BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad

$- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded - 2 cups mixed greens (lettuce, spinach, arugula) - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen) - 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced - 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1/4 cup crispy tortilla strips (for garnish) - 1/2 cup BBQ sauce - 1/4 cup ranch dressing - Salt and pepper to taste For this BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad, I focus on fresh and simple ingredients. The chicken adds protein, while the greens provide crunch and nutrition. Cherry tomatoes and corn bring sweetness, and the onion adds a nice bite. The cheese adds creaminess, while the BBQ sauce and ranch dressing tie all the flavors together. You can make this salad your own with extra toppings. Consider adding: - Avocado slices for creaminess - Black beans for more protein - Jalapeños for a kick - Bell peppers for added color and crunch - Sliced olives for a briny touch These add-ins can elevate your salad, making it even more delicious and satisfying. Each serving of this salad packs a punch! It has around 400 calories, depending on your add-ins. Key nutrients include: - Protein from chicken and cheese - Fiber from greens and veggies - Healthy fats if you add avocado This salad is not just tasty; it's a balanced meal option for any day. Enjoying it will keep you energized! {{ingredient_image_1}} To coat the chicken with BBQ sauce, start with your shredded chicken. Place it in a medium bowl. Pour in about 1/3 cup of BBQ sauce. Mix well until every piece is covered. This adds great flavor to your chicken. Set it aside so the flavors can blend. Now it’s time to layer the salad for a great look. Take a large salad bowl and put in the mixed greens first. Spread them evenly across the bottom. Next, add halved cherry tomatoes on top. Then, sprinkle the corn kernels and sliced red onion. Finish with the shredded cheddar cheese. This colorful layer adds more than just taste; it makes the salad pretty too. Finally, spoon the BBQ chicken mixture right over the top. For tossing and seasoning, drizzle ranch dressing over the salad. You can add more or less, depending on your taste. Gently toss the salad to mix it without breaking the chicken too much. This keeps the chunks nice and big. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. For a crunch, top with crispy tortilla strips. You can also drizzle a bit of extra BBQ sauce if you want. This makes it even more delicious! To make the best BBQ ranch chicken salad, avoid some common mistakes. First, do not rush the chicken coating. Make sure each piece gets enough BBQ sauce. This adds flavor and keeps the chicken moist. Second, do not overdo the ranch dressing. Too much can make the salad soggy. Use just enough to enhance the taste. Finally, be gentle when tossing the salad. You want to mix it, but not break up the chicken. You can elevate your BBQ ranch chicken salad with extra seasonings. Try adding a pinch of smoked paprika for a nice kick. You can also mix in some garlic powder or onion powder for depth. If you enjoy heat, consider a dash of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños. These flavors bring complexity to your dish. You may also swap ranch dressing with a zesty cilantro dressing for a fresh twist. Making your salad look great is easy. Start with a colorful base of mixed greens. Layer the salad ingredients in a pretty way. Arrange the cherry tomatoes and corn in a circle for a pop of color. Sprinkle the cheese on top for a nice finish. For added crunch, top it with crispy tortilla strips. Drizzle extra BBQ sauce over the salad for a finishing touch. This not only looks good but also adds flavor. Pro Tips Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a quicker meal, you can use store-bought rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own. Just shred it and mix it with the BBQ sauce. Customize Your Greens: Feel free to use any combination of greens you prefer. Kale, romaine, or even coleslaw mix can add a different flavor and texture. Add Avocado: For a creamier texture, consider adding sliced avocado to your salad. It pairs beautifully with both BBQ sauce and ranch dressing. Make It Ahead: If preparing in advance, keep the chicken and dressing separate until serving to prevent the greens from wilting. {{image_2}} You can switch up the ingredients in BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad. If you want a different protein, try grilled shrimp or smoked tofu. Both options add flavor and change the texture. For greens, use kale or romaine instead of mixed greens. Both give a crunchy bite. If you like a sweet twist, add diced mango or apple to the mix. This adds color and brightens the dish. While ranch dressing is tasty, you can try other dressings. A honey mustard dressing adds a sweet kick. A vinaigrette made with olive oil and vinegar can lighten the salad. You could also use a spicy sriracha mayo for a kick. Each dressing gives a unique flavor and keeps the salad fresh. To round out your meal, serve the salad with garlic bread or a side of quinoa. Both options make the meal filling. You can also add fresh fruit like watermelon or berries for a refreshing contrast. If you want a crunchy side, try homemade potato chips. These ideas make your BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad even more enjoyable. To keep your leftover BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad fresh, use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers both work well. Make sure to divide the salad into servings. This way, you can grab just what you need. Avoid letting the salad sit in the open air. This keeps it from getting soggy or losing flavor. If you have leftover BBQ chicken, you can reheat it. The best way is to use the microwave. Place the chicken in a microwave-safe dish. Heat it for about 30 seconds. Stir and check if it’s warm enough. If not, heat for another 30 seconds. Avoid reheating the salad greens. They can wilt and lose their crunch. Your BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad stays fresh for about three days in the fridge. After that, the flavors may fade. The greens may also become soggy. Always check for any off smells or changes in texture before eating. If it looks or smells bad, it's best to toss it out. Yes, you can prep this salad early. Start by making the BBQ chicken. Store it in the fridge. You can also chop the veggies ahead. Keep them in separate containers. Mix everything just before serving. This keeps your greens fresh and crisp. If you don’t have chicken, use canned beans. Black beans or chickpeas work well. For a vegan option, try tofu or tempeh. Shredded rotisserie chicken is also a quick fix. You can even use leftover turkey if you have some. This salad has a nice balance of nutrients. It includes protein from chicken and fiber from veggies. The mixed greens add vitamins. However, watch the BBQ sauce and ranch dressing. They can add sugar and fat. You can use low-fat versions to make it lighter. This BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad is easy to make and delicious. We covered all the key ingredients and measurements, plus optional add-ins to spice things up. I shared simple steps for preparing the chicken and assembling the salad for the best look. You learned tips to enhance flavor and avoid common mistakes. Try swaps for different ingredients or toppings to fit your taste. Store leftovers properly to keep them fresh. Remember, this salad can be made ahead to save time. Enjoy this tasty, healthy dish as a meal or side. Get creative and have fun!$

A delicious and hearty salad featuring shredded chicken, mixed greens, and a tangy BBQ 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
2 cups mixed greens (lettuce, spinach, arugula)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
0.5 medium red onion, thinly sliced
0.5 cup shredded cheddar cheese
0.25 cup crispy tortilla strips (for garnish)
0.5 cup BBQ sauce
0.25 cup ranch dressing
to taste salt and pepper

Instructions

In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken with 1/3 cup of BBQ sauce. Mix well until the chicken is thoroughly coated and set aside.
In a large salad bowl, layer the mixed greens evenly across the bottom.
Arrange the halved cherry tomatoes, corn, sliced red onion, and shredded cheddar cheese over the greens.
Spoon the BBQ chicken mixture on top of the salad.
Drizzle the ranch dressing over the entire salad. You can add more or less according to your preference.
Gently toss the salad to combine all ingredients without breaking up the chicken too much.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
For serving, top with crispy tortilla strips for added crunch and an extra drizzle of BBQ sauce if desired.

Notes

Feel free to adjust the amount of BBQ sauce and ranch dressing to your taste.

Keyword BBQ, chicken, healthy, ranch, salad