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- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 4 cups mixed salad greens (romaine and arugula are great) - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or canned, drained) - 1 red bell pepper, diced - ½ red onion, thinly sliced - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - ½ cup creamy ranch dressing - ½ cup tangy BBQ sauce - 1 ripe avocado, diced - Salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste - 1 cup crushed tortilla chips for crunch Choose bright salad greens. They should feel crisp and firm. Look for cherry tomatoes that are round and firm, with a vibrant color. Fresh corn should smell sweet and be yellow. Pick bell peppers that are shiny and firm to the touch. For avocados, choose ones that yield slightly to gentle pressure. Always check for any dark spots or blemishes. These tips help you enjoy the best flavors and textures in your BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by taking two cups of cooked chicken. You can use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken. Shred the chicken into small pieces. In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded chicken. Pour in half a cup of creamy ranch dressing and half a cup of tangy BBQ sauce. Mix everything well. Make sure every piece of chicken gets coated. This step makes the chicken tasty and flavorful. Grab a large salad bowl. Add four cups of mixed salad greens to the bottom. A mix of romaine and arugula looks and tastes great. Next, layer the salad with one cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Then add one cup of corn kernels. You can use fresh or canned corn. After that, add one diced red bell pepper and half a thinly sliced red onion. Each layer adds color and crunch. Now, take the BBQ ranch chicken mixture and spoon it over the salad. This makes a hearty top layer. Sprinkle one cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese on top. Then add one diced ripe avocado. This adds creaminess to the salad. Season it with salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste. If you want, gently toss the salad to mix it. For a pretty look, serve it in layers. You can also add crushed tortilla chips on top for extra crunch. This gives a nice contrast to the creamy salad. Enjoy your BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad! To get the best flavor, use equal parts ranch dressing and BBQ sauce. This gives a nice balance between creamy and tangy. Start with ½ cup of each. If you want it creamier, add more ranch. For a bolder taste, use more BBQ sauce. Mix well and taste. Adjust until it’s just right for you. Making your own dressing can add a fun twist. Try mixing in a dash of garlic powder or a squeeze of lime juice. These small changes can brighten the flavors. You can also add fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley. Just chop them finely and stir them into your sauce. This makes it fresh and lively. A colorful salad is more inviting. Use a clear bowl to show off the layers. Start with greens on the bottom. Then, layer the tomatoes, corn, and peppers. Top it with the BBQ ranch chicken. Finish with cheese and avocado. For a crunch, add crushed tortilla chips last. This not only looks great but also adds texture to every bite. Pro Tips Use Leftover Chicken: This salad is a great way to use up leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken you have on hand, making it both convenient and delicious. Customize Your Greens: Feel free to mix and match different salad greens like spinach, kale, or even iceberg lettuce for a variety of flavors and textures. Add Fresh Herbs: Toss in some chopped fresh herbs, such as cilantro or parsley, for an extra burst of freshness and flavor in your salad. Make It Ahead: You can prepare the chicken mixture and chop the vegetables ahead of time. Just assemble the salad right before serving to keep it fresh and crisp. {{image_4}} If you want a meat-free option, you can swap chicken for plant-based proteins. Firm tofu or tempeh works well. You can also use chickpeas for a hearty texture. Simply marinate and cook them with BBQ sauce for flavor. This option gives you the same great taste without the meat. For a low-carb version, skip the corn and tortilla chips. You can add extra greens like spinach or kale instead. Use grilled zucchini or cauliflower for crunch. These swaps keep your salad light but still tasty. You can enjoy all the flavors while staying low in carbs. BBQ sauce comes in many styles, each with unique flavors. Try using a spicy Korean gochujang sauce for heat. A tangy mustard-based sauce gives a different twist. You can even use a sweet teriyaki sauce for a fun change. Each variant adds a new layer of flavor to your salad. To keep your BBQ ranch chicken salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. Use glass or plastic containers that seal well. Make sure to keep the dressing separate if you plan to eat it later. This helps the greens stay crisp and the flavors fresh. When you have leftovers, divide them into portions. Place each portion in its own airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. If you added crushed tortilla chips, keep them in a separate bag. This way, they stay crunchy for when you eat the salad again. If you want to warm up the chicken, do so gently. Use a microwave or a skillet on low heat. Avoid overheating, as this can dry it out. Remember, the salad greens should not be reheated. Add the cold ingredients back when you’re ready to enjoy your meal. Yes, you can make BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad ahead of time. Just keep the salad and dressing separate. Store the chicken mixture in the fridge. Mix it with the greens just before serving. This keeps the greens fresh and crisp. You can use Greek yogurt for a healthier option. Other choices include blue cheese dressing or a homemade herb dressing. Each gives a different taste but still pairs well with BBQ flavors. Feel free to experiment with what you like best. To make BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad gluten-free, ensure your BBQ sauce and ranch dressing are gluten-free. Many brands offer gluten-free options. Always check the labels. Use fresh ingredients to avoid cross-contamination. Absolutely! You can add vegetables like cucumbers, carrots, or radishes. These add crunch and color. Be creative with what you have on hand. More veggies can make the salad even more nutritious and tasty. The calorie count for BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad is about 500 calories per serving. This may vary based on your ingredients and portions. Always check your specific items for accurate counts. In this post, we covered how to make a tasty BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad. We explored the main and optional ingredients, and I shared tips for choosing fresh items. You learned step-by-step instructions to prep the salad, along with tips for the dressing and presentation. Variations for vegetarians and low-carb options offer fun twists. Lastly, we discussed how to store and reheat leftovers. Creating this salad is easy and rewarding. Enjoy your flavorful, healthy meal anytime!

BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad Delight

A vibrant and hearty salad featuring shredded chicken, mixed greens, and a tangy BBQ ranch dressing.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 4 cups mixed salad greens
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup corn kernels
  • 1 whole red bell pepper, diced
  • 0.5 whole red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 0.5 cup creamy ranch dressing
  • 0.5 cup tangy BBQ sauce
  • 1 whole ripe avocado, diced
  • to taste salt
  • to taste freshly cracked pepper
  • 1 cup tortilla chips, crushed

Instructions
 

  • In a generously sized mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with ranch dressing and BBQ sauce. Toss thoroughly to ensure all pieces of chicken are well-coated with the creamy and flavorful mixture.
  • Take a large salad bowl and arrange the mixed salad greens at the bottom, creating a vibrant base for your salad.
  • Next, elegantly layer the halved cherry tomatoes, corn, diced red bell pepper, and thinly sliced red onion over the greens to add color and texture.
  • Using a spoon, evenly distribute the BBQ ranch chicken mixture over the vibrant salad layers to create a hearty top tier.
  • Sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese generously across the top followed by the diced avocado, adding richness and creaminess to each bite.
  • Season the salad with a sprinkle of salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste. For a blended flavor, gently toss the salad. Alternatively, for a more layered look, carefully serve portions of each layer into individual bowls without mixing them.
  • Just before serving, if you desire an extra crunch, sprinkle crushed tortilla chips over the top of the salad to delightfully contrast with the creamy textures.

Notes

For a beautiful presentation, consider serving the salad in clear glass bowls to showcase the colorful layers.
Keyword BBQ, chicken, healthy, ranch, salad