how long your salad stays fresh is key: - Refrigerate promptly: Store the salad in the fridge right after eating. It lasts about 3 days. - Check for spoilage: Look for wilting greens, odd smells, or discoloration. Toss if you see these signs. - Label your containers: Write the date on your storage containers. This helps you keep track of freshness. You can prep this salad a day before. Start by grilling the chicken. Slice it up and store it in an airtight container. Mix the salad greens, tomatoes, corn, beans, pepper, and onion in another container. Keep the dressings separate until you’re ready to eat. This keeps everything fresh and tasty. For best storage, use glass or plastic containers with tight lids. Keep salads in the fridge, but avoid freezing them. The textures can change. When you’re ready to serve, combine the chicken and veggies, then add the dressings. You can swap ranch dressing for many tasty options. Try blue cheese dressing for a bold flavor. Yogurt dressing adds creaminess while being lighter. For a kick, use spicy ranch or a vinaigrette. Each option brings a different flavor to the salad. If you want a fresh twist, try avocado dressing. It’s creamy and healthy. Keep in mind that each dressing will change the taste of your BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad. This salad is packed with healthy ingredients. Grilled chicken provides lean protein. Mixed greens add vitamins and minerals. Tomatoes, corn, and beans offer fiber and antioxidants. Avocado adds healthy fats, making it a balanced meal. To make it even healthier, use low-fat ranch or BBQ sauce. You can also add more veggies and cut back on cheese. This way, you still enjoy great flavor while boosting nutrition. BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad brings together fresh flavors and hearty ingredients. We covered how to prepare the chicken, assemble the salad, and select dressings. I shared tips for perfecting your grilling and storing leftovers. You can even switch proteins or dressings for new twists. This salad is simple, tasty, and a great meal choice. Enjoy creating your own version and experiment with flavors that delight!$

A delicious and fresh salad featuring grilled chicken, mixed greens, and a tangy BBQ ranch dressing.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

2 breasts grilled chicken, sliced
4 cups mixed salad greens (romaine, spinach, arugula)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
0.5 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
0.5 red bell pepper diced
0.25 red onion thinly sliced
0.5 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 whole avocado, sliced
0.33 cup BBQ sauce
0.33 cup ranch dressing
to taste salt and black pepper
for garnish fresh cilantro

Instructions

Begin by grilling the chicken breasts. Season them with salt and pepper, then grill over medium heat for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Once done, remove from the heat and allow to rest for a few minutes before slicing.
In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed salad greens, cherry tomatoes, corn, black beans, diced red bell pepper, and sliced red onion.
Add the sliced grilled chicken to the bowl, then drizzle with BBQ sauce and ranch dressing. Toss gently to combine, ensuring the salad is evenly coated.
Gently fold in the sliced avocado and sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.
Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
Serve the salad immediately on plates, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for added freshness and flavor.

Notes

Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables.

Keyword BBQ, chicken, healthy, ranch, salad