Go Back
To make a BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad, you'll need fresh and tasty ingredients. Each one adds flavor and texture. Here’s a list to get you started: - Chicken - 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded - Vegetables - 4 cups mixed greens (spinach, romaine, arugula) - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/2 cup corn (canned or grilled) - 1/2 cup black beans, rinsed and drained - 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced - 1 avocado, diced - Dressings - 1/4 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand) - 1/4 cup ranch dressing - Seasonings - Salt and pepper to taste - Optional toppings - 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese - Tortilla chips for crunch These ingredients create a colorful and satisfying meal. Each one plays an important role in the overall taste. I love how the BBQ sauce mixes with ranch dressing. It brings a sweet and tangy flavor that makes this salad stand out. You can find the full recipe to make this delightful dish easily. Enjoy every bite! First, take your cooked chicken breast and shred it. I like to use a fork for this. In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken with your favorite BBQ sauce. Make sure every piece is coated well. This adds a nice flavor to the salad. Set the bowl aside while you prepare the rest. Grab a large salad bowl. Start by adding the mixed greens as your base. I love using a mix of spinach, romaine, and arugula. Next, add the halved cherry tomatoes, corn, black beans, and thinly sliced red onion on top. Finally, sprinkle the diced avocado over these layers. Now, it’s time to scatter the BBQ chicken evenly over your salad. Next, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese all over the salad. This adds a delicious creaminess. Drizzle ranch dressing on top, adjusting the amount based on your taste. Gently toss the salad to mix everything well. Be careful not to bruise the greens. Season with salt and pepper to taste. For that extra crunch, you can add crushed tortilla chips on top or serve them on the side. Enjoy this colorful and tasty meal! For the entire process, you can check the Full Recipe for more details. Choosing the right BBQ sauce makes a big difference. Look for a sauce that you love. Sweet, tangy, or smoky—all add unique flavors. Try different brands until you find your favorite. For dressing, you can mix BBQ sauce with ranch. This adds depth and a nice kick. You can also try a honey mustard or a yogurt-based dressing. Each gives a fresh twist to the salad. Seasoning is key. I like to sprinkle salt and pepper on each layer. You can also add garlic powder or smoked paprika for extra flavor. Just a pinch can elevate the taste. Meal prep makes this salad easy. You can cook the chicken and chop the veggies ahead of time. Store them in separate containers. This keeps everything fresh. When you store components separately, the salad stays crisp. Keep the greens away from sauces until you're ready to eat. This helps avoid sogginess. You can mix everything just before serving. It’s that simple! For the full recipe, check out BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad. {{image_2}} You can switch up the protein in your BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad for fun. Grilled shrimp offers a sweet and smoky taste. They pair well with the BBQ sauce and ranch dressing. Just grill the shrimp until they turn pink. Toss them in with the other salad ingredients. Tofu or tempeh are great choices for a plant-based option. They soak up the flavors well. Press the tofu to remove excess water, then grill or sauté it for added texture. Cut the tempeh into slices or cubes for easy mixing. Adding veggies can make your salad more colorful and healthy. Try bell peppers, cucumber, or shredded carrots. They add crunch and freshness to the dish. You can also use roasted veggies for a warm contrast. For cheese, consider using feta or pepper jack. Feta adds a salty kick, while pepper jack gives a spicy twist. Both will enhance the flavor profile of your salad. For extra crunch, crushed tortilla chips are a fun option. You can also use nuts or seeds, like sunflower seeds or walnuts. They add texture and a satisfying bite. There are many ways to customize your BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad. Explore different flavors and textures to find your favorite mix! If you want the detailed recipe, check out the Full Recipe. To keep your BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad fresh, use airtight containers. This helps keep moisture in and air out. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to avoid adding the dressing until you are ready to eat. This keeps the greens crisp and tasty. When you want to serve leftovers, you can enjoy them cold or warm. If you prefer warm, heat the chicken in a pan. Do not heat the whole salad; it will make the greens soggy. You can also add fresh toppings or extra dressing to keep it exciting. Enjoy your meal! What is the best dressing for BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad? The best dressing for this salad is a mix of BBQ sauce and ranch dressing. This combination gives a sweet and tangy flavor. You can adjust the amounts to fit your taste. For a lighter option, use low-fat ranch or a yogurt-based dressing. Can I make this salad ahead of time? Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. I recommend prepping the ingredients separately. Keep the dressing on the side until ready to serve. This keeps the greens fresh and crunchy. You can store the salad in the fridge for up to two days. What can I substitute for chicken in this recipe? You can use grilled shrimp, tofu, or tempeh as a substitute for chicken. These options give the salad a different twist. If you want a vegetarian meal, tofu or tempeh works well. They absorb flavors nicely and add protein. Calories and macronutrients One serving of BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad has about 400 calories. It contains protein from the chicken, healthy fats from the avocado, and fiber from the beans and veggies. This balance makes it a filling meal. Health benefits of ingredients The mixed greens add vitamins A and C. Cherry tomatoes boost antioxidants, while black beans provide protein and fiber. Avocado is full of healthy fats. Each ingredient contributes to a well-rounded meal. Gluten-free/dairy-free options This salad can be made gluten-free by checking your BBQ sauce and ranch dressing. For a dairy-free option, use dairy-free cheese or skip it altogether. You can also use a dairy-free ranch dressing for the same great taste. In this blog post, we covered the best ingredients for a BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad. You learned how to mix flavors and layer fresh veggies. I shared tips for enhancing taste and options for meal prep. You can choose from different proteins and salad add-ins to fit your needs. Storing and reheating leftovers were also discussed to keep your dish fresh. With these insights, you can create a tasty and satisfying salad. Enjoy making this dish your own!

BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad

Looking for a refreshing twist on dinner? Try this BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad! Packed with shredded chicken, colorful veggies, and a delicious BBQ and ranch dressing, it’s the perfect dish for any occasion. Ready in just 15 minutes, this healthy salad is not only quick to make but also incredibly satisfying.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded

4 cups mixed greens (spinach, romaine, arugula)

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 cup corn (canned or grilled)

1/2 cup black beans, rinsed and drained

1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

1 avocado, diced

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/4 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)

1/4 cup ranch dressing

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional: tortilla chips for crunch

Instructions
 

In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken with BBQ sauce until well-coated. Set aside.

    In a large salad bowl, layer the mixed greens as a base.

      Add the halved cherry tomatoes, corn, black beans, red onion slices, and diced avocado on top of the greens.

        Scatter the BBQ chicken over the salad, ensuring it's evenly distributed.

          Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the entire salad.

            Drizzle ranch dressing over the top, adjusting the amount according to your preference.

              Toss the salad gently, ensuring all ingredients are combined without bruising the greens.

                Season with salt and pepper to taste.

                  For added crunch, serve with crushed tortilla chips on top or on the side.

                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4