If you’re looking for a delicious and satisfying meal, the BBQ Chicken Salad is a perfect choice. This dish combines juicy grilled chicken, fresh vegetables, and a mix of flavors that will make your taste buds dance. It’s great for lunch or dinner and can be made in less than 30 minutes. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to incorporate healthy ingredients into your diet.
Why Make This Recipe
Making BBQ Chicken Salad at home is simple and rewarding. Not only is it full of nutritious ingredients, but it’s also customizable based on what you have available. This recipe is perfect for feeding a family or impressing guests. It’s flavorful, filling, and brings together the smoky taste of BBQ with the freshness of a salad.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Salad
Ingredients
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 15 ounces canned black beans (drained)
- 2 roma tomatoes (diced)
- 1½ cups corn (off the cob, canned, or frozen)
- ¼ cup chopped red onion
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or gouda cheese
- 1 avocado (sliced)
- 1 cup tortilla strips
- ¼ cup BBQ sauce
- ¾ cup ranch dressing
Directions
- In a small dish, combine the kosher salt, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Sprinkle this seasoning mix over the chicken breasts.
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken. Cook each side for a few minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
- In a large bowl, place the chopped romaine lettuce.
- On top of the lettuce, arrange the cooked chicken, black beans, diced tomatoes, corn, chopped red onion, cheese, avocado slices, and tortilla strips.
- Finally, drizzle BBQ sauce and ranch dressing over everything.
How to Serve BBQ Chicken Salad
Serve the BBQ Chicken Salad immediately for the best taste and freshness. You can enjoy it on its own or with some crusty bread on the side. It’s perfect for a light lunch or a hearty dinner.
How to Store BBQ Chicken Salad
If you have leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best to keep the dressing separate until you are ready to eat. The salad will stay fresh for about 2-3 days.
Tips to Make BBQ Chicken Salad
- Make sure to season the chicken well for maximum flavor.
- You can grill the chicken for an even smokier taste.
- Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, like bell peppers or cucumbers, for extra crunch.
- To make it healthier, use a lighter ranch dressing or homemade dressing.
Variation
You can change this salad up by using different proteins like grilled shrimp or steak instead of chicken. You could also try adding fruits like mango or pineapple for a sweet twist.
FAQs
1. Can I use leftovers for this recipe?
Yes, leftover grilled chicken works well in this salad.
2. Can I make this salad vegan?
Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with grilled tofu or chickpeas. Use vegan ranch and skip the cheese or use vegan cheese.
3. What kind of BBQ sauce is best?
Choose your favorite BBQ sauce! A sweeter sauce pairs well with the other ingredients, but any style will work.
BBQ Chicken Salad
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil For cooking the chicken
- 0.75 teaspoon kosher salt
- 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 0.25 teaspoon chili powder
For the Salad
- 8 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 15 ounces canned black beans (drained)
- 2 medium roma tomatoes (diced)
- 1.5 cups corn (off the cob, canned, or frozen)
- 0.25 cup chopped red onion
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or gouda cheese
- 1 each avocado (sliced)
- 1 cup tortilla strips
For the Dressing
- 0.25 cup BBQ sauce
- 0.75 cup ranch dressing
Instructions
Preparation
- In a small dish, combine the kosher salt, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Sprinkle this seasoning mix over the chicken breasts.
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken. Cook each side for a few minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
Assembly
- In a large bowl, place the chopped romaine lettuce.
- On top of the lettuce, arrange the cooked chicken, black beans, diced tomatoes, corn, chopped red onion, cheese, avocado slices, and tortilla strips.
- Finally, drizzle BBQ sauce and ranch dressing over everything.
