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To make a tasty BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad, you will need: - 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced - 4 cups mixed salad greens (spinach, romaine, and arugula) - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup corn (fresh, canned, or grilled) - 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced - 1/2 cup ranch dressing - 1/2 cup barbecue sauce - 1 avocado, diced - Salt and pepper, to taste - Optional: Crunchy tortilla chips These ingredients make a colorful and satisfying salad. You can add a few extras to boost flavor: - Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley - Sliced jalapeños for heat - Grilled chicken for added smoky taste - Lime juice to brighten the flavors These additions can enhance the salad and make it even more enjoyable. Here's a quick look at the nutrition in this salad: - Protein from chicken and black beans helps with muscle repair. - Fiber from beans and greens aids digestion. - Healthy fats from avocado support heart health. - Vitamins from mixed greens and tomatoes boost your immune system. This salad is not only delicious but also packs a nutritious punch. Enjoy it as a main dish or a side! {{ingredient_image_2}} First, take 2 cups of cooked chicken. You can use shredded or diced chicken. Place it in a large mixing bowl. Pour 1/2 cup of barbecue sauce over the chicken. Toss the chicken well so all pieces are coated. Let it sit for a few minutes to soak in the flavor. This step adds a smoky kick that makes the salad pop. In another large bowl, add 4 cups of mixed salad greens. I love using spinach, romaine, and arugula together. Next, toss in 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. They add a sweet touch to the mix. Now, add 1 cup of corn. You can choose fresh, canned, or grilled corn for extra flavor. Then, include 1 cup of rinsed black beans and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. The cheese gives a creamy feel to the salad. Finally, add 1/2 of a thinly sliced red onion for a bit of sharpness. Gently toss these ingredients to mix them well. Take a small bowl and add 1/2 cup of ranch dressing. Whisk in a splash of the barbecue sauce. This mix boosts the ranch flavor. Taste it and adjust if needed. Now, add the seasoned chicken to the salad bowl. Drizzle the ranch dressing mixture on top. Using tongs, gently toss everything together. Be careful not to mash the avocado. When you are ready to serve, season the salad with salt and pepper. Finally, fold in 1 diced avocado carefully. This step adds creaminess and freshness. Enjoy your colorful and tasty BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad! To make the chicken shine, use cooked chicken that is juicy. You can grill or roast it for extra flavor. Toss the chicken in barbecue sauce well. This adds a nice smoky taste. Let it sit for a few minutes. This helps the flavors mix and makes the chicken even better. To keep your greens fresh, wash and dry them well. Use a salad spinner or a clean towel. Add the dressing just before serving. This keeps the greens crisp and not soggy. If you have leftovers, store the dressing on the side. This way, the greens stay fresh for later. When dicing avocado, start with a ripe one. Cut it in half and twist to separate. Remove the pit carefully with a knife. Use a spoon to scoop out the flesh. Make cuts in the flesh while it is still in the skin. Then, scoop out the diced pieces gently. This keeps the avocado from getting mushy in your salad. Pro Tips Keep It Fresh: Use freshly cooked chicken for the best flavor and texture. If you have leftovers, ensure they are stored properly to maintain freshness. Customize Your Greens: Feel free to mix up the salad greens based on your preference. Kale, mixed baby greens, or even cabbage can add different textures and flavors. Make It Your Own: Add other toppings like sliced jalapeños, cilantro, or diced bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition. Serving Suggestions: Serve the salad with grilled corn on the cob or a side of garlic bread for a more filling meal. {{image_4}} You can easily make this salad low-carb and gluten-free. For a low-carb option, skip the corn and black beans. Instead, add extra veggies like bell peppers or cucumbers. Use grilled chicken for added flavor. Ensure your barbecue sauce and ranch are gluten-free. Some brands offer great options that fit this need. While ranch and barbecue sauce taste great together, you can try different dressings. A honey mustard dressing adds a sweet twist. For a spicy kick, use chipotle ranch. If you prefer something lighter, a lemon vinaigrette works well. Each dressing brings a unique flavor to the salad, making it fun to experiment. You can swap ingredients to fit your taste. Try using turkey or tofu instead of chicken for a new flavor. Replace cheddar cheese with feta or goat cheese for a tangy note. Swap cherry tomatoes for diced bell peppers for a crunchy bite. Each choice lets you tailor the salad to what you love. To keep your BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad fresh, place it in an airtight container. Make sure to separate any crunchy items, like tortilla chips, so they stay crispy. Avoid adding the avocado until you are ready to eat. This helps keep it from browning and losing its texture. When stored properly, your salad can last up to three days in the fridge. However, the taste and texture may change after the first day. For the best experience, eat it within one or two days. You can enjoy the chicken warm or cold. If you want to reheat the chicken, do it gently on the stove. Keep it on low heat to avoid drying it out. Once heated, mix it back into the salad. If you prefer it cold, just add the chicken directly from the fridge. Always add fresh avocado just before serving for the best taste and texture. Yes, you can make BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad in advance. I recommend prepping the salad without the dressing first. Keep the chicken, veggies, and toppings together in a bowl. Store the salad in the fridge for up to two days. When you are ready to eat, mix in the ranch dressing and barbecue sauce. This keeps the greens fresh and crunchy. If you want a different flavor, you can use Greek yogurt or sour cream. Both add a creamy texture. You may also try blue cheese dressing for a tangy kick. For a lighter option, use a vinaigrette made with olive oil and vinegar. Each choice adds its own taste, so have fun experimenting! To spice up your BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad, add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. You can also mix in cayenne pepper or chili powder with the dressing. For an extra kick, try spicy barbecue sauce. Adjust the heat to your liking. Enjoy the bold flavors! BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad combines tasty ingredients and simple steps for a great dish. You learned about key ingredients, preparation, and how to enhance flavor. Remember to keep greens crisp and try new dressings. You can customize this salad to fit your diet or taste. With proper storage, leftovers stay fresh. Enjoy making this salad your own and impress others with your skills. Happy cooking!

BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad Extravaganza

A vibrant salad featuring shredded chicken, mixed greens, and a flavorful dressing.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
  • 4 cups mixed salad greens (spinach, romaine, arugula)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup corn (fresh, canned, or grilled)
  • 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 0.5 medium red onion, thinly sliced
  • 0.5 cup ranch dressing
  • 0.5 cup barbecue sauce
  • 1 medium avocado, diced
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • optional crunchy tortilla chips for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded or diced chicken. Pour the barbecue sauce over the chicken and toss thoroughly until all pieces are evenly coated. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
  • In a separate large bowl, add the mixed salad greens, halved cherry tomatoes, your choice of corn, rinsed black beans, shredded cheddar cheese, and thinly sliced red onion. Gently toss these ingredients together to distribute them evenly.
  • For the dressing, take a small bowl and whisk together the ranch dressing with a splash of barbecue sauce. This will enhance the dressing's flavor profile. Taste and adjust as necessary to suit your preference.
  • Incorporate the seasoned chicken into the bowl of salad, then drizzle the ranch dressing mixture generously over the top. Using tongs, gently toss the salad to ensure all ingredients are well combined without mashing the avocado.
  • Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. Just before serving, fold in the diced avocado carefully to maintain its texture.
  • To serve, portion the salad into individual bowls or arrange it artfully on a large serving platter. For an added crunch, sprinkle the top with optional tortilla chips.

Notes

Add tortilla chips for extra crunch.
Keyword BBQ, chicken, healthy, ranch, salad