BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad

$- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded - 4 cups mixed greens (a blend of lettuce, spinach, and arugula) - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or roasted) - 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup ranch dressing - 1/4 cup BBQ sauce (plus extra for drizzling) - 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced - 1 avocado, diced - Salt and pepper to taste - Optional: tortilla chips for an extra crunch Choose fresh ingredients for the best taste. Look for vibrant greens and ripe tomatoes. Using high-quality ranch dressing and BBQ sauce makes a big difference. When selecting chicken, go for organic or free-range for a better flavor. If using frozen corn, thaw it fully before adding to the salad. If you want a lighter option, swap ranch dressing with Greek yogurt. For a cheese alternative, try feta or goat cheese. You can use any cooked protein, like turkey or tofu, instead of chicken. For a gluten-free option, leave out the tortilla chips or use gluten-free chips. If you don’t have red onion, yellow or green onion will work too. {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, take your cooked chicken breast and shred it into bite-sized pieces. You can use leftover chicken or cook some fresh. I like to use BBQ sauce to bring flavor. In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken with 1/4 cup of BBQ sauce. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Toss until the chicken is well-coated. This step makes the chicken tasty and ready to shine in your salad. Now, grab a big bowl and lay down 4 cups of mixed greens. This can be a mix of lettuce, spinach, and arugula. Next, arrange 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 1 cup of corn kernels, and 1/2 of a thinly sliced red onion over the greens. Each layer adds bright colors and fresh flavors. Once you have your veggies set, layer the BBQ chicken right in the center. This not only makes it hearty but also looks great. The chicken will be the star of your salad. Next, it’s time for the dressings. Drizzle 1/2 cup of ranch dressing all over the salad. This will add a creamy texture and rich taste. After that, gently add 1 diced avocado and sprinkle 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top. These ingredients give the salad a nice creaminess. If you like extra crunch, crush some tortilla chips and sprinkle them on top. Finally, for a sweet and smoky kick, drizzle a bit more BBQ sauce over everything. Toss the salad gently or serve it as is with the dressing on the side. Enjoy every bite of your BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad! To get the best taste, start with fresh ingredients. Fresh greens and ripe tomatoes make a big difference. Use cooked chicken that is juicy and tender. Mix it well with BBQ sauce and season it with salt and pepper. This adds depth to the flavor. Balance the richness of ranch dressing with the sweetness of corn and the zest of red onion. Each bite should burst with flavor. A beautiful salad is all about how you serve it. Use large, shallow bowls to show off the colorful layers. Start with the greens at the bottom. Then, add the colorful toppings like cherry tomatoes and corn. Layer the BBQ chicken in the center for a hearty look. Finish with avocado and cheese on top. For a fun crunch, sprinkle crushed tortilla chips before serving. A drizzle of BBQ sauce adds a nice touch. Using the right tools makes cooking simple. A sharp knife helps to chop the veggies evenly. A large bowl is great for mixing the ingredients. Use a spatula to coat the chicken well in BBQ sauce. A salad spinner can help dry greens quickly. If you want extra crunch, a rolling pin can crush the tortilla chips easily. With these tools, you can cut prep time and enjoy making this salad! Pro Tips Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a quicker prep time, consider using store-bought rotisserie chicken. It’s convenient and adds a wonderful flavor to your salad. Customize Your Greens: Feel free to mix and match your greens! Kale, chard, or even baby spinach can elevate the taste and nutrition of your salad. Fresh versus Frozen Corn: If using frozen corn, make sure to thaw it beforehand for the best texture. Fresh corn provides a crisp bite and vibrant sweetness. Add Some Heat: If you enjoy a kick, toss in some sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to your BBQ chicken for added flavor and spice. {{image_4}} You can easily make a tasty vegetarian BBQ ranch salad. Start with a mix of greens, like romaine and baby kale. Replace the chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms. The mushrooms add a great texture and flavor. You can also toss in some black beans for protein. Don't forget the cherry tomatoes and corn for sweetness. Top it off with ranch dressing and BBQ sauce. This version is filling and full of taste. If you love heat, try a spicy BBQ ranch chicken salad. Add diced jalapeños to the chicken before mixing in the BBQ sauce. You can also switch the ranch dressing for spicy ranch or add hot sauce. For a kick, sprinkle on some crushed red pepper flakes. This brings a nice zing to each bite. The spicy version is perfect for those who enjoy bold flavors. You can change your BBQ ranch chicken salad with seasonal ingredients. In spring, add fresh peas or asparagus for a crisp bite. In summer, mix in ripe peaches or strawberries for a sweet twist. During fall, try roasted butternut squash for warmth. In winter, pomegranate seeds add a pop of color and flavor. Seasonal ingredients keep your salad fresh and exciting all year long. Store your BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad in an airtight container. This keeps the salad fresh. It’s best to eat it within three days. If you add dressing, it can make the greens soggy. To avoid this, keep the dressing on the side until serving. If you have extra cooked chicken, freeze it for later. Place it in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to use it, thaw it overnight in the fridge. This helps keep the chicken juicy. To keep your salad fresh, store the mixed greens separate from other ingredients. Place the greens in a dry container. Add a paper towel to absorb moisture. This prevents wilting. You can also prep the salad ingredients and store them in bags. Assemble the salad just before eating for the best taste. You can use several tasty options instead of ranch dressing. Try blue cheese dressing for a bold flavor. You can also use Greek yogurt mixed with herbs for a creamy touch. If you want a lighter option, try vinaigrette. This adds a tangy twist. Another fun choice is a creamy avocado dressing. It pairs well with the BBQ flavor. Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. Prepare all the ingredients and store them separately. Keep the BBQ chicken, greens, and toppings in their own containers. This way, they stay fresh. Just combine everything right before serving. If you store it correctly, the salad will taste great. BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad lasts about three days in the fridge. Make sure to keep it in an airtight container. To keep it fresh, avoid mixing the dressing in until you are ready to eat. This helps the greens stay crisp and the flavors stay bright. Enjoy it within this time for the best taste! This post explored the key ingredients for your BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad. I shared tips on quality, substitutes, and step-by-step instructions for perfect preparation. You learned how to enhance flavor, present well, and utilize useful tools. We also discussed tasty variations and smart storage methods. In summary, making this salad can be simple and fun. With a few steps, you can enjoy great meals all week!$

