Description

Need a salad that feels like a cookout and eats like a meal? This BBQ Chicken Salad is your go-to for bold flavor and total satisfaction. Think juicy barbecue chicken, crisp greens, sweet corn, creamy beans, and a ranch drizzle that pulls it all together. It’s fresh, hearty, and downright craveable—perfect for potlucks, meal prep, or spontaneous Tuesday feasts. No stress, no bland bites—just smoky, saucy joy in every forkful.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• ½ cup BBQ sauce (smoky, sweet, or spicy!)
• 4 cups mixed greens (romaine + spinach combo works great)
• 1 cup corn (charred if possible)
• ½ cup black beans, rinsed and drained
• ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup ranch dressing (or Greek yogurt ranch)
• Tortilla strips for garnish
Optional: Apple cider vinegar (to thin BBQ sauce), lime wedges, cilantro for topping

Instructions

Flavor the Chicken: Toss warm chicken with BBQ sauce. Let it rest for 5 mins.
Layer the Base: In a large bowl, layer greens. Arrange corn, beans, tomatoes, and onions in sections.
Top with Chicken: Pile BBQ chicken in the center and drizzle extra sauce if you’ve got it.
Finish It Off: Drizzle with ranch and scatter tortilla strips. Serve immediately!

Notes

• Tex-Mex Style: Add avocado, jalapeños, and chipotle BBQ sauce.
• Protein Boost: Add crispy bacon or hard-boiled eggs.
• Vegetarian Swap: Use BBQ chickpeas or tofu.
• Sweet Twist: Add apples and use cider BBQ sauce.
• Dressing Swap: Try avocado lime or green goddess dressing.

Prep Time: 15 mins

Nutrition

Calories: 385per serving
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Protein: 28g