A vibrant salad featuring shredded chicken coated in BBQ sauce, mixed greens, and a variety of fresh vegetables, topped with ranch dressing.

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Prep Time 15

Total Time 15

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
4 cups mixed greens (a blend of lettuce, spinach, and arugula)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or roasted)
0.5 cup shredded cheddar cheese
0.5 cup ranch dressing
0.25 cup BBQ sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
0.5 unit red onion, thinly sliced
1 unit avocado, diced
to taste salt and pepper
to taste tortilla chips (optional)

Instructions

In a spacious bowl, combine the shredded chicken and BBQ sauce. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Toss thoroughly until the chicken is well coated in the sauce.
In another large bowl, lay down the mixed greens to form a fresh base for your salad.
Arrange the halved cherry tomatoes, corn kernels, and thinly sliced red onion atop the mixed greens for a colorful and vibrant presentation.
Layer the BBQ-coated chicken evenly over the salad ingredients to create a hearty portion in the center.
Drizzle the ranch dressing generously across the entire salad, ensuring each bite will be rich with flavor.
Gently add the diced avocado and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top to enhance the creamy texture and taste.
For added texture, if desired, crush some tortilla chips and scatter them over the salad. This will provide a delightful crunch with every bite.
Finish by drizzling a bit more BBQ sauce on top for those who enjoy an extra hint of sweetness and smokiness.
Just before serving, toss the salad gently to combine all ingredients, or serve as is with the dressing on the side for a more refined presentation.

Notes

Serve in large, shallow bowls and consider garnishing with fresh herbs or extra cheese.

Keyword BBQ, chicken, healthy, ranch, salad